Last night Olivia slept from 10:00 – 6:00 a.m. She would wake up throughout the night and I would just rub her back and she would go right back asleep. Anyway, once 6:00 a.m. came she was up. We went down for breakfast, Olivia had her first taste of banana, and she liked it. We met my cousin, Dan Mangers’ employee there. Him and his wife are adopting a daughter from China too. It really is a small world.
Bob is now with our group touring some museum. I am tiered so Olivia and I are staying back. While they were cleaning our room we went and checked out the playroom that they have here in the hotel. We came back and Olivia drank a bottle and feel asleep.
I am off to take a nap of my own. I will have Bob post about his outing after he gets back.
Colette
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Crazy Americans!
Last night we went to eat with Katie, Marc & Sofie. We ate at the Chinese restaurant here in the hotel. It was quiet an experience. The staff there speaks very, very little English. We first ordered beer then after that they didn’t come back to our table. The only place in this hotel that has air conditioning is the lobby. Otherwise it is turned off everywhere else. We were able to get a fan from housekeeping and we open our windows in our room. Anyway, finally we were able to order, but then the food took forever. Later, Sofie was making quite a mess on the table trying to feed herself & Katie. Then Olivia tipped over my beer. We kept getting stares from the staff. They probably were saying "Crazy Americans"
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
First Taste of Ice Cream
Olivia having her first taste of ice cream (we think). She really likes it.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Olivia Is Officially Ours
It's official! Olivia is ours in the eyes of the Chinese government. This morning, we returned to the adoption center and finalized the documents.The above photo was taken with the director of the orphanage that had Olivia. We learned that she was actual with a foster parent for approximately 5 months after she turned 6 months old. Apparently the orphanage holds the kids until they are 6 months old and then will put them in with a foster home. About 1 week prior to being adopted they move them back to the orphanage. We also learned how to pronounce her Chinese middle and first name, Min Ya (sounds like "me yah"). She didn't speak any english but she seemed like a very caring and likeable women.
Olivia is really starting to bond with Colette. Just as I was typing this, Colette was playing with her and Olivia leaned in and gave Colette a kiss. I have to say that the bonding has definately begun! For me, she tolerates me enough to let me hold her but I'm still working on her.
Bob
Look Back on Gotcha Day!
I have been having a hard time putting my thoughts down on paper. The emotions are just so hard to describe.
When we got to the adoption center we went up the elevator. Right after we sat down, I looked over to one of the families in our group and they already had their baby. In our group there were 10 families. 9 of them were from 3 different orphanages and one was a special needs (cleft lip pallet) 2 ½ yr. old, from another orphanage. Anyway, after the family with the special needs girl, they announced the families with babies from the Xinhua orphanage to come. We walked over a little and they said "Robert & Colette Walker". We were the first in our group. I was shocked, didn’t think we would be first. They just handed her to me. Bob and I walked around the corner to make room for the next family to be reunited. I didn’t want to cry, but the emotions just came flooding. Bob and I both cried. This didn’t startle Olivia. She kept looking around at the crazy chaos. She didn’t look at us. Or at least I don’t think she did.
I sat down with her and held her on my lap while the rest of the people got their babies. Most of the babies were crying. Olivia, just kept looking around, eyes wide open. She wouldn’t look at me though. She was being so good that I didn’t want to startle her, so I kept quiet and didn’t look in her face. This seemed to work wonderful. She never cried at the Adoption Center. We then all got loaded up in the bus and headed to the the grocery store. Half way through our shopping I handed her to Bob and he held her and she did fine. After that we came back to the room in the hotel. She did not cry until I put her down, she wanted to be held. It still though wasn’t a bad cry. We then hung out in our room. We put her down on the floor and she was grabbing the different toys. She wanted something in her hands. Then we stood her up and she walked. YES, SHE WALKED. We couldn’t believe it. She is 11 ½ months old. Megan didn’t walk till she was 13 months. This was so unexpected, I expected her to be more delayed. Olivia is very curious about things. They had said this in the info that we got back in January, but I didn’t know how much to believe. Well, they were right. She took a 2-hour nap and I went and did some paperwork. Which was giving us temporary custody for 24 hours.
Bob & I were exhausted and went to bed at 9:30. We put her in her crib, which was right next to our bed. Bob fell asleep right away. Olivia would fuss a little. I put my hand through the crib bars then took it out. She then put her hand through the crib bar and grabbed my hand. Then she would let go, so I would take my hand out, then she would grab my hand again. She kept doing this over and over. Then she started laughing & laughing. She was smiling and giggling. So, much that it woke up Bob. Olivia continued to do this for ½ hour. It was precious.
