November Came and Went

Well November arrived. Colton competed in his first Taekwondo Tournament in NYC taking 3rd Place in board breaking and first place in Patterns. He was all serious and then all smiles when presented with his trophies. Claudia was there to cheer him (and everyone and anyone else) on. After the tournament we stayed uptown and went to visit Suora a/k/a/ Aunt Limpie a/k/a/ Sister Francis Arduini at her home. The visit was fun. Colton loves her so and more importantly and the kids loved her elevator and are ever-fascinated with the chapel.

For Thanksgiving we headed to Vermont. There was snow so Colton got to tube and Claudia walked around in her new snow suit. Dinner was fabulous. Nancy did a fantastic job. We were joined by Ms. Patty and Uncle Bill. Claudia slept through most of the meal which is so unlike her. Joel and Brian read alot so not unlike them. The day after Thanksgiving Colton headed to Mt. Snow and got his first pair of skis. He is so ready to use them. We are going to Colorado in January so he does not have to wait too long. At the house Claudia also fell in love with Jenkins, her cousins' dog. They were inseperatable. We returned from Vermont a little early to attend cousin Genna's fifth birthday party at Build A Bear. Colton made a dinosaur and helped Claudia make a fluffy pink bear which he obviously named Fluffy. It seems as if everything went by in a flash and now on to December and the holidays. I have a slide show of November Photos below and have also posted a Christmas song that just melts my heart. Enjoy both!

Here comes the fall, literally...

Well Claudia walks..On September 29th three months after being placed in our arms she is walking and falling. Her progress has been tremendous.

October was filled with all the usual activities hayrides, dressing up, parties and trick-or-treat. Claudia loved the hayrides and pumpkins especially eating everything in site!

For the Columbus Day weekend we headed again off to Vermont. The kids can never get enough of the country. They collected apples from the tree and fed Ms. Patty and Uncle Bill's cows. Claudia just loved the cows and could not stop smiling around them. Colton, Dad and I took a haunted hayride at the Adams Family farm and I was scared right out of my seat.

Halloween was especially fun. Colton participated in a pumpkin liturgy at school which was followed by trunk-or-treat during which time Mama and BaBa donned flinston costumes and handed out goodies to the school children. Colton was Ironman (a hero of course) and Claudia was a Panda Bear. I wanted to buy a monkey costume because she is so active, curious and mischievous like a monkey but Colton thought It would be mean as all the costumes had quite large ears so he picked out a fluffy Panda. After Colton's school events we went to a parade in the neighborhood, I was a devil and Brian a prisoner that Iron Man had caught after the parade and some local trick or treating I stayed in with the baby Colton and his Dad headed off with the big boys (i.e. Soren and Myles) to partake in a night of sweet treats.

I have gotten many questions about Claudia's health. Well let me just say it is almost perfect. The recent visit at the doctor showed a growth of two more inches and her weight stabilized. She is not eating as much and learning that she does not have to eat all in sight more will be available..She is in the 65th percentile for height and the 26th for weight. She is developmentally right where she should be. She was given the tainted formula for the 11 months she lived in China but since she was so malnourished it seems as if she was not given enough to get sick and all we need to do is monitor her to make sure nothing comes up. At this point if she says one word by the end of January we will be forced to leave Dr. Aronson's care and head off to the regular pediatrician. Claudia babbles non-stop and seems to be speaking something just not English. Her brother remains in love and they grow closer each day. Claudia always laughs and smiles at home. When we go somewhere new she always is a little hesitant and gets big eyes almost with worry but as each day passes the big eyes and worry seem less and less and others seem to get the smiles that we so enjoy seeing at home. Claudia is a real fighter just ask her dad she fights him on everything. She has a strong will but I am glad because it is this will that has brought her to us. For if she were weak she would not have survived.

Anyway love to all..October slide show posted below..Peace out...

A Christening

............. Claudia Nancy Cha-lian Lehrer was Baptized at St. John Vianney's Church in Colonia, NJ on September 20, 2008. The ceremony was very small and private. Deacon Joe was warm and friendly "a right jolly old elf". Claudia was decked out in white, actually wearing the same Christening gown that I wore as well as my sister and brother. While it was a long gown on us it was more like a dress on her, but it did fit. She didn't cry when the water was poured and seemed even to be laughing at times. She held (or played with) rosary beads throughout the service. Claudia's godparents are my sister Debbie Callan and Brian's long time friend Phil Shih. Most of Claudia's cousins wore traditional silk Mandarin dresses that we purchased in Guangzhou. Of course these were girls. In addition to her cousins and grandparents, Phil's wife Susan and his parents were in attendance along with Uncle Walter, Lulu, Ben, Chris and Jessica. I could not have taken such great photos without Susan's help.

FYI in China white is a color often worn for mourning and associated with death and red is a color for celebration. So in effort to keep a little Chinese heritage in the event, after Church, Claudia made a quick change into traditional Chinese Red Silks and we all headed to a Chinese Banquet at Sesame in Montclair. The food was terrific as was the Vieuv Cliquot and Tsing Tao which flowed. Alex and Sue the owners of Sesame were very friendly and helpful. They are from Hong Kong and have really made a great gourmet Chinese Restaurant. Colton and I made goodie bags filled with Chinese items for all the cousins in attendance and each family received a cloisonne Christmas ornament that we purchased in China, The Banquet ended with a traditional Chinese cake from Chinatown NYC and was reminiscent of the many celebrations we celebrated while in China. Some cousins Charlie, Lori, Erin, Brian and Meaghen joined us for the meal. Claudia was blessed with gifts and all in all the day was memorable.

