We are very fortunate to have a teacher at school who speaks Chinese. She teaches music, but has taken an interest in helping Annabel adjust to her new school.
Evidently she had some questions she wanted to ask me and the teacher helped translate them.
Here is what she wants to know:
1. Why do the Americans sleep at 6:40 - 7:00 (so early)? Actually they go to bed at 9:00! I don't know why she thought it was so early. And is Grace part of the Americans?
2. Why do the Americans eat the raw food (vegetables)? I can't even think of anything but salad we eat raw! Wish we did!
3. Why do the Americans need a car? Does she want us to walk 12 miles to Costco? Too funny! She doesn't mind riding!
4. Why does my sister need to see my school bag daily?
This one really got me tickled. If Grace didn't look in her school bag she would never get home with her stuff she needed and/or have the supplies she needs the next day. I can't imagine her having much private in her school bag!
5. Is that because of that they do not trust me?
Now how could a child who doesn't speak English know what to take to school and to bring home!
6. Why can I only take Chinese class for just 1 day?
Because that is all it is offered!! Plus it is not cheap and we have to have a car to get to them!!
7. Why do they like to see my bag? Well you keep losing stuff and get into a panic and I have learned that usually you have it in the place it should be!
8. Why I act more than 10 times asking my mom no to look at my bag, she still do that? I'm a glutton for punishment!
Now I am to answer and return and the teacher will translate for her! I'll be much more careful on answers I send back, I promise!
Friday, August 29, 2008
More progress only with a better view
While we were still in China I immediately noticed how Annabel would squint to see anything at any distance.
Last week we placed an order for glasses with her new prescription. Costco said it would be 11 days. Somehow explaining time is a difficult concept, so in Costco, I am counting down and pretending to sleep between each time. She understood though and each day would pretend to draw circles around her eyes and say, "11, right Mom?" Yes, 11 days until they are ready.
They called today, only a week into the order to say they were ready.
She put those glasses on and I think for the first time was able to see distance, to see beyond her small scope, probably only within an arm's length of life.
She stood in Costco staring at TVs on display.
She could see her Grandfather from a distance.
She could see her Grandmother from a distance.
She could see her sister from a distance.
She seemed so excited and was intent on seeing it all.
I commented on the drive home that she was seeing Dallas for the first time.
Grace questioned what I meant and I explained that driving in the car she had never been able to see out the windows enough distance to recognize things.
There are so many ways she has impacted all of our lives in such a short way. She absolutely has to give her grandmother a big hug on a regular basis. She has to joke around and poke and play with her grandfather. She has to shout "Good bye Grandmother! Good bye Grandfather!" all the way to school. She wakes up the whole neighborhood!
She also insists that she and Grace play outside for a while every night. Plus Ollie and Nina get a run for their money.
When they came in from the front yard, I called them into the back.
We had bought some goldfish for our outdoor tank and I wanted them to see them. Then I turned on the sprinklers to cool them off, but also to provide entertainment. Ollie LOVES to attack the sprinkler. It is too funny, barking, backing off, barking, backing off, biting the water. We had a good laugh and the girls got cooled off too.
While drying my hair, she came in asking what was I doing. I showed her the hair dryer and explained the best I could. She turned around for me to dry hers. First time I got that close! Then she even put some conditioner on it! Huge progress for us!
She has begun having an interest in reading and hearing books written in English, so each night we read several. Then she reads us a Chinese book and makes us guess what it says!
I'm going to post her series of questions she posed to her teacher next. They are TOO funny!
Last week we placed an order for glasses with her new prescription. Costco said it would be 11 days. Somehow explaining time is a difficult concept, so in Costco, I am counting down and pretending to sleep between each time. She understood though and each day would pretend to draw circles around her eyes and say, "11, right Mom?" Yes, 11 days until they are ready.
They called today, only a week into the order to say they were ready.
She put those glasses on and I think for the first time was able to see distance, to see beyond her small scope, probably only within an arm's length of life.
She stood in Costco staring at TVs on display.
She could see her Grandfather from a distance.
She could see her Grandmother from a distance.
She could see her sister from a distance.
She seemed so excited and was intent on seeing it all.
I commented on the drive home that she was seeing Dallas for the first time.
Grace questioned what I meant and I explained that driving in the car she had never been able to see out the windows enough distance to recognize things.
There are so many ways she has impacted all of our lives in such a short way. She absolutely has to give her grandmother a big hug on a regular basis. She has to joke around and poke and play with her grandfather. She has to shout "Good bye Grandmother! Good bye Grandfather!" all the way to school. She wakes up the whole neighborhood!
She also insists that she and Grace play outside for a while every night. Plus Ollie and Nina get a run for their money.
When they came in from the front yard, I called them into the back.
We had bought some goldfish for our outdoor tank and I wanted them to see them. Then I turned on the sprinklers to cool them off, but also to provide entertainment. Ollie LOVES to attack the sprinkler. It is too funny, barking, backing off, barking, backing off, biting the water. We had a good laugh and the girls got cooled off too.
While drying my hair, she came in asking what was I doing. I showed her the hair dryer and explained the best I could. She turned around for me to dry hers. First time I got that close! Then she even put some conditioner on it! Huge progress for us!
She has begun having an interest in reading and hearing books written in English, so each night we read several. Then she reads us a Chinese book and makes us guess what it says!
I'm going to post her series of questions she posed to her teacher next. They are TOO funny!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
I know I need to catch up!
School improved drastically for Annabel once Grace transferred into her class. I'm not convinced that it is the best idea for Grace though. But for three days it has worked. I'm afraid to say more.
They even tried buying lunch today. Who knows, maybe I won't be trying to think of ways to provide a balanced meal without a sandwich!
In the afternoons, Annabel appears to know everyone who is in 5th grade, giving them high fives, hugs, pokes I'm not sure how she knows them all and how she talks to them!
Each night at bedtime, Annabel says, Mom, Grace, baby, me, no baby. Meaning that Grace has a baby doll and she does not.
We received a Wal Mart gift card from a friend and knew just what we needed to buy tonight.
I've never seen a child more excited about a baby doll. We had to look at every choice and at Wal Mart there were lots of them. She finally picked one that came with all the extras. She reluctantly put it in the shopping cart. She even had to talk to the doll while in the shopping cart. All she wanted to know was if she could open it before she went to bed. She worked to take all the pieces apart and just in time for bed.
Grace was not thrilled with the whole thing and we will have to work on that. She loved helping buy things for her in China, but now it is different.
I went back to work today and think my mind is on work and harder to write. I tried to download my pictures and could not make the camera work. Glad that tomorrow is the last day of the week and a three day weekend.
Maybe I can get more creative over the weekend.
They even tried buying lunch today. Who knows, maybe I won't be trying to think of ways to provide a balanced meal without a sandwich!
In the afternoons, Annabel appears to know everyone who is in 5th grade, giving them high fives, hugs, pokes I'm not sure how she knows them all and how she talks to them!
Each night at bedtime, Annabel says, Mom, Grace, baby, me, no baby. Meaning that Grace has a baby doll and she does not.
We received a Wal Mart gift card from a friend and knew just what we needed to buy tonight.
I've never seen a child more excited about a baby doll. We had to look at every choice and at Wal Mart there were lots of them. She finally picked one that came with all the extras. She reluctantly put it in the shopping cart. She even had to talk to the doll while in the shopping cart. All she wanted to know was if she could open it before she went to bed. She worked to take all the pieces apart and just in time for bed.
Grace was not thrilled with the whole thing and we will have to work on that. She loved helping buy things for her in China, but now it is different.
I went back to work today and think my mind is on work and harder to write. I tried to download my pictures and could not make the camera work. Glad that tomorrow is the last day of the week and a three day weekend.
Maybe I can get more creative over the weekend.
Monday, August 25, 2008
First day of school
If there were a competition for the worst first day of school, I think Annabel would be in the running.
The girls got up and ready to go. I know I mention this as if it is a huge deal, but for Grace it is. She has taken her role of experienced sister very seriously. She got Annabel into the school uniform and even had her tuck in her shirt tail and add a belt. Normally Grace is too much like her mom and would stay in bed until the very last second and run out the door.
Not today!
When we got to school, Grace met her class in the gym and Annabel and I went to the library to complete registration. Thankfully one of the teachers remembered there is one teacher who speaks Chinese and helped break the ice some.
She went with us to Annabel's classroom.
Her teacher kind of looked like a deer in the headlights when I explained that she did not speak any English and Chinese was her primary language.
He said he had always been interested in learning Chinese. Maybe he will have a chance.
I left Annabel and said a quick prayer that the day turn out good.
I went back to thank the teachers and took a few snaps of Grace in her class.
I met the girls after school rather than the GrandPoppa. They were both late coming out. The teachers explained there was a problem with Annabel's lunch box or back pack.
You could tell Annabel was frustrated, upset. When I heard what happened, I was upset too.
When they went to lunch, no one made sure she had her lunch. I guess most of her class buy their lunch. Anyway, her special lunch of things she likes was still in her classroom. They made her buy her lunch instead. Pizza! The one thing she does not like.
Then late in the afternoon, probably when she got back to her lunch, her bottle of water leaked all over everything in her backpack and on her clothes and everywhere.
We got home and she tore into that lunch like she was starving. Best guess is she was. She asks for food every 2 hours. That was a long day.
One of teachers asked why I didn't have them in the same class. I thought since she was ESL she had to be in a special class. This year there is no specific ESL, all of the students are mixed together.
Tonight Grace and I talked about it. She would be required to go to the class that Annabel is in rather than move Annabel into her class. Grace knows most of the kids in Annabel's class and thinks that it would be better for all, especially Annabel. But then tonight we began rearranging drawers and it got pretty quiet. I know that Grace has made a lot of changes and adjustments and it was late. She finally mentioned that she couldn't find her lock from last year. I told her she could have Annabel's for now and then switch when we fin d hers. All was right again!
Pictures later!
The girls got up and ready to go. I know I mention this as if it is a huge deal, but for Grace it is. She has taken her role of experienced sister very seriously. She got Annabel into the school uniform and even had her tuck in her shirt tail and add a belt. Normally Grace is too much like her mom and would stay in bed until the very last second and run out the door.
Not today!
When we got to school, Grace met her class in the gym and Annabel and I went to the library to complete registration. Thankfully one of the teachers remembered there is one teacher who speaks Chinese and helped break the ice some.
She went with us to Annabel's classroom.
Her teacher kind of looked like a deer in the headlights when I explained that she did not speak any English and Chinese was her primary language.
He said he had always been interested in learning Chinese. Maybe he will have a chance.
I left Annabel and said a quick prayer that the day turn out good.
I went back to thank the teachers and took a few snaps of Grace in her class.
I met the girls after school rather than the GrandPoppa. They were both late coming out. The teachers explained there was a problem with Annabel's lunch box or back pack.
You could tell Annabel was frustrated, upset. When I heard what happened, I was upset too.
When they went to lunch, no one made sure she had her lunch. I guess most of her class buy their lunch. Anyway, her special lunch of things she likes was still in her classroom. They made her buy her lunch instead. Pizza! The one thing she does not like.
Then late in the afternoon, probably when she got back to her lunch, her bottle of water leaked all over everything in her backpack and on her clothes and everywhere.
We got home and she tore into that lunch like she was starving. Best guess is she was. She asks for food every 2 hours. That was a long day.
One of teachers asked why I didn't have them in the same class. I thought since she was ESL she had to be in a special class. This year there is no specific ESL, all of the students are mixed together.
Tonight Grace and I talked about it. She would be required to go to the class that Annabel is in rather than move Annabel into her class. Grace knows most of the kids in Annabel's class and thinks that it would be better for all, especially Annabel. But then tonight we began rearranging drawers and it got pretty quiet. I know that Grace has made a lot of changes and adjustments and it was late. She finally mentioned that she couldn't find her lock from last year. I told her she could have Annabel's for now and then switch when we fin d hers. All was right again!
Pictures later!
Sunday, Sunday
The day started off great! I was so impressed with my girls getting up and ready for church. They looked so cute. Annabel acted like she had been doing this all her life! They went off together for Sunday school.
During church Annabel sat by Dad. First she was playing with him, but then when iit was time to be quiet, she laid her head over on his arm. It was so sweet. I had patted Grace on the shoulder during one song and she had to do the same. Hard not to smile.
I cannot believe it has only been 2 weeks.
Things have really changed and so much for the better.
After church and lunch, Grace asked if I planned to take a nap, could they play dress up.
From Marcie's post, I am guessing they used some of the makeup stashed in the dress up bag. Annabel was so impressed with her new look she kept coming in to show me.
After they cleaned up we went to an open house for one of the weekend Chinese schools. I wish our neighborhood would have programs like that. It seemed like we had almost driven to Oklahoma.
The people at the school were very nice. I asked if they had scholarships and the man urged me to get them registered and worry about the payment later. Annabel impressed them all with her ability to read Chinese. This school is primarily of the first generation of those who have relocated from China. Chinese is spoken at home, yet for their children, English is their primary language. Just the opposite for Annabel of course.
Grace also wanted to register even though she has grown tired of it in the past. She loves to work with Annabel and I am so impressed with how natural they are together. She was willing to even start at the beginner level with younger kids.
While we were there I asked someone to explain to Annabel that school starts tomorrow and the funny clothes we had bought were the school uniforms. Annabel began to cry, silently, but big tears. She thought I was registering her for the Chinese school for the full time school. I don't know how we have had so many misunderstandings about school. But she recovered quickly and for that I was thrilled.
We visited another Chinese market and steered away from the food that requires preparation. Grace wanted more seaweed! GROSS! Annabel picked out some small green fruit that I have never seen before. Anxious to see how she eats it!
We had dinner at a restaurant recommended by a person from the Chinese school. It was delicious, but I ordered too much. They were quite generous with their servings. Ollie and Nina appreciate the left overs.
It was 6:30 and we still did not have school supplies and not too much on uniforms.
We were in a neighborhood I knew nothing about, but found Office Max and Office Depot. Can you believe they close before 6:30?? On to Target in our neck of the woods. Hoped they wouldn't recognize us as the vomiting group!
There were a LOT of last minute shoppers and no 24 pack of crayons in the store. We got enough so Grace would not panic tomorrow.
Our FCC friends recommended looking for uniforms on ebay. Found several pieces that will help. Also another friend thinks she has some things that will fit.
The girls packed their back packs and had their bedtime snacks. For the first time, Annabel offered me some of her cookies! Even though I didn't want it, I wasn't going to turn it down. Afterward off they went to bed.
During church Annabel sat by Dad. First she was playing with him, but then when iit was time to be quiet, she laid her head over on his arm. It was so sweet. I had patted Grace on the shoulder during one song and she had to do the same. Hard not to smile.
I cannot believe it has only been 2 weeks.
Things have really changed and so much for the better.
After church and lunch, Grace asked if I planned to take a nap, could they play dress up.
From Marcie's post, I am guessing they used some of the makeup stashed in the dress up bag. Annabel was so impressed with her new look she kept coming in to show me.