Colette
When we got to the adoption center we went up the elevator. Right after we sat down, I looked over to one of the families in our group and they already had their baby. In our group there were 10 families. 9 of them were from 3 different orphanages and one was a special needs (cleft lip pallet) 2 ½ yr. old, from another orphanage. Anyway, after the family with the special needs girl, they announced the families with babies from the Xinhua orphanage to come. We walked over a little and they said "Robert & Colette Walker". We were the first in our group. I was shocked, didn’t think we would be first. They just handed her to me. Bob and I walked around the corner to make room for the next family to be reunited. I didn’t want to cry, but the emotions just came flooding. Bob and I both cried. This didn’t startle Olivia. She kept looking around at the crazy chaos. She didn’t look at us. Or at least I don’t think she did.
I sat down with her and held her on my lap while the rest of the people got their babies. Most of the babies were crying. Olivia, just kept looking around, eyes wide open. She wouldn’t look at me though. She was being so good that I didn’t want to startle her, so I kept quiet and didn’t look in her face. This seemed to work wonderful. She never cried at the Adoption Center. We then all got loaded up in the bus and headed to the the grocery store. Half way through our shopping I handed her to Bob and he held her and she did fine. After that we came back to the room in the hotel. She did not cry until I put her down, she wanted to be held. It still though wasn’t a bad cry. We then hung out in our room. We put her down on the floor and she was grabbing the different toys. She wanted something in her hands. Then we stood her up and she walked. YES, SHE WALKED. We couldn’t believe it. She is 11 ½ months old. Megan didn’t walk till she was 13 months. This was so unexpected, I expected her to be more delayed. Olivia is very curious about things. They had said this in the info that we got back in January, but I didn’t know how much to believe. Well, they were right. She took a 2-hour nap and I went and did some paperwork. Which was giving us temporary custody for 24 hours.
Bob & I were exhausted and went to bed at 9:30. We put her in her crib, which was right next to our bed. Bob fell asleep right away. Olivia would fuss a little. I put my hand through the crib bars then took it out. She then put her hand through the crib bar and grabbed my hand. Then she would let go, so I would take my hand out, then she would grab my hand again. She kept doing this over and over. Then she started laughing & laughing. She was smiling and giggling. So, much that it woke up Bob. Olivia continued to do this for ½ hour. It was precious.
Colette
Sunday, February 25, 2007
First Food... at least for us.
This is taken shortly after we got back to the hotel. I am feeding her congee. Which is a rice type cereal. I also gave her some diluted apple juice. Wanted to give her some of the formula, but didn't know how to mix it. Everything is in Chinese. Our guide is going to show us later.
We Have Baby!
These pictures were taking in the "adoption room" after we got Olivia. She was very quiet, didn't cry. She was looking all around at what was going on around her. Which was quite chaotic. Many of the other babies were crying. She hasn't given us eye contact yet. Today Is The Day
We just got back from breakfast; our group will meet in the lobby at 9:30. The bus will drive us to the "meeting place". We get our babies around 10:00 a.m. Our agency has 10 families each getting one child. We were told that with all of the different adoption agencies there would be 100 families receiving a child today. WOW! We are all staying at the Dolton Hotel, most everyone is staying on 2 floors here in the hotel. This place is sure going to look different after everyone receives their child.
I can't believe today is the day! The day we get Olivia! I am so excited! After the long wait…. we are finally here. "Olivia, I can’t wait to finally meet you, you are already loved very much, and your sister Megan is so excited to meet you".
We want to thank all of our family and friends for all of the love and support you have given us. We love all of you. Please keep Olivia in your prayers.
The next post we post will be after we get Olivia!
Colette
I can't believe today is the day! The day we get Olivia! I am so excited! After the long wait…. we are finally here. "Olivia, I can’t wait to finally meet you, you are already loved very much, and your sister Megan is so excited to meet you".
We want to thank all of our family and friends for all of the love and support you have given us. We love all of you. Please keep Olivia in your prayers.
The next post we post will be after we get Olivia!
Colette
Katie
Sunday I got to meet Katie & Marc. It was so nice after all this time to finally meet in person. I have talked with Katie on the phone a few times and emailed a ton of times. This is the first child for them. It will be so neat to see them become parents today.
Colette
Colette
The Start of The Paperwork
After we were all checked in. We had to meet to start the paperwork. They needed one of the parents to fill out the papers. We thought I should do it since I was the one who had did all of the paperwork and was more familiar with it. Bad decision, I was brain dead for lack of sleep. I felt like an idiot. It can be hard filling out legal forms when the instructions are in Chinese.
Leaving Beijing
Sunday morning we left Beijing and headed toward Changsha Hunan. The flight was around 2 hours. We flew China Southern, the seats are not as wide as the US airlines, 2 inches smaller then US economy seats. The flight was full, so it was a little tight. I guess it is because the Chinese people are generally smaller.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Summary for Feb 24th
We started out with an awesome breakfast. The hotel had all of the common western breakfast items plus some Chinese type (dimsung(probably spelled that wrong), fried noodles, spring rolls, etc.). We visited the Forbidden City, TianAnMen Square, and the Great Wall. We had some awesome Peking Duck at a local restraunt and are trying to sooth our aching muscles from walking up the Great Wall. On the way back to the hotel, they drove us by the outdoor arena being built for the 2008 Olympics. It looks like a birdcage and is really pretty neat. We could not get a decent photo from the bus but you will see that next year.