There were a few people that were missed at the event Claudia's great grandmother Martha and her cousins who are currently living in Singapore.

Additionally I wished her little Ling sisters could have been there to at the least enjoy the cake. It was the first one we have had without our China cocoon. As usual I have posted a slideshow below. Ciao for now....

September Brings Many Changes

Although January is the start of a new year, to me September always seems to be the real start of the year - this September has brought on a whole host of changes. My darling Colton started Kindergarten. I can't believe from here on out he will experience homework and work weeks - the fun days of late September and October vacations are over. While neither he nor I shed a tear on the first day in my heart I cried and can't believe just how fast he is growing up. So here he is in his new uniform in a new school, St. Cassian's, with all new friends and of course the dreaded homework. Colton also has a new Taekwondo belt, white with a red stripe and was lucky enough to make the Cougar swim time (both of these events mean a lot more driving for me - oh joy)

Claudia too has had some big changes..while at the mall getting Colton school shoes I passed the piercing pagoda and on a whim pierced her ears. Her Uncle Walter and Aunt Lulu had given her her first set of diamond earrings and for sure she should be able to wear them soon. That trip to the mall also included a pair of first walkers. Claudia crawled exactly thirty days from being home in the US this was on her belly but was crawling. 45days home she crawled on all fours and 60 days home she is up standing and cruising around - I anticipate before 90 days home she will be walking. Not only is she crawling all over the house but she loves to go up and down the stairs (which will be head first if you are not quick enough) and her hatred of water has developed into a love so much so that if you are not careful she will end up trying to swim in the toilet (at least she is not drinking it). I am going to try and post a video of the new shoes ans walking - been trying for two hours now and can't get will try again later...

Ciao for now....

The Unofficial End of Summer

So..Labor Day has come and summer is unofficially over....Since the beginning of summer was filled with preparations for China and the middle was spent in China it feels as if we only had a few short weeks to spend basking in the sunshine and enjoying the weather...well since Claudia's birthday on July 19, 2008 I have made every effort to get in everything one could possibly want in a summer so needless to say I am exhausted.

In July Colton attended art camp at the Montclair Art Museum and Claudia attended his exhibition. Photos below. Claudia continued swimming twice a week with her daddy and Colton got time in to at the town pool and Little Y. He also had two weeks at the Little Y camp in Montclair.

In July I took Colton and Claudia down to my parents in Little Egg Harbor for a long weekend where we enjoyed the lake at Bass River State Park and Claudia spent more time getting to know her cousins Cassidy, Michael and Jessica. The lake is a great place to swim with lots of lifeguards. Claudia loved the water and splashing with her cousins. She also loved throwing sand at me. Colton and Michael bought their fishing poles and went fishing with Papa but the short attempt resulted in not even a bite and Colton advising that it takes too long.

The kids and I also travelled to Point Pleasant for the beach and boardwalk. Claudia had her first lobster there and her first taste of the beach. Colton rode almost every ride in the place an enjoyed an ice cream which he shared with his sister. They are still in love.

I also took them to Ocean City New Jersey where Claudia went on her first Carousel Ride and enjoyed an Italian Sausage Sandwich, not to mention frozen custard. She seems to like chocolate the best although will refuse none. Nanny and Papa joined us on this adventure and we all seemed a little sad noting that we may not have time to go again this summer.

WE then all packed in the truck and north to "The Vermont House" as Colton calls it . The kids spent time in the pond swimming, boating and catching frogs. Nancy and Joel were there also and were astonished at the growth Claudia has made. It was the first time they experienced her eating first hand. Joel remarked that she is a Jewish mother's dream.

While in Vermont we all attended the most wonderful summer country party at the Pusey's home. They have a farm which they turned into a bed and breakfast. I put a link below in case anyone is interested. The weather and food the night of the party were fantastic not to mention the company. We walked to the party with Claudia in her stroller and Colton riding his John Deere. At the party the dj played music into the night and Claudia was a dancing queen. Her reaction to the doo wop music was indescribable. She clapped and smiled and danced. While she entered the party with some reluctance and hesitation it all gave way once the music started. Colton made new friends there and was off playing with a tractor and cows all night. Claudia shocked everyone by eating 3 hot dogs sans roll and watermelon. You may think all the eating is crazy, but her doctor, a specialist in international adoptions, said let her eat all she wants unless she throws up. The night ended with fireworks. They were the first Colton managed to stay up for but not Claudia's first. They seemed to be going off consistently in China and she seemed use to the noise and gazed up at them with a smile on her face as if she was remembering something good.

At the party I got a chance to meet and thank many of the women who made blankets and hats for me to take to China for the orphanage. I cannot thank them enough for their generosity.