After they cleaned up we went to an open house for one of the weekend Chinese schools. I wish our neighborhood would have programs like that. It seemed like we had almost driven to Oklahoma.
The people at the school were very nice. I asked if they had scholarships and the man urged me to get them registered and worry about the payment later. Annabel impressed them all with her ability to read Chinese. This school is primarily of the first generation of those who have relocated from China. Chinese is spoken at home, yet for their children, English is their primary language. Just the opposite for Annabel of course.
Grace also wanted to register even though she has grown tired of it in the past. She loves to work with Annabel and I am so impressed with how natural they are together. She was willing to even start at the beginner level with younger kids.
While we were there I asked someone to explain to Annabel that school starts tomorrow and the funny clothes we had bought were the school uniforms. Annabel began to cry, silently, but big tears. She thought I was registering her for the Chinese school for the full time school. I don't know how we have had so many misunderstandings about school. But she recovered quickly and for that I was thrilled.
We visited another Chinese market and steered away from the food that requires preparation. Grace wanted more seaweed! GROSS! Annabel picked out some small green fruit that I have never seen before. Anxious to see how she eats it!
We had dinner at a restaurant recommended by a person from the Chinese school. It was delicious, but I ordered too much. They were quite generous with their servings. Ollie and Nina appreciate the left overs.
It was 6:30 and we still did not have school supplies and not too much on uniforms.
We were in a neighborhood I knew nothing about, but found Office Max and Office Depot. Can you believe they close before 6:30?? On to Target in our neck of the woods. Hoped they wouldn't recognize us as the vomiting group!
There were a LOT of last minute shoppers and no 24 pack of crayons in the store. We got enough so Grace would not panic tomorrow.
Our FCC friends recommended looking for uniforms on ebay. Found several pieces that will help. Also another friend thinks she has some things that will fit.
The girls packed their back packs and had their bedtime snacks. For the first time, Annabel offered me some of her cookies! Even though I didn't want it, I wasn't going to turn it down. Afterward off they went to bed.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Advice
In 1979 I had brain surgery.
At the time, I did not know anyone else who had had brain surgery and don't think many people did. Probably if they had brain surgery they died. Who knows!
Anyway, I did not have to endure everyone's horror stories on brain surgery. No one had been there/done that so they could not tell me about what to expect.
If you have heart surgery, EVERYONE knows someone who has had heart surgery. Everyone has a tale to share.
If you are pregnant, EVERYONE has either been pregnant or knows someone who has been. They all have tales to share. My co-worker Gloria even endured my advice and I have never been pregnant or had a baby!
When you deliver that baby there are a million websites full of advice, books that could probably circle the globe, and almost as meaning well meaning friends to share their stories.
When you adopt an 11 year old, you don't find a lot of people who have been in your shoes. Thankfully I have connected with some on the Internet and there are a few books, but good or bad, most of the time you are flying by the seat of your pants.
When the girls are grown, we will have to see if this was the best way!
At the time, I did not know anyone else who had had brain surgery and don't think many people did. Probably if they had brain surgery they died. Who knows!
Anyway, I did not have to endure everyone's horror stories on brain surgery. No one had been there/done that so they could not tell me about what to expect.
If you have heart surgery, EVERYONE knows someone who has had heart surgery. Everyone has a tale to share.
If you are pregnant, EVERYONE has either been pregnant or knows someone who has been. They all have tales to share. My co-worker Gloria even endured my advice and I have never been pregnant or had a baby!
When you deliver that baby there are a million websites full of advice, books that could probably circle the globe, and almost as meaning well meaning friends to share their stories.
When you adopt an 11 year old, you don't find a lot of people who have been in your shoes. Thankfully I have connected with some on the Internet and there are a few books, but good or bad, most of the time you are flying by the seat of your pants.
When the girls are grown, we will have to see if this was the best way!
Adapting to Western Society
We met our wonderful FCC friends today for lunch. They presented Annabel with a Nintendo! She was so excited. I forgot to tell them that was about the happiest I had seen her over anything! Several of our great families went together and got her the Nintendo and a cute carrying case. (I had to run to GameStop to get Grace a carrying case so everything was even. Oh my!)
They were asking questions about how she was adapting to Western living. Their daughter was a baby when she was adopted. We decided it would be great to be able to interpret her impressions of some things as she discovers more about life in her new home.
One of the first things that she made any comment about was our washer and dryer. I'm not sure if they had one in the group home. I know Grace and her foster mother went to the river to wash clothes. When Annabel saw ours she said "wow!". Nothing like impressing your new child with a good w/d set!
The next thing was our giant refrigerator, which is normal size, but bigger than other countries generally have in their kitchens. Plus ours dispenses ice and water. She learned how to do that quickly and makes good use at our house and her grandparents.
I had commented that she is hungry at least every 2 hours, sometimes more often than that. Their daughter had a similar experience, even as a baby. They felt like once their daughter realized that food would be a regular part of the day, she slowed down again. I'm not sure about Annabel and wonder how she will make it in school. I'm not known for preparing big breakfasts but guess we will!
When we get into the car and drive, even in our neighborhood, it is SO different than in China. Our streets are not packed with pedestrians. We drive everywhere! Our streets are not packed with stalls where people are selling their wares, we go into big stores, like Target and Wal Mart and Costco. Every meal there we went in and sat down to eat. Here we can drive through and eat in the car.
I hope she is old enough to retain some of her initial reactions to the differences. I know that Grace saw so many upon her return to China, but has not really talked about it. She is very proud of China and would say nothing that sounds unflattering. I wish I was fluent in Chinese so I could urge Annabel to write these memories in Chinese so she can look back on these first memories.
They were asking questions about how she was adapting to Western living. Their daughter was a baby when she was adopted. We decided it would be great to be able to interpret her impressions of some things as she discovers more about life in her new home.
One of the first things that she made any comment about was our washer and dryer. I'm not sure if they had one in the group home. I know Grace and her foster mother went to the river to wash clothes. When Annabel saw ours she said "wow!". Nothing like impressing your new child with a good w/d set!
The next thing was our giant refrigerator, which is normal size, but bigger than other countries generally have in their kitchens. Plus ours dispenses ice and water. She learned how to do that quickly and makes good use at our house and her grandparents.
I had commented that she is hungry at least every 2 hours, sometimes more often than that. Their daughter had a similar experience, even as a baby. They felt like once their daughter realized that food would be a regular part of the day, she slowed down again. I'm not sure about Annabel and wonder how she will make it in school. I'm not known for preparing big breakfasts but guess we will!
When we get into the car and drive, even in our neighborhood, it is SO different than in China. Our streets are not packed with pedestrians. We drive everywhere! Our streets are not packed with stalls where people are selling their wares, we go into big stores, like Target and Wal Mart and Costco. Every meal there we went in and sat down to eat. Here we can drive through and eat in the car.
I hope she is old enough to retain some of her initial reactions to the differences. I know that Grace saw so many upon her return to China, but has not really talked about it. She is very proud of China and would say nothing that sounds unflattering. I wish I was fluent in Chinese so I could urge Annabel to write these memories in Chinese so she can look back on these first memories.
Annabel and clothes
My sister Lisa wants to know about Annabel's clothes. I'm not sure if she recognizes the T shirt in some of the pictures is actually Gillian's kindergarten T shirt that says Kinder Gators. One of her favorites.
She has a few clothes, but it is hard to find any that will fit. I gave away so many clothes before we left for China in sizes I was sure she could never wear. Guess what? I gave away the wrong sizes. So trying to find size 7-8 at this point in the season is difficult. And even if they are on sale the price is still outrageous, other than a "lovely" pink camo outfit she picked at the Children's Place Outlet in Hillsboro. That whole outfit only cost $2.00! What a bargain. Only it is a tank top so she is freezing! She is now wearing her fall/winter jacket over most outfits. While I, the big ole fat white momma sweats! What's that all about?
I tried again today to buy clothes. We have just enough uniforms that I will only have to wash every other day. What a break! The outfits I picked for her match some of Grace's. Too bad they don't have the striped Levi's that Lisa and I had as tweens! Man, those were some snazzy pants. When they got too short, we just cut them off and made shorts!
She has a few clothes, but it is hard to find any that will fit. I gave away so many clothes before we left for China in sizes I was sure she could never wear. Guess what? I gave away the wrong sizes. So trying to find size 7-8 at this point in the season is difficult. And even if they are on sale the price is still outrageous, other than a "lovely" pink camo outfit she picked at the Children's Place Outlet in Hillsboro. That whole outfit only cost $2.00! What a bargain. Only it is a tank top so she is freezing! She is now wearing her fall/winter jacket over most outfits. While I, the big ole fat white momma sweats! What's that all about?
I tried again today to buy clothes. We have just enough uniforms that I will only have to wash every other day. What a break! The outfits I picked for her match some of Grace's. Too bad they don't have the striped Levi's that Lisa and I had as tweens! Man, those were some snazzy pants. When they got too short, we just cut them off and made shorts!
Pictures of the girls on TV
The last 2 days have been long and hard again. 
Thursday started with Grace's piano lesson and then a fast trip to North Dallas for Annabel's ophthalmology appointment. I knew she was having problems mainly due to the amount of squinting she does, but also the exam at the clinic in China before we left. They use a diagram of a hand and you are supposed to put your hand in the direction the wall chart shows. She got very few of those correct. We left there with a prescription for some very strong glasses and a need to see a specialist for surgery on her eyes to correct the direction of her eyelashes.
Later that afternoon we took Gillian and Darcey to meet their Dad, Bobba in Waco. It is always very difficult to tell them good bye. Gillian was anxious to get home and begin planning for the start of school.
On our way home we stopped at the outlet mall to try to find anything that would fit Annabel. We found very little to help for the present time.
Friday started with dropping the dogs at the groomer then heading back to work. it is very difficult to get back into the swing of things.
I continue to be so appreciative to my co-workers Gloria and Audrey for handling things so well while I have been out.
We had a program on leg and back pain with an excellent turnout. I hope someone finds what they needed to help deal with their pain.
After that was a quick trip to the DISD intake center to pick up the enrollment packet for Annabel.
Last thing on the agenda was a trip to Costco to order glasses for Annabel.
Our TV has not worked all week and I have missed almost all the olympics. I didn't understand the addictive qualities of it until tonight. Our TV finally began working tonight and now I understand. I cannot even imagine how they do the high dive. I think I did a "jump" off a high diving board one time and certainly was not nearly as graceful as they were.
These pictures are from Chuck E Cheese and special for Holly.
More later when I am not so sleepy!
Thursday started with Grace's piano lesson and then a fast trip to North Dallas for Annabel's ophthalmology appointment. I knew she was having problems mainly due to the amount of squinting she does, but also the exam at the clinic in China before we left. They use a diagram of a hand and you are supposed to put your hand in the direction the wall chart shows. She got very few of those correct. We left there with a prescription for some very strong glasses and a need to see a specialist for surgery on her eyes to correct the direction of her eyelashes.
Later that afternoon we took Gillian and Darcey to meet their Dad, Bobba in Waco. It is always very difficult to tell them good bye. Gillian was anxious to get home and begin planning for the start of school.
On our way home we stopped at the outlet mall to try to find anything that would fit Annabel. We found very little to help for the present time.
Friday started with dropping the dogs at the groomer then heading back to work. it is very difficult to get back into the swing of things.I continue to be so appreciative to my co-workers Gloria and Audrey for handling things so well while I have been out.
We had a program on leg and back pain with an excellent turnout. I hope someone finds what they needed to help deal with their pain.
After that was a quick trip to the DISD intake center to pick up the enrollment packet for Annabel.
Last thing on the agenda was a trip to Costco to order glasses for Annabel.
Our TV has not worked all week and I have missed almost all the olympics. I didn't understand the addictive qualities of it until tonight. Our TV finally began working tonight and now I understand. I cannot even imagine how they do the high dive. I think I did a "jump" off a high diving board one time and certainly was not nearly as graceful as they were.
These pictures are from Chuck E Cheese and special for Holly.
More later when I am not so sleepy!
Friday, August 22, 2008
First trip to Luby's
Darcey took her role of orienting Annabel to lots of great Texas traditions like Luby's. But what good is jello if you can't play with it?
Too cute not to include
Isn't this cute? I looked out and found Darcey had pulled this little red rocker to the end of the sidewalk and had Ollie sitting with her.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
My sister Lisa
When we were growing up, my sister Lisa, who was rather mischievous, and still is, would walk in front of us after a rain and pull down on a branch and the rain would pop off the branch and onto us.
I made the mistake of showing this to Gillian.
Last night she just could not get the rhythm down and instead drenched herself several times.
I laughed so hard.
She must have tried it on each branch for our walk.
Tonight though she figured it out and gave all her little CAPS a good soak. Just like her Aunt Lisa.
I made the mistake of showing this to Gillian.
Last night she just could not get the rhythm down and instead drenched herself several times.
I laughed so hard.
She must have tried it on each branch for our walk.
Tonight though she figured it out and gave all her little CAPS a good soak. Just like her Aunt Lisa.
God moves in a mysterious way
I love that song.
So many times when things happen there is no other explanation. We had a brief incident this morning where Annabel actually allowed me to console her. It was very short lived and afterward we ate our breakfast together in silence, but it was a HUGE step!
Since we did our marathon of fun yesterday it was a good day to just play.
The rain continued to fall along with a few thunderstorms so when it was clear, the crowd went outside. They have discovered it is fun to take Ollie and Nina with them. Those poor dogs are sleeping as soundly as me from all the fun!
Everyone wanted to play Barbies but were not too sure how that would work if one does not speak English. I let them work it out on their on and at times Annabel would come bouncing in with I'm HUNGRY! At least this week she is more comfortable at home to come in and out of their bedroom. I think it made it easier on all.
We bought the entire Harry Potter series in Chinese and Annabel has been reading the first one. This afternoon they watched the movie but I am not sure if she made a connection to it without the closed captioning or whatever you would call it.
Tonight we did our old stand by of Luby's for dinner. There are always a group of church members who go before services.
We used to go to Luby's every Wednesday night for their free kid's meal. Jana would join us when she got off work and we would already have the kids there.
It was very difficult to go back to Luby's for the first time afterward and always worry that it is making Gillian sad.
But it seemed like a good plan for tonight.
I cannot imagine what Annabel was thinking as we went through the line and I only allowed her one entree. She chose spaghetti. Now if I had known she would eat spaghetti I would have been set. She also chose corn and fried okra.
Now I have only been to China twice and to only 2 of their provinces, but cannot recall fried okra on any of the menus, or okra in any form.
I sat in anticipation of this meal.
I bought things I thought she would eat as back up, fish, more corn, and broccoli.
She put the first piece of okra in her mouth. What a face. Too bad you can't blink and it be a snapshot you can share. She decided she liked the breading. She ate the spaghetti but put every tiny bit of meat to the side. I thought she just didn't like ground meat (rarely used in China) but instead saved it to make a sandwich with her roll. She also ate most of her jello.
While we were in Luby's we had another big thunderstorm. Most of our group thought it was lightning but instead was my camera trying to capture this allusive child for your enjoyment.
As we came out there was a rainbow.