While in Vermont Claudia and Colton got to call their cousins in Singapore on skype and we all saw each other while talking. Colton wants to go to Singapore soon and I told him hopefully in 2009. The kids also visited Miss Fran and petted new born bunnies. They saw chics, picked up some fresh eggs and enjoyed the dogs. The trip was great and we cannot wait to go back.

Colton clearly did not want to leave Vermont, but once home we headed south to Waikiki - a doo wop style hotel in Wildwood Crest NJ.

The beach for labor day weekend is something I have done every year for as long as I can remember. However I never remember being as tired as I was this labor Day. The kids were up by 6 am and swam non stop. Claudia loved the waves, loved the salt water on her body which was evidenced by her drinking it, loved the sand which too she tried to eat and loved the pool. Claudia had her first taste of crab and could not get enough. While there we celebrated Nanny's birthday and the cousins came for a day which was spent belly boarding, swimming, and playing. The day ended with Happy Birthday and a fantastic gelato cake. The fun was endless.

In Wildwood dad managed to make it down for a short stay and luckily he took over belly boarding with Colton and diving off the board in the pool. I gladly gave up those jobs. He also took Colton to the water park which is one job I wanted to do, but stayed behind with Claudia. Brian also enjoyed some time monitoring Claudia in the ocean and pool. Luckily he left his economist in the room so all eyes were on the kids!!!

After dad said his good byes - the kids had more time for enjoying the pool, flying their kite and alas the Wildwood Boardwalk. Claudia enjoyed fries, one of the few American foods she loves while Colton enjoyed the rides. After rides lunch and some ice cream we set out on a long journey north home. One can only imagine the traffic I sat in - while Colton watched his movies and Claudia alternated between crying and sleeping I drove home..I can say I do not want to face that task alone again anytime soon. All in all the vaca at the campy Waikiki was fabulous and marked the end of summer as kids know it.....Of course slideshows of fun had are posted below - as you can tell I love photographs...Ciao!!

A Baby Shower for Brian

On August 1st Brian's office through a baby shower for him. Colton Claudia and I all attended to his surprise. Claudia was quite just taking everything in and when offered cake actually refused which is something I have never seen her do. The shower was great. Colton opened the gifts with his Dad and was lucky enough to land one or two for himself. The generosity of people never fails to amaze me and I thank all of you for your warm wishes and gifts and for following our magical mystery ride along on our blog.

BIRTHDAY GIRL

So on July 19, 2008 Claudia turned one. Since we had only been home about a week. We had a small party which included family and Colton's best friends Myles and Soren.

While I was at the store before the party I saw a little first birthday outfit that I could not resist. It was a shirt and crown that her little Ling sister Melynda wore on her birthday that we celebrated in China. Upon seeing it I just knew it was the outfit for her - luckily for Claudia it came with a tu tu and matched her first tiara which I had bought shortly after receiving her referral photo.

Claudia spent the day getting to know her grandparents, Uncle Dick, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. We had a puppet show which was about a Princess named Claudia. The children enjoyed water play and sugary treats courtesy of Deb Deb. The food had a cajun theme and included a shrimp boil with ingredients shipped in from Louisiana and did include alligator which, not surprisingly, Claudia ate greedily.

The day went by in a flash. I think I was still alittle out of it from the trip home and the adjustment. I can't believe she is one. I am sad and angry that I missed the first year of her life. Why China held things up and made us wait this long I will never understand, but I have to take solace in the fact that she was loved and cared for as best as possible given the circumstances and that everything happens for a reason.

Claudia received a birthday card from her Ling sister Kajsa who is in Madison, WI with her family. You may remember that we celebrated her parents and her birthday while in China. I wish they could have been with us and hope to see them soon.

She had many presents to open which her brother readily agreed to help with and she was happy playing with all the new toys.

After a long day of eating, drinking and playing Mei Mei and Ge Ge retired to their bath for a soak...but the only soaking done was of MaMa and BaBa...

I have posted a slide show of the big event below as well as one of some photos taken in the first few days home where she met her cousins Genna and Gianna, Uncle Lew and Aunt Michele and got to know her Nannie and PaPa better.

Thanks for reading this and thanks for all the warm e-mails I have received...

She Lands in the US

This photo was taken on July 10, 2008 after the 24 hours of travel from Guangzhou to Beijing and Beijing to Newark. While Claudia left her China with a tear, she landed in Newark with a Smile. While we were travelling the Ge Ge put on his big brother shirt made welcome home signs with his cousins and then they all drove to the airport to pick us up. We were so ecstatic to see Colton that I barely took any photos.

It was love at first sight between Claudia and Colton. After a great dinner of fried chicken and pasta plus Vietnamese spring roles and jook for Claudia the brother and sister changed into there USA pjs for the night. Claudia welcomed her bottle and crib. She took easily to her nursery. Colton on the other hand climbed right into my king size bed and wanted mom and dad to sleep on each side of him to wit we graciously complied..I cannot believe how long I was apart from Colton and how much I missed him. He made me promise that when I go the China to get his brother that he comes along????? Maybe he knows something I don't....

Anyway I put a slide show of July 10, 2008 below. While in China I had much spare time to update this blog while Claudia napped and slept. She was always in an orphanage and on a strict schedule which made it very easy for me in some ways. But she was so scheduled that to get her to relax and enjoy took time. I swear one day while in China she cried for hours seeming to say I want to go home..(and by home I mean the orphanage) The transition was hard for each of the babies. They lived their whole life only knowing one way and it was not our way and it was not us. But each day we remarked back and forth about all the differences we saw in the babes and all the bonding that formed. Since being home she still takes two two hour naps and sleeps from 8 pm to 8 or 9 or 10am, but she plays and laughs and eats and eats.

While she sleeps instead of typing this blog...I have been so busy with Colton. So to everyone in my travel group who was getting grief because I was posting more info on my blog don't worry I am getting mine now...people have been on me for the last three weeks to see photos of my son and daughter together. I am alittle behind but trying to catch up....

Anyway, I am off now..I miss all my travel buddies and their darling babies, I miss our little China cocoon where no one compared Claudia to babies here in the US, where no one pointed out her short comings and where we simply existed and enjoyed each minute as best we could...PEACE OUT!!!

Finally

Well it has taken some time but I finally have a chance to post an update...Things have been going great..we were meet at the airport by Colton, my parents, my sister and her children. Everyone had welcome signs....I think we caused a spectacle...I took some photos but was too overjoyed with seeing Colton and introducing him to his sister..she took to him right away and he appears to be in love..hopefully the honeymoon does not end.

Claudia has adjusted to her room and has continued to sleep from at least 8pm to 8am. She attended her first doctor's appointment. Overall things seem okay. She is obviously malnourished, but she is doing all she can to remedy that. I swear the girl does not stop eating. Dr. Aronson said as long as she does not throw up let her eat all she wants. We switched from Chinese formula to milk and we have been blessed with neighbors from Vietnam who essentially packed the refrigerator with Congee. I have cooked steamed eggs and congee both Claudia eats like crazy and she loves Lo Mein. She also has taken to Liverwurst Sandwiches and Mango Juice but dislikes applesauce and is unsure of ice cream as babies in China do not eat anything cold.

Colton enjoys waking her each morning and as you can see tries to carry her often. She is getting stronger each day finally able to hold her own bottle and sit unattended for sometime. We have been playing with her on the floor alot and feel she may crawl soon. She has a walker and is a terror in it as she was in China and also enjoys a jumper and exersaucer. Her low muscle tone should be much improved by our next doctor's appointment.

Claudia has started swimming lessons at the local Y with her Dad twice a week and has learned to enjoy the water. Her first bath or two in China were horrible experiences so much so that we gave up while there and resorted to just washing her down with towels, but when we got home obviously things would change and they did. The first night she cried and each night since then less and less and now she laughs and kicks and splashes. The difference - Colton. I put them in together and it is just one happy family.

In the mere 25 days since we have been home Claudia had a birthday. She was at the beach and boardwalk. She went to her grandmothers, enjoyed the Lake and visited NYC. She has meet most of her cousins and relatives and now we are in the process of planning her Baptism.

Tonight I plan to post a slide show of the past weeks and hopefully get to update more often.

I thank everyone for their love and support and generosity. If you have any questions just ask and I will be glad to answer...Until next time - Peace Out....

Melynda's Birthday

This afternoon we all went to the American Consulate for the swearing in ceremony and thus the adoption is done and visa issued so we can travel back to the States tomorrow. The whole event was nothing more then waiting in a room then a group swearing in and then leaving. It took longer to get there then to finish everything. It was a little bit of a let down, but good to know everything is done!

After that our group went to Lucy's for one last group dinner and yet again another birthday party. This is Melynda. She turned one. She came into Civil Affairs with Claudia on Gotcha Day and the care taker was crying when she handed them over to us. Claudia clearly remembers Melynda and it is clear that they are friends. It is weird to think that they knew each other before they knew us. Melynda was described by the orphanage as obstinate...she cried in her referral picture and cried on Gotcha Day. Soon there after she became a Daddy' girl, almost snubbing her Mommy, but as each hour and day pass you could see Melynda changing. She laughed more and more. She let her mommy hold her for short times and by today she knew for sure who her mommy was..it is amazing to the transformations these little ones have made in this short time.

Dinner was another bittersweet gathering. While it will be so exciting to leave..living in this "cocoon" as Jim calls it these past weeks was like a second home. We all shared something that is hard to describe. I was in a room when five women became Mommies and five men became Daddies for the first time, that i something that I will never forget. In this short time we have found friends. Our guide Grace will be so missed. She helped us through this process and dealt with all our complaints and too became a friend. I will miss all these people and babes and only hope we continue to watch our children grow.

I will also miss the China I have seen and the China I have yet to discover. I hope to return again when Claudia is older and bring Colton along too...It is a unique country with unique and fabulous people. Much different from the US, but for the most part very warm and welcoming. Plus the food has been outstanding. I am unsure how I will deal with US takeout again??

Right now I am packing and getting everything ready for our journey home. We will be up at 5 am and then on our way home to introduce Claudia to her brother. I miss him dearly but realize that we did need this time to get to know our daughter. While not every moment has been easy, I would not trade it for the world. Cha Lian is bright and funny, likes to head-but and when she smiles and reaches for me I just melt. She is where she was always meant to be..so now I am off to finish packing and maybe stop in a shop or two..Ciao!

Oh yeah I posted today's photos below..enjoy!