I hope my little camera captured its beauty. It has been a long time since I saw a rainbow.
Then as we waited to leave the parking lot, you could literally see the rain falling directly in front, but not on us.
To finish the evening we had an ice cream cone at Dairy Queen. Two Texas favorites all in one evening.
So many times when things happen there is no other explanation. We had a brief incident this morning where Annabel actually allowed me to console her. It was very short lived and afterward we ate our breakfast together in silence, but it was a HUGE step!
Since we did our marathon of fun yesterday it was a good day to just play.
The rain continued to fall along with a few thunderstorms so when it was clear, the crowd went outside. They have discovered it is fun to take Ollie and Nina with them. Those poor dogs are sleeping as soundly as me from all the fun!
Everyone wanted to play Barbies but were not too sure how that would work if one does not speak English. I let them work it out on their on and at times Annabel would come bouncing in with I'm HUNGRY! At least this week she is more comfortable at home to come in and out of their bedroom. I think it made it easier on all.
We bought the entire Harry Potter series in Chinese and Annabel has been reading the first one. This afternoon they watched the movie but I am not sure if she made a connection to it without the closed captioning or whatever you would call it.
Tonight we did our old stand by of Luby's for dinner. There are always a group of church members who go before services.
We used to go to Luby's every Wednesday night for their free kid's meal. Jana would join us when she got off work and we would already have the kids there.
It was very difficult to go back to Luby's for the first time afterward and always worry that it is making Gillian sad.
But it seemed like a good plan for tonight.
I cannot imagine what Annabel was thinking as we went through the line and I only allowed her one entree. She chose spaghetti. Now if I had known she would eat spaghetti I would have been set. She also chose corn and fried okra.
Now I have only been to China twice and to only 2 of their provinces, but cannot recall fried okra on any of the menus, or okra in any form.
I sat in anticipation of this meal.
I bought things I thought she would eat as back up, fish, more corn, and broccoli.
She put the first piece of okra in her mouth. What a face. Too bad you can't blink and it be a snapshot you can share. She decided she liked the breading. She ate the spaghetti but put every tiny bit of meat to the side. I thought she just didn't like ground meat (rarely used in China) but instead saved it to make a sandwich with her roll. She also ate most of her jello.
While we were in Luby's we had another big thunderstorm. Most of our group thought it was lightning but instead was my camera trying to capture this allusive child for your enjoyment.
As we came out there was a rainbow.
I hope my little camera captured its beauty. It has been a long time since I saw a rainbow.
Then as we waited to leave the parking lot, you could literally see the rain falling directly in front, but not on us.
To finish the evening we had an ice cream cone at Dairy Queen. Two Texas favorites all in one evening.
You know I must be tired if that is all I can write!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A funny story from yesterday
I forgot to mention that Sarah told me that Annabel was concerned about our dogs. She thought I was feeding them rat poison! And trying to kill them!
So when she saw the food that looked like rat poison, she tried to take it away from them and they bit her. Did not even know that happened.
If she thinks I would poison the dogs, it worries what she thinks about me on other issues!
So when she saw the food that looked like rat poison, she tried to take it away from them and they bit her. Did not even know that happened.
If she thinks I would poison the dogs, it worries what she thinks about me on other issues!
What amazing friends!
While we were at the Chinese market I got a call from our FCC angels who provided so many wonderful meals when we got home last week.
They answered my email about buying a used Nintendo. But these friends did not settle for used. They found some other FCC friends who are buying Annabel a NEW Nintendo.
I am so excited for her. All the other girls have one and I know she feels left out. I tried to buy one while we were in China but could not even find one.
What a wonderful blessing to have such great friends. Thank you so much.
They answered my email about buying a used Nintendo. But these friends did not settle for used. They found some other FCC friends who are buying Annabel a NEW Nintendo.
I am so excited for her. All the other girls have one and I know she feels left out. I tried to buy one while we were in China but could not even find one.
What a wonderful blessing to have such great friends. Thank you so much.
God surely answers prayers as it is raining in August in Texas!
It is so incredible that we have had enough rain that an outside party has been postponed. This is not your usual Texas August weather and we are extremely grateful! I could use a reduction in my water and electricity bills!
We had a marathon day of fun today!
We had left things last night that if Gillian and Darcey were up to it, we would go to breakfast first and then lots of exciting things after that.
Dad called to let me know they were sitting by the door. My girls were still asleep.
First stop was IHOP.
If you want breakfast, where else would you start?
Each girl got to choose their favorite and we had to guess for Annabel.
I know she likes eggs, but really never seen her eat bacon, no potatoes, and don't remember seeing a Pancake House in China!
But she got one of the combo meals to try it out. She scraped off every bit of the butter off her pancakes. (Grace asked if she could eat it!) Then she proceeded to half her pancakes and put her eggs inside to eat. Seemed reasonable to me. At least she had a good breakfast.
Next stop the hospital to drop off our specimen collected from yesterday. YUCK! Dad was volunteering in my department and know he loves an excuse to get out and run around. We left it with him to deliver and printed some coupons for one of our next stops.
On to the Crow Collection.
It is amazing that we have a beautiful museum dedicated to Asian art but even more amazing are the great programs they come up with for the families. Each day this week they are doing interactive programs about the Olympics and/or China.
We arrived just before the paper cutting was ending, but they were very kind and patient and let our girls participate. Several volunteers spoke Mandarin, so Annabel immediately had some friends. We ran into some of our other FCC girls and enjoyed it immensely.
After paper cutting was story time. I guess if you are 11 you are way too mature for that! We did their scavenger hunt and ended up with the display of Chinese games. Grace tried to explain one to me as she and Annabel played. I have trouble following Go Fish right now though.
They had one room set up with the Olympics on and refreshments. One of the sweet little FCC girls was dismayed that the Americans didn't win the competition we were watching. Her mom was so sweet in explaining we can't always win but need to be happy for those who did.
I couldn't remember how much time we had left on the meter so we made a mad dash to prevent a ticket. The only thing left to see was the gift shop and really can't spend any money right now. Did I mention the best part of the Crow Museum is that it is all free?
Of course we worked up a huge appetite and headed to the ultimate place where a kid can be a kid! Chuck E Cheese.
I have a wonderful friend whose husband works for Chuck E Cheese, so she provided us with free passes.
I wish I had been in front as we entered because I think Annabel's eyes must have looked like a kid's on Christmas morning after Santa has been there.
She was so overwhelmed and overjoyed by the whole thing. I promise to figure out how to post my pictures again soon. They have a TV camera set up so you can be on the show with Chuck and his friends. I took a picture of the girls on the TV screen special for Holly!
Since we were in North Dallas I thought we could go to a Chinese market. There are NONE in our neighborhood and hoped Annabel could find something she liked.
She did and now I have some odd foods that I do not know how to prepare. In one store they had a Chinese cook book and wondered if I would need it to prepare Lotus Root slices and mixed congee. Bought lots of bowls of noodles, the same brand she picked in China. Glad they had something she liked. Several other snacks that Grace always wants me to taste but really don't have the stomach to try. I'm sure I should but once I take a bite I can't hide my expression very well on how it tastes!
I wanted Annabel to get her hair trimmed at least before school, but got a resounding no, so I got mine cut instead.
Then we were off to our last stop. A Chinese buffet.
I think some of the girls might develop pinchers tonight from the number of crab legs they ate. We introduced Annabel to crab crackers, rather than trying to use your teeth to break through the shell.
Back at home Grandmother and Poppa had watermelon waiting.
Should sleep good tonight!
We had a marathon day of fun today!
We had left things last night that if Gillian and Darcey were up to it, we would go to breakfast first and then lots of exciting things after that.
Dad called to let me know they were sitting by the door. My girls were still asleep.
First stop was IHOP.
If you want breakfast, where else would you start?
Each girl got to choose their favorite and we had to guess for Annabel.
I know she likes eggs, but really never seen her eat bacon, no potatoes, and don't remember seeing a Pancake House in China!
But she got one of the combo meals to try it out. She scraped off every bit of the butter off her pancakes. (Grace asked if she could eat it!) Then she proceeded to half her pancakes and put her eggs inside to eat. Seemed reasonable to me. At least she had a good breakfast.
Next stop the hospital to drop off our specimen collected from yesterday. YUCK! Dad was volunteering in my department and know he loves an excuse to get out and run around. We left it with him to deliver and printed some coupons for one of our next stops.
On to the Crow Collection.
It is amazing that we have a beautiful museum dedicated to Asian art but even more amazing are the great programs they come up with for the families. Each day this week they are doing interactive programs about the Olympics and/or China.
We arrived just before the paper cutting was ending, but they were very kind and patient and let our girls participate. Several volunteers spoke Mandarin, so Annabel immediately had some friends. We ran into some of our other FCC girls and enjoyed it immensely.
After paper cutting was story time. I guess if you are 11 you are way too mature for that! We did their scavenger hunt and ended up with the display of Chinese games. Grace tried to explain one to me as she and Annabel played. I have trouble following Go Fish right now though.
They had one room set up with the Olympics on and refreshments. One of the sweet little FCC girls was dismayed that the Americans didn't win the competition we were watching. Her mom was so sweet in explaining we can't always win but need to be happy for those who did.
I couldn't remember how much time we had left on the meter so we made a mad dash to prevent a ticket. The only thing left to see was the gift shop and really can't spend any money right now. Did I mention the best part of the Crow Museum is that it is all free?
Of course we worked up a huge appetite and headed to the ultimate place where a kid can be a kid! Chuck E Cheese.
I have a wonderful friend whose husband works for Chuck E Cheese, so she provided us with free passes.
I wish I had been in front as we entered because I think Annabel's eyes must have looked like a kid's on Christmas morning after Santa has been there.
She was so overwhelmed and overjoyed by the whole thing. I promise to figure out how to post my pictures again soon. They have a TV camera set up so you can be on the show with Chuck and his friends. I took a picture of the girls on the TV screen special for Holly!
Since we were in North Dallas I thought we could go to a Chinese market. There are NONE in our neighborhood and hoped Annabel could find something she liked.
She did and now I have some odd foods that I do not know how to prepare. In one store they had a Chinese cook book and wondered if I would need it to prepare Lotus Root slices and mixed congee. Bought lots of bowls of noodles, the same brand she picked in China. Glad they had something she liked. Several other snacks that Grace always wants me to taste but really don't have the stomach to try. I'm sure I should but once I take a bite I can't hide my expression very well on how it tastes!
I wanted Annabel to get her hair trimmed at least before school, but got a resounding no, so I got mine cut instead.
Then we were off to our last stop. A Chinese buffet.
I think some of the girls might develop pinchers tonight from the number of crab legs they ate. We introduced Annabel to crab crackers, rather than trying to use your teeth to break through the shell.
Back at home Grandmother and Poppa had watermelon waiting.
Should sleep good tonight!
Monday, August 18, 2008
You ought to be in pictures!
An ever diligent mom found my darling Annabel on the front cover of a recent publication from Holt International.
http://www.holtintl.org/hifamilies/
I hope you can follow this link and click on the picture of the cutest girl for the summer edition.
I don't find any mention of her in the articles, but there she is on the cover!
http://www.holtintl.org/hifamilies/
I hope you can follow this link and click on the picture of the cutest girl for the summer edition.
I don't find any mention of her in the articles, but there she is on the cover!
I promise to get new pictures posted soon!
I am never sure whether I should start from the current and work backward or start where I left off!
Sunday we stayed home.
After Saturday night I could not and did not have the strength to do much else.
We did have a VERY SMALL birthday party for Annabel. Just us and my nieces and mom and dad. It seemed to fit the bill. Someone else wrote and said their daughter resented that she did not have a birthday party when she got home. No need to add extra issues to the future problems!
In our still upside down world, I could not find the presents I had meant to give, so she got 2 new webkinz, which mean nothing to her. Oh well! Mom and Dad did much better with a fairy princess assortment of hair do dads. She puts new ones in every day.
She was very excited about having a birthday cake even though she didn't like it! She did like the ice cream.
I thought I was going to get through the day without any tears.
I sat down to post last night and here came Grace with tears streaming down her face. "I'm sad". I always know what this is in reference to - her foster mother. I am always at a loss on this subject, so I can only say I'm sorry.
This morning we had a doctor's appointment early.
Thank goodness for wonderful people who will share their skills. A co-worker, originally from China, met us at the doctor's office to translate.
She helped me out with Grace when we first returned and explained they were about to take 2 gallons of blood to test! Then a chest x ray and a urine sample!
But this time she was actually at the doctor's office to start.
I had her explain we had to do this because school started Monday.
Oh my you cannot believe how many tears fell.
She thought she was only here for vacation.
I know she got to do several of trips while at the orphanage, but had no clue she thought she was just a short timer here.
I know the orphanage and the guides had been clear with her that she was to be adopted, but what does adoption mean to an 11 year old? My heart wanted to break. She would not respond to anyone for a long time.
But she has to be one of the most resilient children I have seen. Soon she was more interested in what was happening around her again, or is the mini container of Pringles and a Sprite made up for the loss of her home country!
We have several specialists we need to see as she has a chronic middle ear infection, vision issues, and some issues with her feet, probably from wearing shoes that were too small.
But we pressed on to the lab for blood work.
Any time I have to have a blood test, the women in that department draw straws and the loser has to deal with me. I am the world's biggest chicken and cannot stand even the sight of a needle! Grace covered her eyes and Sarah held her hand and she did not make a sound.
On to the chest x ray which I think must be difficult to explain to a child anyway and then in Chinese must be harder.
We thanked Sarah for all her help and ran to Grace's make up piano lesson.
On the way she learned how well her mom provides meals as we drove through McDonalds and ate in the car for our fast trip!
I have horrible nightmares of another test Grace had to have when she first arrived and I feared that Annabel would too.
Not only does Annabel need the test, but also Grace.
I will try really hard not to be too graphic, but it is a stool specimen, not like adults do though.
This one is so incredibly GROSS!!!!!
I got Grace's finished and if I had any food in my stomach it would not have just been dry heaves. I gave Annabel the instructions from hers, since it was written in Chinese. I hope she can do it herself!! I don't think so, but I can hope!
We were supposed to go to the Ranger game tonight but since it has rained all day and I finally have at least 2 feeling better, I couldn't see us heading to sit in the rain! So now I feel like I need to make it up tomorrow.
The Crow Museum is having special activities for the Olympics and it is free. Sounds like our kind of event. Then we will try to find a good Chinese buffet. Annabel told Sarah the only food she likes is Chinese. However, she consumed the majority of the ham a sweet lady from church brought for dinner tonight.
Sarah asked Annabel about what name she preferred as Annabel seems cumbersome at this point. She said she would prefer a shorter name, maybe Ann, or even shorter, maybe A for school. I can just see explaining all that to the teachers. Mom, Dad, G and D can call her Annabel but Grace and I must call her Wan Yun.
Time for snack as they are out of their hour long tub fest, which truly does cure all ills!
Sunday we stayed home.
After Saturday night I could not and did not have the strength to do much else.