Dads On A Red Couch

This morning we awoke gave Claudia a bottle dressed and headed to Breakfast eager for the mix of Chinese and western delicacies. Claudia stuck with steamed eggs, Chinese pork, dragon Fruit and Lychees.

After that we went to the lobby to meet Grace for our last tour. While we were waiting the Dads posed for photos on the Red Couch. Danea who is Maria's friend joining them to fill in for Gracie's Dad Jim.

Then, we headed to a Buddhist Temple known as the Six Banyan Tree Temple. We all purchased incense, said some prayers, the children were blessed by ministers Cathy and Jim on the sly. The Temple was beautiful despite the dreary day.

The Temple of Six Banyan Trees has a long history in Guangzhou and is an ancient monastery famous at home and abroad. There are majestic towers, dense trees, plenty of antiques and valuable heritage from those famous people in the history. It is one of the four Buddhism temple complexes in Guangzhou and the other three are Guangxiao Temple, Hualin Temple, Haizhuang Temple. Therefore, it is an important unit for the preservation of antiques.

Temple of Six Banyan Trees was first built in the 3rd year of Datong (537 A.D.), the reign of Emperor Wu in the Southern Liang Dynasty. It was originally called Baozhuangyan Temple. It was changed successively into Chaoshou Temple, Songchu Temple in the Southern Han Dynasty. But the temple was damaged in a big fire. Later, the temple was rebuilt in the 2nd year of Duangong in the Northern Song Dynasty (989 A.D.) and was named as Jinghui Temple. In the 4th year of Shaosheng in the Southern Song Dynasty (1097 A. D.), the temple was repaired and people buried Buddha's relics under it and built thousands of Buddhist statues in the niches and hence it was changed into Qianfo Temple later. In the 3rd year of Yuanfu in the Northern Song Dynasty (1100 A. D.), Su Dongpo, a great litterateur, seeing that the six banyans were verdant and entangled with each other and full of power and grandeur, autographed the words of "Liurong"(means six banyan trees) when he visited the temple and was asked to inscribe for the temple by Daozong, a monk in the temple, on his way to the north after he was relegated from Hainan. Later, people valued Su Dongpo's handwriting and inscribed it into a wooden slab and hung it above the temple's gate. In the 9th year of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1411 A. D.), the Jinghui Temple was renamed as Liurong Temple, and hence the Dagoba Tower was called Temple of Six Banyan Trees, also the Flower Temple.

Next it was off to the Pearl Market for all types of jewelery...we are dressing now to head to the US Consulate and then our last dinner at Lucy's where we will be celebrating little Melynda's birthday.

The Red Couch

On Monday night it was Kajsa's mommy, Cathy's birthday. We celebrated with traditional Cantonese minus the snakes, bugs and dogs...Claudia has really began to show some personality. At night we watched the light and laser show again each time I see it I think I am in some anime cartoon.

On Tuesday we began the day with breakfast..lots of steamed eggs, Chinese meatballs, lychee and dragon fruit for Claudia. Hopefully I can hit the Chinese grocery on the way home from the airport. After that it was time to stroll the town. I really love it here!! I did some shopping. Arguing for good deals is a science that I am attempting to master. I had a great Mocha Latte at Starbucks. tried to get some photos there but were told by management we were not allowed. This happened in a Wal mart and at a fish market. I think every now and then they want to remind me they are communists. We enjoyed watching more brides and grooms get photographs taken. cathy and I jumped in some of their shots and when we asked the bride when the wedding was, she said December??? They love photos here and obviously do them well in advance..the whole wedding thing is very very strange here.

I then returned to the hotel and enjoyed the edited version of CNN..then came preparation for the Red Couch Photo. FYI, each adoption group must travel through Guangzhou and it is a tradition for each group to be photographed at the White Swan on the red couch. Our darlings have turned into little princesses in just over a week. Enjoy the photos below you will see they have on the best silks around!!

After that all the moms met for cocktails in the bar to catch up and enjoy the setting. dads were sent to the rooms with the babes. After drinks the guys and babes were summoned for dinner at Lucy's. The food there is great as are the beers. We were lucky and made it in time for two for one happy hour. Claudia downed two plus bowls on chicken congee. You would never believe one so small could each so much...

After some food drink and banter we did some more shopping. I am trying to get Colton a Pucca and Garo doll set (although on the phone he just said Claudia can have the Pucca) and some transformers..then off to the room for a bottle bath and bed....for Claudia that is...Now I am writing this entry and enjoying the laser light show. We have one more day here then time to go home. I am eager to get to the States and see Colton. Although admittedly this place is great and I will miss it!!

Tomorrow it is off to a Buddhist temple for a blessing of our babies then to the Pearl Market and then to the US Consulate for a swearing in ceremony to make this whole thing certified for real....Enjoy my photos below and see how each day Claudia and all her friends are becoming more and more animated, happy and part of a family...Until next time...

JULY 7th

This morning was busy. We started off at the breakfast buffet which again is the bomb...what's better than french toast with crab dumplings...Claudia chowed down on steamed egg, Chinese meatballs, lychee and dragon fruit. She seems to enjoy the Chinese food, not true for western food, too bland.