We did have a VERY SMALL birthday party for Annabel. Just us and my nieces and mom and dad. It seemed to fit the bill. Someone else wrote and said their daughter resented that she did not have a birthday party when she got home. No need to add extra issues to the future problems!
In our still upside down world, I could not find the presents I had meant to give, so she got 2 new webkinz, which mean nothing to her. Oh well! Mom and Dad did much better with a fairy princess assortment of hair do dads. She puts new ones in every day.
She was very excited about having a birthday cake even though she didn't like it! She did like the ice cream.
I thought I was going to get through the day without any tears.
I sat down to post last night and here came Grace with tears streaming down her face. "I'm sad". I always know what this is in reference to - her foster mother. I am always at a loss on this subject, so I can only say I'm sorry.
This morning we had a doctor's appointment early.
Thank goodness for wonderful people who will share their skills. A co-worker, originally from China, met us at the doctor's office to translate.
She helped me out with Grace when we first returned and explained they were about to take 2 gallons of blood to test! Then a chest x ray and a urine sample!
But this time she was actually at the doctor's office to start.
I had her explain we had to do this because school started Monday.
Oh my you cannot believe how many tears fell.
She thought she was only here for vacation.
I know she got to do several of trips while at the orphanage, but had no clue she thought she was just a short timer here.
I know the orphanage and the guides had been clear with her that she was to be adopted, but what does adoption mean to an 11 year old? My heart wanted to break. She would not respond to anyone for a long time.
But she has to be one of the most resilient children I have seen. Soon she was more interested in what was happening around her again, or is the mini container of Pringles and a Sprite made up for the loss of her home country!
We have several specialists we need to see as she has a chronic middle ear infection, vision issues, and some issues with her feet, probably from wearing shoes that were too small.
But we pressed on to the lab for blood work.
Any time I have to have a blood test, the women in that department draw straws and the loser has to deal with me. I am the world's biggest chicken and cannot stand even the sight of a needle! Grace covered her eyes and Sarah held her hand and she did not make a sound.
On to the chest x ray which I think must be difficult to explain to a child anyway and then in Chinese must be harder.
We thanked Sarah for all her help and ran to Grace's make up piano lesson.
On the way she learned how well her mom provides meals as we drove through McDonalds and ate in the car for our fast trip!
I have horrible nightmares of another test Grace had to have when she first arrived and I feared that Annabel would too.
Not only does Annabel need the test, but also Grace.
I will try really hard not to be too graphic, but it is a stool specimen, not like adults do though.
This one is so incredibly GROSS!!!!!
I got Grace's finished and if I had any food in my stomach it would not have just been dry heaves. I gave Annabel the instructions from hers, since it was written in Chinese. I hope she can do it herself!! I don't think so, but I can hope!
We were supposed to go to the Ranger game tonight but since it has rained all day and I finally have at least 2 feeling better, I couldn't see us heading to sit in the rain! So now I feel like I need to make it up tomorrow.
The Crow Museum is having special activities for the Olympics and it is free. Sounds like our kind of event. Then we will try to find a good Chinese buffet. Annabel told Sarah the only food she likes is Chinese. However, she consumed the majority of the ham a sweet lady from church brought for dinner tonight.
Sarah asked Annabel about what name she preferred as Annabel seems cumbersome at this point. She said she would prefer a shorter name, maybe Ann, or even shorter, maybe A for school. I can just see explaining all that to the teachers. Mom, Dad, G and D can call her Annabel but Grace and I must call her Wan Yun.
Time for snack as they are out of their hour long tub fest, which truly does cure all ills!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The week in review and are we making progress?
Our social worker from the agency called on Friday to see how things were going.
I was honest and told her we had had some rough spots, then because she is such an empathetic person, I began telling her about what all had happened in a week.
At the end of the conversation I needed to take a deep breath.
It is hard to believe we came home just last Saturday and by this time we were in bed. Right now the girls are in the tub as I take a good friend's advice on how to cure all hurts! and you know what? She is right. Evidently you can't share a bath and stay hurt at each other. Maybe that should be part of couples counseling!
We started the whole week the way experts urge you NOT to, by going to church (exposure to large groups of people), Mom had her surgery, again exposure to large groups of people, my 2, actually 3 that I was counting on to help have been so sick this week and clearly not themselves.
Then we pursued the intake at the school district headquarters, a very LONG appointment that accomplished little except to note that she does not speak English.
It has been a hard week.
I have been so grateful for each meal provided and my kids wish I could cook as well! What's a person to do?
I have been so grateful for my wonderful retreat in my bedroom. It is truly a place of relaxation and calm.
I have been so grateful that my whole house was beautiful.
I have been so grateful to have my parents' next door.
I have been so grateful to have my nieces close by.
I thank God for all the many ways He has blessed me in ways so totally unexpected, ways so much better than I asked, yet has not changed the burdens we had to clear, but been by my side to assist.
I pray that I will allow Him to guide me rather than to think I have the best way.
Annabel had a very sad time again tonight. I felt it coming and then "splat", one of her words, she was sobbing so uncontrollably and I was at such a loss. She prefers anyone's company and comfort over mine, yet I am the one who must be there to provide the comfort as she grieves the loss of her life in China. All I can say is I promise it will get better.
Fleetingly I have the regrets and remorse that I did with Grace, questioning my judgement on such important matters.
Yet Grace has learned what life here can provide. She loved visiting China and at first teased she was planning to stay. But there was little doubt that she would return with me to the US.
There are times that living next door to your parents' can also be a problem as they see me struggle in trying to open the way and prepare a good life for my brood. To them they only see more worries and concerns and probably doubts about my decisions.
Yet when I finally got Annabel home, I chose not to leave her side.
I personally hate to cry alone.
I decided she needed to know I was with her, good and bad.
She sobbed and tearfully cried for her Momma/Bobba, mostly Bobba.
Although I don't have a clue what she is saying I wonder as an 11 year old if she is not promising to be good if they will let her return. To do the things they asked. I almost feel like she is pleading for them to give her another chance.
But her Momma and Bobba faced a difficult decision and allowed her to be available for adoption.
This Momma and Bobba are her foster parents, who held a very important role in her very young life. But they were also older and although they did not appear "poor" they were not able to care for her along with their birth daughter and her son.
Things are complicated.
Life is complicated.
For an 11 year old life should be easy, life should not require that someone else is making life changing decisions for them.
The social worker and I commiserated about the difficulties that all 4 of my girls have had to face.
I know in 11 years the only difficulty I faced was losing a grandfather, who in my memory was very old and sick.
I did not lose a birth mother, I did not lose a foster mother, and then for my nieces, I did not lose my "forever" mother.
Tonight Annabel finally stopped crying.
Ollie and Nina, the strange mutts we adopted, wanted to be with her.
They came so close to losing their home just before we left. But I chose to keep them, in spite of their faults, sometimes inappropriate behavior, and the $$$$ associated with their boarding.
Ollie/Nina, as Annabel calls them, came and jumped on her bed. They know she will pet them until her arm gives way. She will plant a kiss on their head. She will scratch Ollie's tummy until his leg and now his arm show the pleasure of this affection.
Then she began to use Ollie as a guitar.
For some reason I thought it would be an easy thing for Grace to involve Annabel in music, since both seem to share an interest.
Grace has this crazy guitar that plays songs, talks to you, and plays the scales that I originally bought for Darcey. Jana begged me not to give it to her. Their place at the time was so small and this was so loud.
It has been one of the best "dumb" presents I have ever bought.
Again tonight I got the guitar so she did not have to try to make Ollie be a guitar.
She was immediately entranced.
I did not have to show her what to do. She knew.
She figured out each button and what it would do.
When she kept trying to play the scales on it, I brought down a keyboard.
This is a keyboard I bought for my Grandmother when she began showing signs of dementia.
I could remember as a child watching her try to pick out any song on our old piano, where the majority of the keys stuck and was probably never tuned.
As an adult I thought it might bring her pleasure even to hit the keys to hear the melody.
When she was no longer able to live alone, she gave it to Dad.
My father is a gifted singer who cannot read music and has never had formal training.
The keyboard sat behind their bedroom door until I made a huge discovery with Grace.
While shopping at Sams within a month of her entrance to the US, she wanted me to pick her up to reach a keyboard.
When I did, she shocked me.
For anyone who has ever taken piano they know the first thing you learn is how to hold your fingers. She put her fingers in the correct position and began to play, "Frere Jacques" or "Are you sleeping".
I thought I must truly have adopted a child prodigy.
We called from Sams and asked if they had the same keyboard. Yes, but it needed batteries.
So we stopped at the dollar store and bought batteries.
When we got to Grandmother and Poppa's, Grace sat down with the keyboard and began to play. It was incredible and I hope a memory I never lose. I wished my grandmother could have seen her great granddaughter playing the keyboard I had bought for her.
Tonight, I got out the same keyboard.
Annabel is no stranger to a keyboard either.
She worked and played diligently what sounded like the same song. I sat quietly and listened.
She tried mixing the keyboard and the guitar, but they weren't on the same page!!!
She tried every button on the keyboard but would come back to the melody she originally played.
From there I introduced the magnetic letters, trying to spell "It's fun!" one of the things the guitar shouts out!
She was intrigued.
She began looking for letters.
I thought she was looking for the alphabet so I offered a B after she placed her A.
NO!
She kept looking until she found what she wanted and proceeded to spell, "Annabel".
Within an hour I went from my heart breaking for the loss my new daughter was feeling to pride that she knew her new name.
Grace finally was brave enough to peek back in.
It seems like we have turned a page. The idea of a bath seemed the best I could come up with and so they have splished and splashed, blowing bubbles, transforming each other with Silly Bubbles.
I am tired and owe apologies to my family. My parents are worried. My nieces are worried.
I worry that I have caused my niece and daughter to have upset stomachs.
Seems like I need more prayers.
I was honest and told her we had had some rough spots, then because she is such an empathetic person, I began telling her about what all had happened in a week.
At the end of the conversation I needed to take a deep breath.
It is hard to believe we came home just last Saturday and by this time we were in bed. Right now the girls are in the tub as I take a good friend's advice on how to cure all hurts! and you know what? She is right. Evidently you can't share a bath and stay hurt at each other. Maybe that should be part of couples counseling!
We started the whole week the way experts urge you NOT to, by going to church (exposure to large groups of people), Mom had her surgery, again exposure to large groups of people, my 2, actually 3 that I was counting on to help have been so sick this week and clearly not themselves.
Then we pursued the intake at the school district headquarters, a very LONG appointment that accomplished little except to note that she does not speak English.
It has been a hard week.
I have been so grateful for each meal provided and my kids wish I could cook as well! What's a person to do?
I have been so grateful for my wonderful retreat in my bedroom. It is truly a place of relaxation and calm.
I have been so grateful that my whole house was beautiful.
I have been so grateful to have my parents' next door.
I have been so grateful to have my nieces close by.
I thank God for all the many ways He has blessed me in ways so totally unexpected, ways so much better than I asked, yet has not changed the burdens we had to clear, but been by my side to assist.
I pray that I will allow Him to guide me rather than to think I have the best way.
Annabel had a very sad time again tonight. I felt it coming and then "splat", one of her words, she was sobbing so uncontrollably and I was at such a loss. She prefers anyone's company and comfort over mine, yet I am the one who must be there to provide the comfort as she grieves the loss of her life in China. All I can say is I promise it will get better.
Fleetingly I have the regrets and remorse that I did with Grace, questioning my judgement on such important matters.
Yet Grace has learned what life here can provide. She loved visiting China and at first teased she was planning to stay. But there was little doubt that she would return with me to the US.
There are times that living next door to your parents' can also be a problem as they see me struggle in trying to open the way and prepare a good life for my brood. To them they only see more worries and concerns and probably doubts about my decisions.
Yet when I finally got Annabel home, I chose not to leave her side.
I personally hate to cry alone.
I decided she needed to know I was with her, good and bad.
She sobbed and tearfully cried for her Momma/Bobba, mostly Bobba.
Although I don't have a clue what she is saying I wonder as an 11 year old if she is not promising to be good if they will let her return. To do the things they asked. I almost feel like she is pleading for them to give her another chance.
But her Momma and Bobba faced a difficult decision and allowed her to be available for adoption.
This Momma and Bobba are her foster parents, who held a very important role in her very young life. But they were also older and although they did not appear "poor" they were not able to care for her along with their birth daughter and her son.
Things are complicated.
Life is complicated.
For an 11 year old life should be easy, life should not require that someone else is making life changing decisions for them.
The social worker and I commiserated about the difficulties that all 4 of my girls have had to face.
I know in 11 years the only difficulty I faced was losing a grandfather, who in my memory was very old and sick.
I did not lose a birth mother, I did not lose a foster mother, and then for my nieces, I did not lose my "forever" mother.
Tonight Annabel finally stopped crying.
Ollie and Nina, the strange mutts we adopted, wanted to be with her.
They came so close to losing their home just before we left. But I chose to keep them, in spite of their faults, sometimes inappropriate behavior, and the $$$$ associated with their boarding.
Ollie/Nina, as Annabel calls them, came and jumped on her bed. They know she will pet them until her arm gives way. She will plant a kiss on their head. She will scratch Ollie's tummy until his leg and now his arm show the pleasure of this affection.
Then she began to use Ollie as a guitar.
For some reason I thought it would be an easy thing for Grace to involve Annabel in music, since both seem to share an interest.
Grace has this crazy guitar that plays songs, talks to you, and plays the scales that I originally bought for Darcey. Jana begged me not to give it to her. Their place at the time was so small and this was so loud.
It has been one of the best "dumb" presents I have ever bought.
Again tonight I got the guitar so she did not have to try to make Ollie be a guitar.
She was immediately entranced.
I did not have to show her what to do. She knew.
She figured out each button and what it would do.
When she kept trying to play the scales on it, I brought down a keyboard.
This is a keyboard I bought for my Grandmother when she began showing signs of dementia.
I could remember as a child watching her try to pick out any song on our old piano, where the majority of the keys stuck and was probably never tuned.
As an adult I thought it might bring her pleasure even to hit the keys to hear the melody.
When she was no longer able to live alone, she gave it to Dad.
My father is a gifted singer who cannot read music and has never had formal training.
The keyboard sat behind their bedroom door until I made a huge discovery with Grace.
While shopping at Sams within a month of her entrance to the US, she wanted me to pick her up to reach a keyboard.
When I did, she shocked me.
For anyone who has ever taken piano they know the first thing you learn is how to hold your fingers. She put her fingers in the correct position and began to play, "Frere Jacques" or "Are you sleeping".
I thought I must truly have adopted a child prodigy.
We called from Sams and asked if they had the same keyboard. Yes, but it needed batteries.
So we stopped at the dollar store and bought batteries.
When we got to Grandmother and Poppa's, Grace sat down with the keyboard and began to play. It was incredible and I hope a memory I never lose. I wished my grandmother could have seen her great granddaughter playing the keyboard I had bought for her.
Tonight, I got out the same keyboard.
Annabel is no stranger to a keyboard either.
She worked and played diligently what sounded like the same song. I sat quietly and listened.
She tried mixing the keyboard and the guitar, but they weren't on the same page!!!
She tried every button on the keyboard but would come back to the melody she originally played.
From there I introduced the magnetic letters, trying to spell "It's fun!" one of the things the guitar shouts out!
She was intrigued.
She began looking for letters.
I thought she was looking for the alphabet so I offered a B after she placed her A.
NO!
She kept looking until she found what she wanted and proceeded to spell, "Annabel".
Within an hour I went from my heart breaking for the loss my new daughter was feeling to pride that she knew her new name.
Grace finally was brave enough to peek back in.
It seems like we have turned a page. The idea of a bath seemed the best I could come up with and so they have splished and splashed, blowing bubbles, transforming each other with Silly Bubbles.
I am tired and owe apologies to my family. My parents are worried. My nieces are worried.
I worry that I have caused my niece and daughter to have upset stomachs.
Seems like I need more prayers.
Friday, August 15, 2008
School uniforms and what is that you are eating?
Last night we had another wonderful meal provided by dear friends. With everyone having a stomach virus or other upset, it was so nice to have comfort food. I have never had more delicious mac and cheese and mashed potatoes in my life! We had a whole array of carbs! Also delicious noodles.
Today I am on the hunt for school uniforms.
I hate shopping for uniforms.
This year the school has made it even more difficult, navy blue on top and khaki on the bottom. That's it!
The other years we could do white on top and either khaki or navy on the bottom. For some who are extremely picky about their clothes, it helped to have options.
Tax Free weekend seems the perfect time to shop. I know most stores sell out quickly. I miss Mervyns who had the largest supply of uniforms I have ever seen. Levines also has it but they don't have a dressing room and absolutely no help. Plus if you don't return it within 7 days you are out your money, period!
OK, not going to get mother of the year award this year on so many levels, but this time because I forgot to buy more eggs. I had boiled them instead.
So breakfast was a boiled egg and toast.
Within an hour, here comes Tigger or is she Pooh? I'm Hungry!!
Annabel foraged through the snacks I bought them in China. There is something that comes in sticks and looks like jerkey but could be fruit. She offered a bite to the dogs and even they refused!
Her foster mother sent a package of this red meat looking things, maybe those things you see in jars on the counters at convenience stores? There are preparation instructions on the back but in Chinese. Can't even guess what it says or what it would be! They look like really bad wienies, but long and skinny. Maybe they are made to fit a hot dog bun! Just kidding.
Mom and Dad are on their way to the doc to see about Mom's foot. She has been in terrible pain and I know it must be bad because otherwise she would not complain.
So I have a busy table full of girls preparing a scavenger hunt of forest animals. Only Gillian could come up with that.
I must write thank you notes. We got the nicest card and gift yesterday from two very sweet ladies from church yesterday. Made me cry.
More later!
Today I am on the hunt for school uniforms.
I hate shopping for uniforms.
This year the school has made it even more difficult, navy blue on top and khaki on the bottom. That's it!
The other years we could do white on top and either khaki or navy on the bottom. For some who are extremely picky about their clothes, it helped to have options.
Tax Free weekend seems the perfect time to shop. I know most stores sell out quickly. I miss Mervyns who had the largest supply of uniforms I have ever seen. Levines also has it but they don't have a dressing room and absolutely no help. Plus if you don't return it within 7 days you are out your money, period!
OK, not going to get mother of the year award this year on so many levels, but this time because I forgot to buy more eggs. I had boiled them instead.
So breakfast was a boiled egg and toast.
Within an hour, here comes Tigger or is she Pooh? I'm Hungry!!
Annabel foraged through the snacks I bought them in China. There is something that comes in sticks and looks like jerkey but could be fruit. She offered a bite to the dogs and even they refused!
Her foster mother sent a package of this red meat looking things, maybe those things you see in jars on the counters at convenience stores? There are preparation instructions on the back but in Chinese. Can't even guess what it says or what it would be! They look like really bad wienies, but long and skinny. Maybe they are made to fit a hot dog bun! Just kidding.
Mom and Dad are on their way to the doc to see about Mom's foot. She has been in terrible pain and I know it must be bad because otherwise she would not complain.
So I have a busy table full of girls preparing a scavenger hunt of forest animals. Only Gillian could come up with that.
I must write thank you notes. We got the nicest card and gift yesterday from two very sweet ladies from church yesterday. Made me cry.
More later!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
To have a birthday party or not?
Annabel turned 11 on 7/24. We arrived on 7/27. I am trying to decide if we need to have a birthday party. Does anyone have any thoughts about it?
How does my horror scope know so much about me?
August 14, 2008
Aquarius (1/20-2/18)
It's all in your head today -- in other words, you can alter your reality by simply thinking differently than you have been. Feeling unattractive? Simply remind yourself that you are indeed very attractive, and people will start seeing it. Worried you won't pass a test? Tell yourself that you'll do as well as you can, and then you will. It's important to realize that your powers of positive thinking are just as strong as your powers of negative thinking -- so make sure to think the right way.
Aquarius (1/20-2/18)
It's all in your head today -- in other words, you can alter your reality by simply thinking differently than you have been. Feeling unattractive? Simply remind yourself that you are indeed very attractive, and people will start seeing it. Worried you won't pass a test? Tell yourself that you'll do as well as you can, and then you will. It's important to realize that your powers of positive thinking are just as strong as your powers of negative thinking -- so make sure to think the right way.
How does my horror scope know so much about me?
I don't believe in them, but certainly needed to be reminded of this today! And yes, I misspelled horoscope. I might have misspelled misspell. I think I missed it once in a spelling bee and never have spelled it correctly!
August 14, 2008
Aquarius (1/20-2/18)
It's all in your head today -- in other words, you can alter your reality by simply thinking differently than you have been. Feeling unattractive? Simply remind yourself that you are indeed very attractive, and people will start seeing it. Worried you won't pass a test? Tell yourself that you'll do as well as you can, and then you will. It's important to realize that your powers of positive thinking are just as strong as your powers of negative thinking -- so make sure to think the right way.
Aquarius (1/20-2/18)
It's all in your head today -- in other words, you can alter your reality by simply thinking differently than you have been. Feeling unattractive? Simply remind yourself that you are indeed very attractive, and people will start seeing it. Worried you won't pass a test? Tell yourself that you'll do as well as you can, and then you will. It's important to realize that your powers of positive thinking are just as strong as your powers of negative thinking -- so make sure to think the right way.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Not a day that will live in infamy!
Everyone seemed bored, tired, grouchy, or just malaise, or is that a condition?
So I came up with the brilliant idea of going out for lunch to McDonalds. But then I thouht about my free coupon for Chick Fill Al, so we went there instead. Plenty of good chicken strips, sauces, topped off with an icedream. yum!
After that we headed to Target to get an idea on school uniforms, hopefully some underwear that would not fall off Annabel, and a baby doll for her.
I had a basket full of stuff that I planned to buy, when my niece Gillian came running up and said she had just thrown up. Then did it again for good measure and then one more time.
I left the buggy got the other girls to get napkins, I got a small sprite for G, and grabbed some of their empty sacks as air sickness bags.
Then Grace started getting sick again.
Now that is just a good time! They all know I cannot handle the smell of throw up. I try to throw up with them. So now I had 2 in 2 days!
We had another lovely dinner provided but was only able to feed Darcey and Annabel as they were the only 2 with stomachs in working order. I was ordered by Grace and Gillian to save some for when they get well.
So instead of improving the mood for the day, I made it worse!
Thank goodness tomorrow starts anew!
So I came up with the brilliant idea of going out for lunch to McDonalds. But then I thouht about my free coupon for Chick Fill Al, so we went there instead. Plenty of good chicken strips, sauces, topped off with an icedream. yum!
After that we headed to Target to get an idea on school uniforms, hopefully some underwear that would not fall off Annabel, and a baby doll for her.
I had a basket full of stuff that I planned to buy, when my niece Gillian came running up and said she had just thrown up. Then did it again for good measure and then one more time.
I left the buggy got the other girls to get napkins, I got a small sprite for G, and grabbed some of their empty sacks as air sickness bags.
Then Grace started getting sick again.
Now that is just a good time! They all know I cannot handle the smell of throw up. I try to throw up with them. So now I had 2 in 2 days!
We had another lovely dinner provided but was only able to feed Darcey and Annabel as they were the only 2 with stomachs in working order. I was ordered by Grace and Gillian to save some for when they get well.
So instead of improving the mood for the day, I made it worse!
Thank goodness tomorrow starts anew!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Annabel
A lot of people have asked how she is adjusting to her new life. I don't know how to answer this because it is really difficult to know. The language barrier is huge, but can tell you that she loves her Grand Poppa and her Grandmother and loves helping both, giving and receiving hugs, and trying to communicate with them. Dad can get away with correcting her behavior with only a "sorry" in response.
She is not interested in trying new food and picks off anything that resembles cheese, lettuce, or tomatoes. She loves playing outside. She is bored when everything is in English. She goes to bed when told. She insists on helping unload the dishwasher even when she can't reach the shelves. She loves Ollie and Nina and wishes they would sleep on the bed with her.
The beginning of Annabel's life is recorded in an abandonment statement that shows she was found outside a civil affairs office by an employee of the civil affairs department. She was taken to the Nanchang Social Welfare Institute.
Her birth was determined to be 2 days prior to her discovery.
An ad was posted looking for the parents who left their baby girl, but no one responded.
There is only her immunization record showing information on her life during this time.
She knows that she was found to be very sick at about age 2. I have heard from 2 people who take credit for saving her life. She was told her head was too big and was put in the hospital.
Shortly thereafter she was placed with a foster family. I have very little if any records of these events.
The next time there is any record is when she is taken from her foster family and returned to the orphanage to await her adoption.
I did not receive many records on her schooling, growth, or anything else.
It does appear that her foster family was richer than most and when I met them was surprised at how well they were dressed and that they appeared to be somewhat higher class than I thought. Also they did not seem to have missed a meal, which makes it even more difficult to understand why Annabel is so small and under on development.
I'm not sure if she will ever be able to feel in the blanks or not. That's a lot of years to go through for a forever family. I hope she will think it is worth.
She is not interested in trying new food and picks off anything that resembles cheese, lettuce, or tomatoes. She loves playing outside. She is bored when everything is in English. She goes to bed when told. She insists on helping unload the dishwasher even when she can't reach the shelves. She loves Ollie and Nina and wishes they would sleep on the bed with her.
The beginning of Annabel's life is recorded in an abandonment statement that shows she was found outside a civil affairs office by an employee of the civil affairs department. She was taken to the Nanchang Social Welfare Institute.
Her birth was determined to be 2 days prior to her discovery.
An ad was posted looking for the parents who left their baby girl, but no one responded.
There is only her immunization record showing information on her life during this time.
She knows that she was found to be very sick at about age 2. I have heard from 2 people who take credit for saving her life. She was told her head was too big and was put in the hospital.
Shortly thereafter she was placed with a foster family. I have very little if any records of these events.
The next time there is any record is when she is taken from her foster family and returned to the orphanage to await her adoption.
I did not receive many records on her schooling, growth, or anything else.
It does appear that her foster family was richer than most and when I met them was surprised at how well they were dressed and that they appeared to be somewhat higher class than I thought. Also they did not seem to have missed a meal, which makes it even more difficult to understand why Annabel is so small and under on development.
I'm not sure if she will ever be able to feel in the blanks or not. That's a lot of years to go through for a forever family. I hope she will think it is worth.
Breaking the rules and a recap of Monday
My mom made it through the surgery, but it was much more complicated than they expected. She is to be completely off it for 2 days, which for her is a lifetime, and not go out for 2 weeks, and then full recovery in 6 weeks. She was not a happy camper with that news. I came over early as I thought she might try to get up and take care of things. She tried to get up but suddenly knew why he told her 2 days of bed rest, so she is laying down and the girls are outside playing.
Yesterday seems like a blur and I am ready to get over jet lag. I have read that going west to east is the hardest. (Is that the right direction?)
Most experts and families who have adopted older children, strongly recommend that you stay in for several weeks and allow your family to bond and new child to feel secure, etc.
So in the first 48 hours of being home, we have been to church and my office, which also happens to be the hospital. There were LOTS of people at both places wanting to meet Annabel. Plus my nieces are here so it overall is much more than what you are "supposed" to do.
My dear co-workers had ordered in pizza and salad to take care of everyone who came for Mom's surgery and had a beautiful and delicious cake for Annabel's birthday. That was really confusing, but she liked everyone singing to her.
The girls played bingo with my older adult group while I went to HR to take care of paperwork to get Annabel on insurance, etc.
We came home before Mom was released and the girls played outside. Gillian is such the activities director. She makes up games to ensure everyone is equally involved.
We had another delicious meal provided, so I am relieved of that stress.
I started the process of going to bed earlier and know we need a fairly strong routine for Annabel's sake. Everyone was in bed by 8:30 with no incidents! Yea!
This morning I explained to Grace that we needed to make room for Annabel's clothes in the giant Ikea wardrobe. Ever since she has been pretty mopey about the whole idea of sharing.
More to this story later!
Yesterday seems like a blur and I am ready to get over jet lag. I have read that going west to east is the hardest. (Is that the right direction?)
Most experts and families who have adopted older children, strongly recommend that you stay in for several weeks and allow your family to bond and new child to feel secure, etc.
So in the first 48 hours of being home, we have been to church and my office, which also happens to be the hospital. There were LOTS of people at both places wanting to meet Annabel. Plus my nieces are here so it overall is much more than what you are "supposed" to do.
My dear co-workers had ordered in pizza and salad to take care of everyone who came for Mom's surgery and had a beautiful and delicious cake for Annabel's birthday. That was really confusing, but she liked everyone singing to her.
The girls played bingo with my older adult group while I went to HR to take care of paperwork to get Annabel on insurance, etc.
We came home before Mom was released and the girls played outside. Gillian is such the activities director. She makes up games to ensure everyone is equally involved.
We had another delicious meal provided, so I am relieved of that stress.
I started the process of going to bed earlier and know we need a fairly strong routine for Annabel's sake. Everyone was in bed by 8:30 with no incidents! Yea!
This morning I explained to Grace that we needed to make room for Annabel's clothes in the giant Ikea wardrobe. Ever since she has been pretty mopey about the whole idea of sharing.
More to this story later!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Mom and foot surgery
My mom developed a weird thing with her foot that has been very painful.
A million years ago when we were kids and all on a camping trip, that included a Coleman stove, huge metal igloo water cooler, no tents, etc., my mother dropped that huge metal water cooler on her foot trying to get us kids clean clothes after swimming in a lake (YUCK!)
Anyway, basically cut off her big toe and messed up the others.
Spent the rest of the trip, yes, we continue to camp out, with a cast on.
Now all the parts that were never fixed right have broken again.
So she is having surgery today at 12 noon. Please say a prayer on her behalf. She knows she will have a long recovery, but the pain right now is so intense and unbearable she is willing to have the surgery.
A million years ago when we were kids and all on a camping trip, that included a Coleman stove, huge metal igloo water cooler, no tents, etc., my mother dropped that huge metal water cooler on her foot trying to get us kids clean clothes after swimming in a lake (YUCK!)