After breakfast we played ball with Kajsa is the hall and then we all we off to take passport photos and get medical examinations. Each child had to see three different doctors, I think that is what they were, one did height weight and temp, the next was an ENT - the ENT bore a striking resemblance to Joel, or perhaps it was his head gear then there was a basic physical where legs back and abdomen was checked. Claudia as well as the others passed with flying colors. The doctors did find a few babes with ear infections, and prescriptions for antibiotics were given, no one wants to deal with that on the plane ride home.

After that it was off to the Starbucks and the bartering for goods. I purchased traditional clothing for Claudia, squeaky shoes and a few other trinkets so she can have items from her homeland. As we walked through the park I saw many couples posing for wedding photos. Apparently the Chinese take pictures before the wedding day and the shots are very elaborate.

Next it was back to the room where Claudia ate noodles and more noodles and then napped. During nap time we visited the gym, Brian read and I typed this info in. Tonight we are going out for a Chinese dinner. The area we are in is known as Canton so obviously the food is Cantonese style. we have been told the Cantonese will eat anything that flies except for planes, and anything that has legs except for planes....we will see...I posted photos from our day below..I am going to shower and head to starbucks for a Mochacino..the air is cool in there, by the way it is usually over 100 degrees here each day and very humid....

Kajsa

This is Kasja Ling Stanley-Erikson. Her parents Jim and Cathy live in Madison, Wisconsin. Kajsa came with some tears and a little cradle cap...with patience love and exfoliating with her dad's chin..she has just been smiling and laughing. Cathy's parents are in Townsend VT. Cathy has a blog set up also following the trip. I have linked to it below. Just scroll down to links and hit Kajsa's Blog...I cannot access it from here but I am sure you will gain some more views and insights on this magical mystery ride!!

Gracie Turns 1

Grace is one of the babies in her group..today was her first birthday her mother Maria is from Salt Lake City and traveled to China with Auntie Danea. Gracie's dad is anxiously waiting their return to the states. Grace previously loved to put her tongue out above her lips when she encountered the whole group, but as the days have past the tongue has been replaced with smiles and laughter. She has great teeth and pretty hair!

We all celebrated her birthday at a Thai restaurant. The food was great..the service horrendous, Claudia did not get her food until we were almost done and cried and cried..she fell out of the high chair because she is really too small for it..not up to US standards clearly, however she managed to stop crying in time for the cake which she really enjoyed.

After dinner we all strolled back to the hotel doing some window shopping. they sell everything you can think of here and I can't wait to shop for real tomorrow.

Tomorrow we will head to the doctors for a medical exam which she must pass in order to leave the country..should be no problem...then the plan is to shop and enjoy the benfits of this lovely hotel...more photos of today posted below.

Chen Family Temple

This morning after a breakfast to die for which had everything from dumplings to pizza we headed off to the Chen Family Ancestral Temple.

As we entered the Temple we were surrounded by curious Chinese families. Caucasians with Chinese babies are clearly a rarity. Most of the onlookers were very friendly. Luckily our guide Grace gave us all cards to wear around our necks which explain in Chinese just who we are and what we are doing. At first the whole idea of wearing a card around my neck seemed goofy, but the card really helps us communicate with the Chinese people. I only hope it doesn't really say "look at us dumb Americans or kick me here (lol)..."

Before entering Grace demonstrated how the local hackie sack game works and we were confronted with many people trying to sell us one...I had no need for one as I have no plans to attend a Grateful Dead show anytime soon...

The Ancestral Temple of The Chen Family is now the largest and best preserved and decorated ancient architecture existing in Guangdong Province and now the site of the Guangdong Folk Art Museum.

It was designated as an important cultural relic under the State protection by the state Council in 1986. This ancestral temple was built between 1890 and 1894 during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing dynasty.It was built with donations of the Chen family then spread in 72 counties in Guangdong province. The temple used to provide lodgings for candidates of the Chen family who came to Guangdong to prepare for imperial examinations in Guangzhou. Hence it was also called the Chen Clan Academy. Occupying an area of 15,000 square meters, the temple, has a rectangular main building and comprises six courtyards, nine main halls, and nineteen buildings. With an architectural design of traditional Guangdong style, the temple is especially renowned for its beautiful decorations. In the temple, historical figures, legends, and scenes are represented in many art forms, including wood carving, brick carving, pottery carving, stone carving, lime carving, clay sculpture, ash sculpture, brass and cast iron, grotto, new year painting, and so on. These artistic and historical attributes make the temple an important attraction in Guangzhou.

At the temple I bought some beautiful paintings and calligraphy for Claudia. The artist painted the works right before our eyes. After that it was off to the Jade market. The jewelery was too beautiful to leave behind so i felt compelled to buy some!! I have been buying various items to put away for Claudia in her hope chest. Most families try to buy a number of gifts for the girls to remind them of their homeland. So far I have chop sticks, a tea set, jade, porcelain, bells and will be looking for more tomorrow.

After the Jade Market we headed back to the hotel for R & R. I simply enjoyed the gym and down time with Claudia. We played with bubbles I brought from home, which do say made in China, and watched alot of Chinese MTV..she is not a half bad dancer if you can get past the drool and runny noes.

We will be heading out for a group dinner tonight. I am totally having a blast now, but miss home and Colton so much...I can't wait to return to my ordinary life.....