Anyway, basically cut off her big toe and messed up the others.
Spent the rest of the trip, yes, we continue to camp out, with a cast on.
Now all the parts that were never fixed right have broken again.
So she is having surgery today at 12 noon. Please say a prayer on her behalf. She knows she will have a long recovery, but the pain right now is so intense and unbearable she is willing to have the surgery.
Pictures & Passwords
It's such fun knowing Jerri's password! ;) It allows me to sneak in and add to her posts. I'm sure she's thrilled about that. LOL I'm adding some pictures that our niece Marcie took at the airport. They made me get teary eyed! Great stuff Marcie!)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Why starting your family in a hotel is a bad idea and I know why people quit writing when they get home.
For two and a half years, I have filled out paperwork, stood in lines, made phone calls, paid fees, filled out more paperwork, stood in more lines, more phone calls, paid more but these were things that I knew how to do.
In the meantime, I researched, I read, I emailed with others in similar situations, I tried to prepare for the changes.
We packed and we left, knowing that everything wasn't complete, but ready to meet the challenges.
Grace still loves to go to a hotel. In so many ways, that is where our family began.
She loves that we are in one room, usually have to share a bed, don't have to make up our bed, eat out, and Mom doesn't have any work to do!
So here we began another part of our family in hotels.
For these children who have lived in such meager beginnings, it is impossible to imagine what they think. They get used to maid service, laundry service, and restaurant service very quickly.
So home is a whole other story.
I realized that when I put my key into the door and we walked in, we have begun the real story and the real work. Adjusting to more space, learning to pick up after yourself, knowing where your things belong, how to take turns in the bathroom are a part of the story.
The real part is making this house a home for our family and making we three a family.
I hope I will continue finding time to update you.
I can tell you tonight was a battle zone.
Hopefully enough sleep and another day together will help us begin the work toward our goal.
In the meantime, I researched, I read, I emailed with others in similar situations, I tried to prepare for the changes.
We packed and we left, knowing that everything wasn't complete, but ready to meet the challenges.
Grace still loves to go to a hotel. In so many ways, that is where our family began.
She loves that we are in one room, usually have to share a bed, don't have to make up our bed, eat out, and Mom doesn't have any work to do!
So here we began another part of our family in hotels.
For these children who have lived in such meager beginnings, it is impossible to imagine what they think. They get used to maid service, laundry service, and restaurant service very quickly.
So home is a whole other story.
I realized that when I put my key into the door and we walked in, we have begun the real story and the real work. Adjusting to more space, learning to pick up after yourself, knowing where your things belong, how to take turns in the bathroom are a part of the story.
The real part is making this house a home for our family and making we three a family.
I hope I will continue finding time to update you.
I can tell you tonight was a battle zone.
Hopefully enough sleep and another day together will help us begin the work toward our goal.
Must love dogs
As we were trying to get ready to leave for China, the decision on what to do with our 2 dogs suddenly became critical. The little one, Nina, suddenly began biting anyone and everyone.
We were concerned on how Annabel would react to the dogs since Nina seemed extremely high strung.
When you are at the point of the planning you are already so broke but took Nina to a specialist who found she was low on thyroid. Medicine was prescribed and seems to have made a big difference.
On Saturday, Grace could not wait for me to get the dogs home. I found the phrase book and tried to ask Annabel if dogs scared her. (not a traditional phrase in the phrase book!)
We felt like she would be okay and I went to get the dogs.
When we got home, Annabel immediately took to Nina, carrying her around, laying down on the ground to pet her and things are going well.
We were concerned on how Annabel would react to the dogs since Nina seemed extremely high strung.
When you are at the point of the planning you are already so broke but took Nina to a specialist who found she was low on thyroid. Medicine was prescribed and seems to have made a big difference.
On Saturday, Grace could not wait for me to get the dogs home. I found the phrase book and tried to ask Annabel if dogs scared her. (not a traditional phrase in the phrase book!)
We felt like she would be okay and I went to get the dogs.
When we got home, Annabel immediately took to Nina, carrying her around, laying down on the ground to pet her and things are going well.
We're not in Kansas any more, Toto!
Wow! What a great welcome home.
When we stumbled past the windows of the luggage carousel, there was Mom, Dad, Gillian, Darcey, and my niece Marcie, waving signs and smiling and snapping pictures.
How wonderful to see all of them.
We had passed exhaustion and just become punchy zombies.
Dad drove up in my car to pick us up and I had the most wonderful surprise! A clean car! It is one of those things that has been on my list of things to do for the last 2 years! But somewhere during the last week in China I began to dream about how wonderful it would be! It was even better than my dream! Thanks Dad!
I know it was over 100 degrees, but have never seen anywhere more beautiful in my life!
The drive home seemed oddly familiar but separated by much more than 2 weeks.
I guessed something as up when Gillian insisted that we all go into our house first.
I was the surprised recipient of Extreme Home Makeover, Mission Organization, Design on a Dime, and all the others that help make a house livable.
It was beautiful. I cannot even describe it.
When I came home with Grace, Dad had completed the re-do of my bathroom that had been started 4 years before! I missed the initial reaction of Grace in her house by being overwhelmed by the bathroom.
This time I was so overwhelmed with the whole house that I missed Annabel coming into her house for the first time.
Mom kept insisting that I look in the refrigerator.
There were complete meals for several days from our good FCC friends. Wow! And you talk about delicious! I had not had anything that delcious in weeks!!! OK, only 2 weeks and I fear I might have lost an ounce of weight while gone :).
The girls began playing and I tried to take a nap, but knew I had to get our dogs, a shower, the girls a shower and start the long process of unpacking.
The girls fell asleep at Mom and Dad's, Grace on the couch, and somehow Annabel under the coffee table, right as dinner was served! Oh no! I could not get them awake to eat. Only washing their faces with a wet rag got them up at all and it involved a lot of crying, whining, etc.
I am so glad to be just next door and not have a long drive home.
I walked the girls into the bathroom, found some pajamas, washed face, legs, and feet, guided them toward their beds, and everyone was asleep by 7:30.
Only they woke up very early, about 3:00 a.m. and were hungry. Too bad Mom couldn't wake up to help.
When we stumbled past the windows of the luggage carousel, there was Mom, Dad, Gillian, Darcey, and my niece Marcie, waving signs and smiling and snapping pictures.
How wonderful to see all of them.
We had passed exhaustion and just become punchy zombies.
Dad drove up in my car to pick us up and I had the most wonderful surprise! A clean car! It is one of those things that has been on my list of things to do for the last 2 years! But somewhere during the last week in China I began to dream about how wonderful it would be! It was even better than my dream! Thanks Dad!
I know it was over 100 degrees, but have never seen anywhere more beautiful in my life!
The drive home seemed oddly familiar but separated by much more than 2 weeks.
I guessed something as up when Gillian insisted that we all go into our house first.
I was the surprised recipient of Extreme Home Makeover, Mission Organization, Design on a Dime, and all the others that help make a house livable.
It was beautiful. I cannot even describe it.
When I came home with Grace, Dad had completed the re-do of my bathroom that had been started 4 years before! I missed the initial reaction of Grace in her house by being overwhelmed by the bathroom.
This time I was so overwhelmed with the whole house that I missed Annabel coming into her house for the first time.
Mom kept insisting that I look in the refrigerator.
There were complete meals for several days from our good FCC friends. Wow! And you talk about delicious! I had not had anything that delcious in weeks!!! OK, only 2 weeks and I fear I might have lost an ounce of weight while gone :).
The girls began playing and I tried to take a nap, but knew I had to get our dogs, a shower, the girls a shower and start the long process of unpacking.
The girls fell asleep at Mom and Dad's, Grace on the couch, and somehow Annabel under the coffee table, right as dinner was served! Oh no! I could not get them awake to eat. Only washing their faces with a wet rag got them up at all and it involved a lot of crying, whining, etc.
I am so glad to be just next door and not have a long drive home.
I walked the girls into the bathroom, found some pajamas, washed face, legs, and feet, guided them toward their beds, and everyone was asleep by 7:30.
Only they woke up very early, about 3:00 a.m. and were hungry. Too bad Mom couldn't wake up to help.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
A Surprise for Jerri and the Girls
Big sister Lisa here - Jerri and the girl's flight should be landing in just 36 more minutes. I'm so excited and so sad I can't be there. It will be noise, color, tears, and chaos at the airport. I can't even begin to imagine what Annabel will think of her new home and family!
I have a surprise for Jerri and Grace - and in a way, Annabel. Since Jerri is on the plane and can't read this I'm telling the surprise now. For those of you who know Jerri personally, you'll know she and Grace live in the house next door to Mom and Dad. It's the house our sister Jana lived in. Well, Jerri moved in right on top of Jana's things, and already being a bit of a packrat...well, you can imagine the result.
When they walked out the door to go to the airport to catch a plane to China, she left her house in just a wee bit of a muddle...and that's an understatement, but I don't want to tattle on her too much! My daughter Katie and I came up from Austin and spent 2 1/2 days in her house! We moved furniture, unpacked boxes, hung curtains, put up pictures, mirrors, trinkets and treasures. We moved empty boxes into the garage as well as a plethora of empty plastic storage containers. We reconfigured things and made Jer an office. We took the extra bedroom furniture out of the girls' room and Dad sold it on Craigslist. We traded breakfast tables with Mom and Dad and gave the extra one to Gloria. Jerri had 4 eating spaces...maybe one or two extra. ;)
Anyway, that's the surprise. A totally organized and clean house. Mom and Dad helped enormously too. I can't forget to say that! Mom swept and swept. It's hard to keep those old houses from getting dusty. Dad built things, moved furniture, did some construction work, and ramrodded the whole project. It was a labor of love. :)
I hope when they walk in their front door they will love the surprise and instantly be at peace. No clutter, no boxes, just a serene living space for this new family. And isn't that a good surprise?
ps -I have one confession to make! While creating the office, we moved the computer stuff and didn't get it put back together before we had to leave. Ooop's! Sorry Jer!
I have a surprise for Jerri and Grace - and in a way, Annabel. Since Jerri is on the plane and can't read this I'm telling the surprise now. For those of you who know Jerri personally, you'll know she and Grace live in the house next door to Mom and Dad. It's the house our sister Jana lived in. Well, Jerri moved in right on top of Jana's things, and already being a bit of a packrat...well, you can imagine the result.
When they walked out the door to go to the airport to catch a plane to China, she left her house in just a wee bit of a muddle...and that's an understatement, but I don't want to tattle on her too much! My daughter Katie and I came up from Austin and spent 2 1/2 days in her house! We moved furniture, unpacked boxes, hung curtains, put up pictures, mirrors, trinkets and treasures. We moved empty boxes into the garage as well as a plethora of empty plastic storage containers. We reconfigured things and made Jer an office. We took the extra bedroom furniture out of the girls' room and Dad sold it on Craigslist. We traded breakfast tables with Mom and Dad and gave the extra one to Gloria. Jerri had 4 eating spaces...maybe one or two extra. ;)
Anyway, that's the surprise. A totally organized and clean house. Mom and Dad helped enormously too. I can't forget to say that! Mom swept and swept. It's hard to keep those old houses from getting dusty. Dad built things, moved furniture, did some construction work, and ramrodded the whole project. It was a labor of love. :)
I hope when they walk in their front door they will love the surprise and instantly be at peace. No clutter, no boxes, just a serene living space for this new family. And isn't that a good surprise?
ps -I have one confession to make! While creating the office, we moved the computer stuff and didn't get it put back together before we had to leave. Ooop's! Sorry Jer!
We've become one of those families you see on TV
How many times have I seen news stories with the camera panning the waiting area and people asleep wherever they can be? Each and every time I have felt so sorry for them. I could not imagine how rough that must be.
So at 3:07 a.m. I am trying to catch a minute of sleep on a metal bench in the restaurant area of Los Angeles Airport International Terminal, waiting for it to be 4:00a.m. so we can check our bags and then board at 6:40 a.m. for home. I keep trying to figure out what time it is in China, but best guess is 6:07 p.m. on Saturday. So we have been on the road 25 hours and still not home.
My ever obedient Grace is sitting on another bench writing in Chinese with her new stuffed dog.
My new Tigger, Annabel is barefoot, sitting on the luggage cart and made it into a sort of go cart wheeling up and down the corridor that at times is busy. Oh well!
Cathay Pacific gave us a voucher for $15 per person for food. at 1:00 a.m. in LAX the only open restaurant is McDonalds. Have you ever tried to spend $45 at McDonalds? I knew Annabel was hungry as neither the dinner or breakfast had suited her. Grace and I can find something we like on every meal served. Annabel's last meal was a bowl of noodles in Guangzhou that cost 10rmb, less than about a nickel. I had to go to a different part of the airport to get boiling water but the girls just sat and kept themselves occupied with their new electronic game. But that was the last meal she ate.
We are so close and can't wait to get home. A shower is becoming a priority now! Sleep another one. I was able to get Grace and I seats on the Hong Kong flight but did not have Annabel's passport so I couldn't check her in.
By the time I did, the seat on the row with us was taken.
I put the 2 girls together and must say that Cathay Pacific has the kindest flight attendants I have ever seen. This woman worked hard to get someone to swap with us so we all were on the same row. There was not an empty seat on the flight.
I had found seats that appeared to be at a bulkhead and they were, but then the armrests didn't go up.
Grace laid down on the floor and slept almost the entire flight. Annabel curled up in a ball in her seat and slept most of the time. Me? I suffered. Since Grace was under my feet I didn't have anywhere to put them. I hope if we ever do that again I can afford business class.
I have promised Annabel ice cream in 2 minutes and she is very prompt. More later.
So at 3:07 a.m. I am trying to catch a minute of sleep on a metal bench in the restaurant area of Los Angeles Airport International Terminal, waiting for it to be 4:00a.m. so we can check our bags and then board at 6:40 a.m. for home. I keep trying to figure out what time it is in China, but best guess is 6:07 p.m. on Saturday. So we have been on the road 25 hours and still not home.
My ever obedient Grace is sitting on another bench writing in Chinese with her new stuffed dog.
My new Tigger, Annabel is barefoot, sitting on the luggage cart and made it into a sort of go cart wheeling up and down the corridor that at times is busy. Oh well!
Cathay Pacific gave us a voucher for $15 per person for food. at 1:00 a.m. in LAX the only open restaurant is McDonalds. Have you ever tried to spend $45 at McDonalds? I knew Annabel was hungry as neither the dinner or breakfast had suited her. Grace and I can find something we like on every meal served. Annabel's last meal was a bowl of noodles in Guangzhou that cost 10rmb, less than about a nickel. I had to go to a different part of the airport to get boiling water but the girls just sat and kept themselves occupied with their new electronic game. But that was the last meal she ate.
We are so close and can't wait to get home. A shower is becoming a priority now! Sleep another one. I was able to get Grace and I seats on the Hong Kong flight but did not have Annabel's passport so I couldn't check her in.
By the time I did, the seat on the row with us was taken.
I put the 2 girls together and must say that Cathay Pacific has the kindest flight attendants I have ever seen. This woman worked hard to get someone to swap with us so we all were on the same row. There was not an empty seat on the flight.
I had found seats that appeared to be at a bulkhead and they were, but then the armrests didn't go up.
Grace laid down on the floor and slept almost the entire flight. Annabel curled up in a ball in her seat and slept most of the time. Me? I suffered. Since Grace was under my feet I didn't have anywhere to put them. I hope if we ever do that again I can afford business class.
I have promised Annabel ice cream in 2 minutes and she is very prompt. More later.
Friday, August 8, 2008
counting down
We made a quick trip back to McDonalds and to get Wan Yun's new game player fixed where she had erased all the games and songs.
On the way back I decided I could not deal with such heavy bags and bought a cheap one that expands and then we filled it up with food we can't get in the states.
Time only for a quick shower and into comfortable clothes before we check out in about 30 minutes. Trying to make sure we have the right things in the right bags so security won't take anything this time.
Mom, will you please have me a large iced tea with lemon and plenty of sweet and low regardless of what time we get there?
It is so hard to leave.
My older sister promises me that we will come back and I have to believe it's true. For one thing we need to see the pandas, but know I am too old to add another child! God knew what He was doing when He restricted the age for people who could adopt. I have giant bruises from falling, upset stomach from drinking tea with ice last night and overall my normal level of anxiety about flying! Prayers appreciated.
On the way back I decided I could not deal with such heavy bags and bought a cheap one that expands and then we filled it up with food we can't get in the states.
Time only for a quick shower and into comfortable clothes before we check out in about 30 minutes. Trying to make sure we have the right things in the right bags so security won't take anything this time.
Mom, will you please have me a large iced tea with lemon and plenty of sweet and low regardless of what time we get there?
It is so hard to leave.
My older sister promises me that we will come back and I have to believe it's true. For one thing we need to see the pandas, but know I am too old to add another child! God knew what He was doing when He restricted the age for people who could adopt. I have giant bruises from falling, upset stomach from drinking tea with ice last night and overall my normal level of anxiety about flying! Prayers appreciated.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
How fast can 2 weeks speed by?
It is so hard to believe we have only been here for 2 weeks when we have had a lifetime of experiences. Yet it only feels like a few days since the start of our journey.
We have a quiet day (I hope)!
We must check out of the hotel by 3:00 and then to the airport at 5:00. The flight doesn't take off until 8:00 to Hong Kong, then leave Hong Kong for LA at 11:40 pm, arrive LA at 9:55pm (no wonder we have jet lag!). The last leg is LA to Dallas leaving 12:30 am Saturday morning, arrive DFW 5:25am.
My mom has already promised I can take a long nap at their house when we return! And she has made a cake that I get to eat by myself. Probably won't but it is a nice offer.
I have to start packing and decide if we need to buy a new suitcase. We brought 2 suitcases full of gifts for the orphanage and I guess that shows how we as Americans are that I can fill them up and still need an extra.
I had asked others for advice on what to buy then bought very little of what anyone recommended. Most was only available on Shamian Island and I just couldn't do it.
I have a LOT of the China girl dresses that will fit Wan Yun but none for Grace.
I am only rambling as I face the stresses of this day.
I cannot thank you enough for all the prayers, emails. blog comments, new friends, and everything else that has made this trip so special.
We have a quiet day (I hope)!
We must check out of the hotel by 3:00 and then to the airport at 5:00. The flight doesn't take off until 8:00 to Hong Kong, then leave Hong Kong for LA at 11:40 pm, arrive LA at 9:55pm (no wonder we have jet lag!). The last leg is LA to Dallas leaving 12:30 am Saturday morning, arrive DFW 5:25am.
My mom has already promised I can take a long nap at their house when we return! And she has made a cake that I get to eat by myself. Probably won't but it is a nice offer.
I have to start packing and decide if we need to buy a new suitcase. We brought 2 suitcases full of gifts for the orphanage and I guess that shows how we as Americans are that I can fill them up and still need an extra.
I had asked others for advice on what to buy then bought very little of what anyone recommended. Most was only available on Shamian Island and I just couldn't do it.
I have a LOT of the China girl dresses that will fit Wan Yun but none for Grace.
I am only rambling as I face the stresses of this day.
I cannot thank you enough for all the prayers, emails. blog comments, new friends, and everything else that has made this trip so special.
This should have been our celebratory night
I guess we are all tired and tired of living in a hotel, so today started rough. I let the girls sleep so late we could not have the breakfast buffet.
At some point Annabel got mad at Grace about something, went to bed, and covered her head.
We were needing to eat and I told both girls to get dressed and picked out clothes for them.
My ever obedient Grace did as told.
Annabel decided to dig her heels in and show me she was not to be messed with. She just has never had a Texas Momma.
I was going to make her go in her pajamas but at the last second, or nano second she jumped up and got ready slamming doors, throwing things, and basically cussing me under her breath, I guess.
I took her hand and knew English was understood too much, but motherhood is universal. I explained she cannot pout and get her way. We are a family and have to work together.
Within a short time the fuss was over and we were one big happy family again with a good (yuck!) meal from KFC.
Then we shopped for a while in an area we hadn't seen looking for both girls something long sleeved for the flights home. I let them get their nails painted for a whopping 10 rmb each, about $1.25, bought a few gifts and headed back.
Our guide was going to pick us up at 3:00 for the last consulate meeting. Plus we didn't dare miss The Monkey King on TV!!
Even though the number of babies being adopted is considerably lower than in years past, there was a full room today taking their swearing of truthful info in the parent's plans for new children.
We ran into several we had seen in Nanchang, including the couple who now have 3 children less than 17 months old due to a referral of twins and a baby being born after they started the adoption process. The father in the family was in the hospital in Guangzhou with appendicitis. This poor woman had 3 kids under 17 months, husband in hospital, and just her mom to help! Wow! I thank God for taking care of us during this journey.
After 2 1/2 years of paper work, fees, uphill battles, last minute details, and everything else that could go wrong, it was finally right and the adoption was complete and citizenship would be bestowed in LA.
We went back to Shamian Island to buy some dresses and other souvenirs. Only it was too much for me and I couldn't bear the memories those streets provoked. A very nice Chinese woman walked us a long way to a cheaper restaurant with good food, rather than the touristy places.
I knew our Nanchang guide had told Annabel that she could call her foster family at 7:30 and she would call shortly thereafter. I purposely kept us out to miss those calls. An 11 year old cannot comprehend why the only family she has known has deserted her. I read daily the problems families have if their child maintains phone contact with their foster families.
I had hoped to distract her enough to forget.
As soon as she was out of the shower she wanted to call. I reminded her that it was too late.
Tears and so much sadness followed that I gave in to let her call. Only she didn't know how to make the call go through.
I wish at that point I had just shrugged my shoulders and pretended I didn't know how to make the call either. Instead by then she was crying so hard I found someone who could explain how to make the call and give me the codes I needed to get through.
I dialed the number and her foster mother answered and she grabbed the phone and the sorrowful conversation began. She could not talk for crying and everything was in Chinese.
I knew her heart was about to break and I could not help.
I also knew Grace's heart was about to break thinking of her own foster parents.
I made her hang up after 10 minutes and just hope they will take a credit card for the call.
She has cried so hard and screamed and cried for her Bobba (daddy) and Momma.
I knew I meant nothing to her in the face of this loss so just picked her up and put her in the bed and sat beside her.
She has cried and called out their names for over an hour, then reverted to a type of conversation/chant to them for another hour.
Now Grace is wide awake.
I must go so they both can get some sleep and pray for us all some strength for tomorrow and the days ahead.
At some point Annabel got mad at Grace about something, went to bed, and covered her head.
We were needing to eat and I told both girls to get dressed and picked out clothes for them.
My ever obedient Grace did as told.
Annabel decided to dig her heels in and show me she was not to be messed with. She just has never had a Texas Momma.
I was going to make her go in her pajamas but at the last second, or nano second she jumped up and got ready slamming doors, throwing things, and basically cussing me under her breath, I guess.
I took her hand and knew English was understood too much, but motherhood is universal. I explained she cannot pout and get her way. We are a family and have to work together.
Within a short time the fuss was over and we were one big happy family again with a good (yuck!) meal from KFC.
Then we shopped for a while in an area we hadn't seen looking for both girls something long sleeved for the flights home. I let them get their nails painted for a whopping 10 rmb each, about $1.25, bought a few gifts and headed back.
Our guide was going to pick us up at 3:00 for the last consulate meeting. Plus we didn't dare miss The Monkey King on TV!!
Even though the number of babies being adopted is considerably lower than in years past, there was a full room today taking their swearing of truthful info in the parent's plans for new children.
We ran into several we had seen in Nanchang, including the couple who now have 3 children less than 17 months old due to a referral of twins and a baby being born after they started the adoption process. The father in the family was in the hospital in Guangzhou with appendicitis. This poor woman had 3 kids under 17 months, husband in hospital, and just her mom to help! Wow! I thank God for taking care of us during this journey.
After 2 1/2 years of paper work, fees, uphill battles, last minute details, and everything else that could go wrong, it was finally right and the adoption was complete and citizenship would be bestowed in LA.
We went back to Shamian Island to buy some dresses and other souvenirs. Only it was too much for me and I couldn't bear the memories those streets provoked. A very nice Chinese woman walked us a long way to a cheaper restaurant with good food, rather than the touristy places.
I knew our Nanchang guide had told Annabel that she could call her foster family at 7:30 and she would call shortly thereafter. I purposely kept us out to miss those calls. An 11 year old cannot comprehend why the only family she has known has deserted her. I read daily the problems families have if their child maintains phone contact with their foster families.
I had hoped to distract her enough to forget.
As soon as she was out of the shower she wanted to call. I reminded her that it was too late.
Tears and so much sadness followed that I gave in to let her call. Only she didn't know how to make the call go through.
I wish at that point I had just shrugged my shoulders and pretended I didn't know how to make the call either. Instead by then she was crying so hard I found someone who could explain how to make the call and give me the codes I needed to get through.
I dialed the number and her foster mother answered and she grabbed the phone and the sorrowful conversation began. She could not talk for crying and everything was in Chinese.
I knew her heart was about to break and I could not help.
I also knew Grace's heart was about to break thinking of her own foster parents.
I made her hang up after 10 minutes and just hope they will take a credit card for the call.
She has cried so hard and screamed and cried for her Bobba (daddy) and Momma.
I knew I meant nothing to her in the face of this loss so just picked her up and put her in the bed and sat beside her.
She has cried and called out their names for over an hour, then reverted to a type of conversation/chant to them for another hour.
Now Grace is wide awake.
I must go so they both can get some sleep and pray for us all some strength for tomorrow and the days ahead.
Crazy masks
I hope these videos work. I wanted you to get a feel of the activity on this street and the variety of what was going on!
The Chicken man and I don't know how to get rid of the other picture.
Our guide explained that the Rooster man is traditional Cantonese and would go through the city with blowing his horn to sound like a rooster to let children on the upper floors know he was there so they could buy candy. The candy he sold looks like eggs and supposed to be good for their digestion. No one has eaten it though!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Bless her heart
I just realized that Annabel is asleep with her new jacket on over her pajamas. Too sweet.
While we were shopping the sales person brought me a stool to sit on and then Annabel shouted for one too. When I pointed out that Yuan Jie (Grace's Chinese name) did not have one, Annabel jumped off of hers and would have it no other way than for Grace to have a seat.
Now I am off to bed.
While we were shopping the sales person brought me a stool to sit on and then Annabel shouted for one too. When I pointed out that Yuan Jie (Grace's Chinese name) did not have one, Annabel jumped off of hers and would have it no other way than for Grace to have a seat.
Now I am off to bed.
Where did today start?
I've been trying for the last hour to access our reservations on Cathay Pacific. I hate to say that I have let the idea of the 14 hour flight home pervade my thoughts this whole wonderful trip, but the flight from LA to Hong Kong started so badly I cannot imagine doing that again.
The Cathay Pacific website told me that you could only check in within 48 hours of your flight if you have an eticket.
Can you believe we have less than 48 hours left in China?
Grace would be sad so if I told her that. She loves China. She recovered from being sad last night but none of us could wake up this morning.
It is SO much quieter here than it was in Nanchang. Not a single firecracker funeral to wake us up! So with the nice cool room and larger beds we have enjoyed our sleep.
But we had an appointment with our guide Jack for 9:00 to go to the Consulate to prepare the affidavit that I would get Belle vaccinated at home.
This should have been done at home but somehow it was a detail that was skipped.
Funny thing about this, since she is 11 years old she was required to get the vaccinations here and the form says it is only for children 10 and under.
Oh well.
It was an interesting 45 minute drive and I was so thankful that I was not the one driving. I asked if it was rush hour traffic and Jack said no, it was just the usual.
Anyway, back to the beginning.
Annabel, as she told us her name is tonight, was cold in the restaurant, so she would not eat. Believe it or not I did not have a sweater or jacket with me since I have been tempted to wear only my skivvies but knew I would still sweat!
So we had a power struggle on drinking warm milk to help warm her up and then eat or sit and pout and rub her arms to make sure I understood.
She jumps up and down constantly to get something else to eat. She tries a bite and then decides she wants something else. If I suggest something I usually get the sweet response of NO!!
She jumped up and suddenly reappeared with a brown shawl on. I asked a couple we had met in the elevator if it was theirs but it wasn't so I still have no clue where she got it.
Breakfast for her consisted of only 1 egg when she usually will have about 4. I'm not sure if it against the rules but I took 2 boiled eggs for her. I knew she would be hungry soon, as even with a full breakfast she is asking for something to eat within an hour.
I put them in her pockets and hoped they would warm her up some.
The consulate was not very interesting, just long waits.
But the amazing thing is if you show a US passport, you get to skip to the head of the line! It was almost like Moses parting the Red Sea, people stood aside to let us through.
Back to the hotel and Jack found someone who could do our laundry. I don't remember it costing so much before, but it has been outrageous this time. But nothing has been as cheap as I remember.
Jack has been interesting to talk to about life in China. He told me the market in China has dropped 60% this year! I thought ours was bad.
Laundry taken care of and I decide to splurge for the buffet at the hotel for lunch to avoid too many trips to McD's or Kendugy, which is KFC. The food was so good and they had someone grilling chicken, pork, and beef. They even had potatoes on the buffet. I felt like I was home.
Afterward we tried to find a couple of the shops I hit yesterday. I got Grace some pajamas that were too small and also a music store.
On the way back from the consulate, Annabel began singing a song that Jack was impressed she knew. He described them as both opera and folk songs. I was determined to get some CDs to help her remember this music. Grace has forgotten all of those kind of songs and hope with the CDs it will help remind her too.
The music store also sold DVDs so we stocked up on plenty of favorites in Chinese.
Then I remembered we had to find her a jacket or something with long sleeves.
The street by the Holiday Inn is blocked from traffic and on either side are stores of all shapes and sizes selling everything from clothes to snake juice! Honest! One store had big jugs of stuff with snakes in the bottom. We saw something similar, only with crabs, etc. in Nanchang and our guide said it was for arthritis. Don't know what the snake juice is for but hope I never need it! If you need it, let me know and I will bring you some!