A Welcome Change

Our first night here on the Island was great. This is the view from my room at night. The place is amazing, neon, light shows, funky music, indescribable! After settling in the room, we took to the streets. The shopping seems great (and cheap). Everyone said I can get a good deal and that imagine they were from Jiangxi province too, just like Claudia (yeah right)...but the people are friendly and the English is spoken very well which is a welcome change. we are not far from Hong Kong so the whole feel of the island is much different then inland China.

After walking by the shops, and shop keepers, we proceeded through a park with lovely gardens and people painting everywhere. Many people we setting up tables, bands were being set up and bars. What I could give for a glass of wine here, but wine is very expensive, all imported about 20$ or so a glass, so we are all left with the local beer which is the same price as water, but much better! We all took the gals out for dinner at the infamous Lucy's which servers both Western and Asian food. The place has so much Americana memorabilia. Food was great as was the company. The babies loved the chicken congee and some even found the taste for French Fries. Little Claudia can't feed herself yet so she sticks with congee.

We were joined by Kim and Micheal and their little Mayia. They enjoyed the duck dinner with us earlier but head to another province to get their daughter, now all the families from our agency are together at the White Swan and the excitement we all feel is great.

After dinner and drinks we all walked back to the hotel taking in the feel of the City - it feels more like vacation here...after the usual stuff in the room (which does have BBC, CNN and MTV..yeah) like bath bottle, new diaper and bed.. I was lucky enough to enjoy a diet coke (not easy to find these past days) in the largest bubble bath ever (also not easy to find these past days).

The next day we will head out to do a tour and shop the pearl and jade markets and then I am hoping to hit the gym, the spa, do some shopping and enjoy the pool with Claudia.

Claudia has been very stoic throughout this whole event - she is very easy and does not put up any fuss, but each day we are seeing more smiles and more life in those little eyes..she actually reaches for me and I think she is beginning to bond. I have been teaching her to say Ge Ge so she can great Colton and when she heard him last night on the phone she smiled. She has seen Nancy and Joel, Hilary, Jim, Allison and Kristin all via web cam a few times and she is waiting to get a glimpse of the rest of the family especially Colton, Deb please get me a time so we can see Colton I miss him so much....

More photos of the evening posted below!

She Came With A Cookie She Left With A Tear

Yesterday was the Forth of July we spent the day doing much necessary paperwork, getting more supplies at the local Wal mart (which does sell frogs, turtles and snakes in the food section..all live), and packing for our airplane trip to Guangzhou.

Today we left early....as we did so it was bittersweet..we know our babies are from Jiangxi province and they are leaving all they know, the food, the people, the language. As we traveled throughout the town this past week, Claudia and some of the others would be searching in the faces of the locals for someone familiar..they would respond when the locals flocked us and talked with them, and they really really enjoyed the local cuisine, especially Claudia who eats non-stop. As we entered the airport I showed Claudia the mountains one last time and I kid you not a small tear ran down her face, (it could be the slight cold she has but somehow I believe she knows this is good bye.)

The babies were circled by strangers is the airport all eager to learn about us. Most gave us thumbs up, said thanks for all we are doing and kept saying we had big hearts. Many strangers took our photos and one man was drawn to tears expressing the gratitude to our group for helping these lost daughters of China. After a short delay we boarded the plane expecting lots of crying, but alas the girls were great and we all made it in one piece. thereafter we boarded the bus and started on to our "home" for the next few days, The White Swan Hotel on Shamian Island In Guangzhou. All I can say is this place is the bomb. The view above is the view from my room. The place has every amenity...

More than a century ago the Mandarins of Guangzhou designated a 44-acre sandbank outside the city walls in the Pearl River as an enclave for foreign merchants. The foreigners had previously lived and done business in a row of houses known as the Thirteen Factories, near the present Shamian, but local resentment after the Opium Wars -- sometimes leading to murderous attacks -- made it prudent to confine them to a protected area, which was linked to the city by two bridges that were closed at 10 every night.

The island soon became a bustling township, as trading companies from Britain, the United States, France, Holland, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and Japan built stone mansions along the waterfront. With spacious gardens and private wharves, these served as homes, offices, and warehouses. There were churches for Catholics and Protestants, banks, a yacht club, football grounds, a cricket field, and the White Swan Hotel.

Shamian was attacked in the 1920s but survived until the 1949 Revolution when its mansions became government offices or apartment houses and the churches were turned into factories. In recent years, however, the island has resumed much of its old character. Many colonial buildings have been restored, and both churches have been beautifully renovated and reopened to worshippers. Worth visiting is Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (Shamian Dajie at Yijie), with its cream-and-white neo-Gothic tower. A park with shady walks and benches has been created in the center of the island, where local residents come to chat with friends, walk around with their caged birds, or practice tai chi.

We look forward to enjoying the next few days on the island and finalizing all the necessary paperwork so we can retun home to Colton.

Again I posted some more new photos below and the link to our hotel is also at the bottom in case anyone is curious.