Finding a jacket or long sleeved shirt was more difficult than I imagined. What is odd about the stores is sometimes there are multiple floors and from the outside you cannot tell. Or as we found today, it is actually a mini mall inside that one store. We found just the right jacket and something like a sweatshirt so I can stop worrying about that.
We came back to the hotel since someone was already HUNGRY again!
Checking my email I found a post on a yahoo group asking if anyone was in Guangzhou.
Hey we are.
There is a family who adopted twins on 7/21. They arrived in Guangzhou on 7/25. The twins have been in intensive care ever since. They have pneumonia and this has left this family stretched between hospital and hotel. They were in need of things like antibacterial wipes and food for the room.
I have read about God winking.
I had just wondered what I should do about mac and cheese and tuna, etc. that we had not used. I haven't been as diligent as last trip about eating in the room plus Annabel has not found a taste for Western food. So I was trying to decide whether to toss it or take it home.
Then I read that post.
Aha! I knew what to do with my extra food and wipes!
We took a taxi to the White Swan Hotel, where we stayed last time. While I still think the Holiday Inn is wonderful, I had forgotten about the opulence of the White Swan. It is definitely a higher class place.
Got to meet a sweet new mom who has gone through more in her first month of motherhood than I can imagine. She told me the hospital is basically self service and someone needs to be there to take the babies' temp, give medicine, feed, etc. Plus it is costing them a small fortune. At least one baby has been released, but now they are pulled between hotel and hospital and grandmom trying to fill in the slack. Keep them in your prayers, please.
I wanted to shop on Shamian Island, where the White Swan is located, but my little sweetheart started her I'M HUNGRY! in her delicate little ear splitting voice! Since I had promised McDonalds and there isn't one there, we took a taxi back.
I was so shocked to recognize where we were and have the driver let us off at the right place to go straight into McDonalds.
On the way back we did more shopping and then I went splat right on the sidewalk. This sidewalk is busier than Central Expressway during rush hour. I was afraid I would be trampled.
My little sweeties helped me up and then held on as we rushed back.
They both continue to amaze me at the kindness shown to each other and then to me. I thank God daily that things are going as well as they are.
Tomorrow afternoon is our appointment with the American Consulate to get Annabel's visa. For now, I need to take a shower and go to bed.
The Cathay Pacific website told me that you could only check in within 48 hours of your flight if you have an eticket.
Can you believe we have less than 48 hours left in China?
Grace would be sad so if I told her that. She loves China. She recovered from being sad last night but none of us could wake up this morning.
It is SO much quieter here than it was in Nanchang. Not a single firecracker funeral to wake us up! So with the nice cool room and larger beds we have enjoyed our sleep.
But we had an appointment with our guide Jack for 9:00 to go to the Consulate to prepare the affidavit that I would get Belle vaccinated at home.
This should have been done at home but somehow it was a detail that was skipped.
Funny thing about this, since she is 11 years old she was required to get the vaccinations here and the form says it is only for children 10 and under.
Oh well.
It was an interesting 45 minute drive and I was so thankful that I was not the one driving. I asked if it was rush hour traffic and Jack said no, it was just the usual.
Anyway, back to the beginning.
Annabel, as she told us her name is tonight, was cold in the restaurant, so she would not eat. Believe it or not I did not have a sweater or jacket with me since I have been tempted to wear only my skivvies but knew I would still sweat!
So we had a power struggle on drinking warm milk to help warm her up and then eat or sit and pout and rub her arms to make sure I understood.
She jumps up and down constantly to get something else to eat. She tries a bite and then decides she wants something else. If I suggest something I usually get the sweet response of NO!!
She jumped up and suddenly reappeared with a brown shawl on. I asked a couple we had met in the elevator if it was theirs but it wasn't so I still have no clue where she got it.
Breakfast for her consisted of only 1 egg when she usually will have about 4. I'm not sure if it against the rules but I took 2 boiled eggs for her. I knew she would be hungry soon, as even with a full breakfast she is asking for something to eat within an hour.
I put them in her pockets and hoped they would warm her up some.
The consulate was not very interesting, just long waits.
But the amazing thing is if you show a US passport, you get to skip to the head of the line! It was almost like Moses parting the Red Sea, people stood aside to let us through.
Back to the hotel and Jack found someone who could do our laundry. I don't remember it costing so much before, but it has been outrageous this time. But nothing has been as cheap as I remember.
Jack has been interesting to talk to about life in China. He told me the market in China has dropped 60% this year! I thought ours was bad.
Laundry taken care of and I decide to splurge for the buffet at the hotel for lunch to avoid too many trips to McD's or Kendugy, which is KFC. The food was so good and they had someone grilling chicken, pork, and beef. They even had potatoes on the buffet. I felt like I was home.
Afterward we tried to find a couple of the shops I hit yesterday. I got Grace some pajamas that were too small and also a music store.
On the way back from the consulate, Annabel began singing a song that Jack was impressed she knew. He described them as both opera and folk songs. I was determined to get some CDs to help her remember this music. Grace has forgotten all of those kind of songs and hope with the CDs it will help remind her too.
The music store also sold DVDs so we stocked up on plenty of favorites in Chinese.
Then I remembered we had to find her a jacket or something with long sleeves.
The street by the Holiday Inn is blocked from traffic and on either side are stores of all shapes and sizes selling everything from clothes to snake juice! Honest! One store had big jugs of stuff with snakes in the bottom. We saw something similar, only with crabs, etc. in Nanchang and our guide said it was for arthritis. Don't know what the snake juice is for but hope I never need it! If you need it, let me know and I will bring you some!
Finding a jacket or long sleeved shirt was more difficult than I imagined. What is odd about the stores is sometimes there are multiple floors and from the outside you cannot tell. Or as we found today, it is actually a mini mall inside that one store. We found just the right jacket and something like a sweatshirt so I can stop worrying about that.
We came back to the hotel since someone was already HUNGRY again!
Checking my email I found a post on a yahoo group asking if anyone was in Guangzhou.
Hey we are.
There is a family who adopted twins on 7/21. They arrived in Guangzhou on 7/25. The twins have been in intensive care ever since. They have pneumonia and this has left this family stretched between hospital and hotel. They were in need of things like antibacterial wipes and food for the room.
I have read about God winking.
I had just wondered what I should do about mac and cheese and tuna, etc. that we had not used. I haven't been as diligent as last trip about eating in the room plus Annabel has not found a taste for Western food. So I was trying to decide whether to toss it or take it home.
Then I read that post.
Aha! I knew what to do with my extra food and wipes!
We took a taxi to the White Swan Hotel, where we stayed last time. While I still think the Holiday Inn is wonderful, I had forgotten about the opulence of the White Swan. It is definitely a higher class place.
Got to meet a sweet new mom who has gone through more in her first month of motherhood than I can imagine. She told me the hospital is basically self service and someone needs to be there to take the babies' temp, give medicine, feed, etc. Plus it is costing them a small fortune. At least one baby has been released, but now they are pulled between hotel and hospital and grandmom trying to fill in the slack. Keep them in your prayers, please.
I wanted to shop on Shamian Island, where the White Swan is located, but my little sweetheart started her I'M HUNGRY! in her delicate little ear splitting voice! Since I had promised McDonalds and there isn't one there, we took a taxi back.
I was so shocked to recognize where we were and have the driver let us off at the right place to go straight into McDonalds.
On the way back we did more shopping and then I went splat right on the sidewalk. This sidewalk is busier than Central Expressway during rush hour. I was afraid I would be trampled.
My little sweeties helped me up and then held on as we rushed back.
They both continue to amaze me at the kindness shown to each other and then to me. I thank God daily that things are going as well as they are.
Tomorrow afternoon is our appointment with the American Consulate to get Annabel's visa. For now, I need to take a shower and go to bed.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Earthquake here?
I just read there was another earthquake here today. Certainly did not know it where we are. Everything is fine.
More good thunderstorms this afternoon.
Weather forecast over and I am off to bed! As you begin your day!
More good thunderstorms this afternoon.
Weather forecast over and I am off to bed! As you begin your day!
Better than I expected
With our day starting off going to the physical exam and Wan Yun getting shots, then finding out she does have an ear infection and can't swim, I was expecting disaster.
The training we had to do online for the Hague Convention stressed doing things in 2 hour shifts - studying/working on project, food, then physical activity.
I try to keep that going. Wan Yun has yet to turn down any snack, some foods she HATES, but if she likes it, she will eat it, like 3 eggs!
Swimming had been a great way to break up the afternoon, but I had put a stop to it in Nanchang when I realized there did not seem to be any chlorine in the pool and the only other swimmer that day continued to spit in the water! GROSS!! Did not want that germ!
So we were excited to get to the Holiday Inn and swimming again. Got the boogie boards and floaties all packed from Nanchang.
Then with the ear infection and instructions to keep her quiet and rested after immunizations that was lost.
So I did the next best thing with a long bath.
I was posting while they were taking it.
It got way too quiet in there so I went to check. They had about an inch of water on the floor from rinsing their hair (why would you have a hand held sprayer on a tub?) and had used almost a bar of soap blowing bubbles! Grace made the biggest bubbles I have ever seen using her thumb and forefinger and soap! Had to be 24" across, no kidding!
They finally finished up and I got them both comfortable clothes and Wan Yun a robe (she is always so cold) and turned back the covers and put them both in bed with the TV on The Monkey King. Gave them each a special snack and a glass of water. They acted like I had treated them like princesses.
I took a very short nap, then with them feeling ok about things, went shopping down on the street for a while.
I brought back big tubs of instant noodles, some odd pastries from a bakery, shrimp flavored chips, and some gross looking beef jerkey! Plus the new clothes I had bought them. They felt like they had hit the mother lode!
After that meal Grace wanted us to play a game as a family.
So what better family game than WAR! with Disney princess cards.
At least each of them won once, then we went looking for ice cream, Wan Yun's first English words!
We found a book store.
It is tricky to shop on these streets because the really good places are upstairs and you would miss them by all the loud noise and distractions on the ground level.
Wan Yun went straight to a Student's Chinese to English Dictionary, the large economy one, and wanted to buy it. I showed her the smaller ones, but since she also failed her vision test realized the larger words were going to be needed. We bought several other Chinese books for her and some workbooks for her to drill Grace in Chinese. Poor Grace doesn't have a chance!
We finally got our ice cream and everyone was so tired they didn't think they could make the block back!
After they were in bed and I was through with my shower and starting to type, I realized that Grace was sniffing. At first I thought it was the temperature extremes and all the rain and in and out. But no she was crying.
She told me they had looked at all the pictures on the camera while I was out and that Wan Yun had seen her foster parents. She was concerned that would make her sad.
But late at night, it was Grace who was sad. She cried and cried about her foster mother. I told her I cannot explain how they decided she was suitable for adoption but I knew she belonged to me.
I told her we don't know what it all means yet.
I assured her that God was in control and that He knew she could accomplish great things.
It might be she is to be a teacher of someone who ends up inventing cures for all types of illnesses. That we might not know in our lifetimes, but that I loved her so much and could not do with out her.
I told her I was so sorry that she has gone through so much in her very short life and that I cannot comprehend what she has experienced, but am so sorry that she is sad.
A good scratching of her back seemed to help and she is fast asleep. Which is where I need to be too!
Tomorrow morning at 10:00 we go to the American Consulate. $400 for a visa for Wan Yun. But she will also be a US citizen when we arrive in LA. That's a good thing.
But for me to have feared the worst for the day, it ended up so much better than I ever expected. We actually felt like a family today. The number of NOs greatly diminished and we all laughed and had fun. Thank you Lord!
The training we had to do online for the Hague Convention stressed doing things in 2 hour shifts - studying/working on project, food, then physical activity.
I try to keep that going. Wan Yun has yet to turn down any snack, some foods she HATES, but if she likes it, she will eat it, like 3 eggs!
Swimming had been a great way to break up the afternoon, but I had put a stop to it in Nanchang when I realized there did not seem to be any chlorine in the pool and the only other swimmer that day continued to spit in the water! GROSS!! Did not want that germ!
So we were excited to get to the Holiday Inn and swimming again. Got the boogie boards and floaties all packed from Nanchang.
Then with the ear infection and instructions to keep her quiet and rested after immunizations that was lost.
So I did the next best thing with a long bath.
I was posting while they were taking it.
It got way too quiet in there so I went to check. They had about an inch of water on the floor from rinsing their hair (why would you have a hand held sprayer on a tub?) and had used almost a bar of soap blowing bubbles! Grace made the biggest bubbles I have ever seen using her thumb and forefinger and soap! Had to be 24" across, no kidding!
They finally finished up and I got them both comfortable clothes and Wan Yun a robe (she is always so cold) and turned back the covers and put them both in bed with the TV on The Monkey King. Gave them each a special snack and a glass of water. They acted like I had treated them like princesses.
I took a very short nap, then with them feeling ok about things, went shopping down on the street for a while.
I brought back big tubs of instant noodles, some odd pastries from a bakery, shrimp flavored chips, and some gross looking beef jerkey! Plus the new clothes I had bought them. They felt like they had hit the mother lode!
After that meal Grace wanted us to play a game as a family.
So what better family game than WAR! with Disney princess cards.
At least each of them won once, then we went looking for ice cream, Wan Yun's first English words!
We found a book store.
It is tricky to shop on these streets because the really good places are upstairs and you would miss them by all the loud noise and distractions on the ground level.
Wan Yun went straight to a Student's Chinese to English Dictionary, the large economy one, and wanted to buy it. I showed her the smaller ones, but since she also failed her vision test realized the larger words were going to be needed. We bought several other Chinese books for her and some workbooks for her to drill Grace in Chinese. Poor Grace doesn't have a chance!
We finally got our ice cream and everyone was so tired they didn't think they could make the block back!
After they were in bed and I was through with my shower and starting to type, I realized that Grace was sniffing. At first I thought it was the temperature extremes and all the rain and in and out. But no she was crying.
She told me they had looked at all the pictures on the camera while I was out and that Wan Yun had seen her foster parents. She was concerned that would make her sad.
But late at night, it was Grace who was sad. She cried and cried about her foster mother. I told her I cannot explain how they decided she was suitable for adoption but I knew she belonged to me.
I told her we don't know what it all means yet.
I assured her that God was in control and that He knew she could accomplish great things.
It might be she is to be a teacher of someone who ends up inventing cures for all types of illnesses. That we might not know in our lifetimes, but that I loved her so much and could not do with out her.
I told her I was so sorry that she has gone through so much in her very short life and that I cannot comprehend what she has experienced, but am so sorry that she is sad.
A good scratching of her back seemed to help and she is fast asleep. Which is where I need to be too!
Tomorrow morning at 10:00 we go to the American Consulate. $400 for a visa for Wan Yun. But she will also be a US citizen when we arrive in LA. That's a good thing.
But for me to have feared the worst for the day, it ended up so much better than I ever expected. We actually felt like a family today. The number of NOs greatly diminished and we all laughed and had fun. Thank you Lord!
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