The Countryside

Claudia was born in Shang Rao about 3 hours from where we are now, Nanchang. Both cities are in Jiangxi province. She was found in front of the Chatang Old Folks home. The Cha in her name comes from the finding place. The part of Shang Rao where Claudia was found indicates that her birth mother would havbe from the countryside. This is true of all of the girls in our group. In effort to attempt to understand life in such a place we took a trip to the village of Cho Xian which is about on hour or so outside Nanchang City. Life is vastly different there.
We first visited the house of a family which dated to the Ming Dynasty. The home has been in the family for generations. Its floors were made of dirt - although well swept. A stream ran through the home and pictures of ancestors hung on the wall. There was electricity but no surfeit of lamps or lighting. I did notice that the man of the house wore flip flops with "USA" on them.
The next home we visited offered everyone ice cream. The house was a little more modern with fans blowing cool air which was welcome after coming off the dry and dusty streets of this small village. Families inthe village had multiple pets which included dogs, cats, chickens and potentially the duck we saw wandering around. There is no plumbing in the village and the cooking is done by wok-like wood stoves.
It goes without saying that the people of the village showed true kindness by welcoming us into their homes. They asked nothing - although the group brought candy for the children. Obviously, we cannot read minds or speak the language, but the people of this village appeared genuinely interested in meeting us and extended hospitality one would only expect in the small towns of American fiction. One woman offered the entire group cigarettes - although nobody in the group smokes. Another family asked the group to stay for lunch. However, it was hot and humid and an air-conditioned bus beckoned us and our army of one-year-olds back to the hotel.


I have posted a new slide show below of some of the sights. Please enjoy them and try to get a feel for the life her birth mother was living.

Girls Girls Girls

This is a photo of Anna with Claudia. Anna is the eldest of the bunch born in April of 2007. Anna has the most hair and is more physically stable then most.She did not like anyone looking at her the past few days, but alas today was abreaktrough not only could we look at her but she smiled back.

Claudia and the others are all born in July of 2007. Claudia is not the youngest,although she is by far the smallest and the baldest. The orphanage director told me they always called her "Bao Bao" for just this reason. Claudia has finally started to sit unaided but only for short periods. She can't crawl or walk yet but once we are home we know things will move quickly. She can't hold a bottle or feed herself, but did hold a teething biscuit today to gnaw on. But she does have spunk and enjoys pushing the others and stealing their toys.

This evening we enjoyed Pizza from pizza Hut. It tasted like home just needed a little more sauce. While we ate the girls enjoyed bubbles. I have posted a slide show below of some of their photos. Little Grace is missing from them as she hit her head and needed a little down time. Each baby is very unique and has a totally different personality. Although they all love congee and steamed eggs. Those who had difficult first days have finally adjusted to the change and bonds between parent and child have formed and are visible. The bonding can beseen in extra smiles, little giggles and out stretched arms. The anxiety that was once on their little faces is all but gone and replaced with laughter. The fear we all felt upon meeting our daughters has totally disappeared and family units have formed. Tomorrow we are heading to porcelain alley to shop for some local items that arespecific to our daughters' province and then to the countryside to get a better idea of where are little ones come from...only two more nights here in Nanchang then off the Guangzhou.We miss everyone at home especially Colton, who we talk to daily. Claudia has been calling Ge Ge (big brother) for days now and I know she will be so happy to meet him.

Tian tian qin qin bao y bao, xiang qin xiang ai hao bu hao.

Every day {we}kiss and hug, {growing} more dear to each other

Gun Shots and Teng Wang Ge

This morning at about 5 am I was awoke by gun shots....so I thought... but it was only firecrackers. I have heard them various times since arriving in Nanchang. The reason behind the firecrackers was a funeral. Out of the hotel window I could see that there was a large procession of people in white, playing music and carrying flowers. It was much different then anything I have ever witnessed and well worth the 5 o'clock wake up call. After that it was off to breakfast' where Claudia continues to enjoy congee and steamed eggs, then and off for a short tour..

The major point of interest in Nanchang is the ancient Teng Wang Pavilion, one of three towers located south of the Yangtze River. In Chinese, the pavilion is called Teng Wang Ge - Ge' referring to a two story building; however, this tower has nine stories - three that can be seen from the naked eye, four hidden inside and two below the ground. The tower is located on the eastern side of the Gan River and the style of architecture used is from the Song Dynasty.

The reason why this tower is so famous amongst Chinese is that it is including in one of Wang Bo's poems. The poet accompanied his father to the tower, one night, and he recorded the event through poetry. His poem described the night in an emotional way that made the poem stick into the minds of many Chinese. One year later after writing this poem, he died. The popularity of the poet continues today with Chairman Mao having often quoted him and with the lines of his poem written on the pillars of the tower's front gate.

Above is a photo of our group at the Pavilion. After that we headed back to the hotel for some R&R. We will be having massages this afternoon in town (8$ a person can you believe it) and then a Pizza Hut Party in the hotel. Most families are in need of some Western food. We have been enjoying the Chinese flavors here and prefer eating Chinese while in China, but c'est la vie.

I am hoping to get photos of all the other babies and parents this evening so I can introduce you to them all. All of the girls are Ling babies, from the Ling orphanage so in all actuality they knew each other before they knew us and will share this special sisterhood for a lifetime.

I have posted a slideshow below depicting the funeral and tour. I also finally posted another which includes my photos from Tianmien Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.