Tomorrow we fly to Changsha in the Hunan province and will meet Olivia for the first time on Monday. Stay tuned!
Bob
Tomorrow we fly to Changsha in the Hunan province and will meet Olivia for the first time on Monday. Stay tuned!
Bob
Walking Up the Great Wall
We are starting our trek up the Great Wall! Actually, it is only a little piece of the wall since it is many miles long. Going out of Beijing, you start to see mountains in the distance which is a big change since most of the topography we have seen so far has been flat. And I really thought from a distance that the mountains were actually thunderheads building up on the horizon.
Wow! What a feeling of being on something that is so old and historic. This is the most favorite historic site that Colette and I visited so far.
Bob
A neat thing is dealing with the white stone over my left shoulder in this picture. The Chinese people think that you are a hero if you visit the wall so all of them were taking their picture with that small monument.
Vertigo Has Started!
Wow! We started wayyyyyyyy down there at the bottom and climbed up this far. Everybody is pretty winded by this spot (as you can see by the first guy in the picture).
The steps up the wall are very uneven. At this point, we are thinking going back down might be harder than going up.
Up Too High!
As I was standing here wishing I had a bottle of oxygen, I snapped this photo. Colette is down somewhere close to that tower. These photos do not really give a good idea of how steep this really was.
I was impressed with myself that I made it this far and could have gone up even higher but I do not like heights and this was really giving me some serious vertigo!
The Union Tree
This is called the "Union Tree" that is in the Forbidden City. It is two trees that join as one. It is good luck for a couple to stand near the tree. Here’s to many more years for us together.
Squatty Potty
Don’t laugh at me for taking this picture. I just had to. This was a first for me. When was your first time (talking to all females) peed in one of these? They are called "squatty potties". Yes, it is as bad as it looks. I was told that this was a "clean one". Bob said "what’s the big deal?" Guess men are just use to this.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Colette's Alive.... we think!!!
Good morning, or good afternoon, or whatever. But, it still is a "Good" day. I am in China and will get my baby in 2 days.!
Boy are we screwed up. It is 2:00 pm. for you folks and 4:00 am. for us. There is a 14 hour time difference. We have been awake since 2:30 a.m I went to sleep last night around 7:30 and Bob went to sleep an hour latter. UGHHHHH..... this feeling is like no other. We are so tiered but unable to sleep, even with the help of sleep aids (for Colette) My guess is our adrenalin is working over-drive. Being in an airplane for 15 hours is unreal. I don't care to ever do it again, but will make an exception to get us home in 2 weeks.
At 7:00 a.m. we are meeting some friends (Matt & Mary Howard) for breakfast in the hotel. This is a couple that I have been corresponding with for about a year now. They are with our same adoption agency and have the same LID as us. They live in Illinois. Their baby is from a different province so tomorrow we will head our separate ways, but then catch up in Guangjou for the last week. I have talked and emailed with Mary but have never met, so I am looking forward to breakfast. This is the first child for them.
We get complimentary breakfast everyday at the hotels we stay at. Hope it is good. We skipped dinner last night and ate some chips. And, YES in answer to someone’s question about the beer, "some of it was Chinese... but not all". They sell it warm, so we were trying to get it cold in our little hotel frig. I should have brought my Koozi. Who knows maybe I will find one when we are out and about.
A note for Megan. Mommy was getting motion sick. I never threw up but came close. This was even with taking motion sickness medicine. I'm going to take something today before our tour. I said to Daddy, "if Megan were here she would definitely be getting sick". Love you Megan.
Colette
Boy are we screwed up. It is 2:00 pm. for you folks and 4:00 am. for us. There is a 14 hour time difference. We have been awake since 2:30 a.m I went to sleep last night around 7:30 and Bob went to sleep an hour latter. UGHHHHH..... this feeling is like no other. We are so tiered but unable to sleep, even with the help of sleep aids (for Colette) My guess is our adrenalin is working over-drive. Being in an airplane for 15 hours is unreal. I don't care to ever do it again, but will make an exception to get us home in 2 weeks.
At 7:00 a.m. we are meeting some friends (Matt & Mary Howard) for breakfast in the hotel. This is a couple that I have been corresponding with for about a year now. They are with our same adoption agency and have the same LID as us. They live in Illinois. Their baby is from a different province so tomorrow we will head our separate ways, but then catch up in Guangjou for the last week. I have talked and emailed with Mary but have never met, so I am looking forward to breakfast. This is the first child for them.
We get complimentary breakfast everyday at the hotels we stay at. Hope it is good. We skipped dinner last night and ate some chips. And, YES in answer to someone’s question about the beer, "some of it was Chinese... but not all". They sell it warm, so we were trying to get it cold in our little hotel frig. I should have brought my Koozi. Who knows maybe I will find one when we are out and about.
A note for Megan. Mommy was getting motion sick. I never threw up but came close. This was even with taking motion sickness medicine. I'm going to take something today before our tour. I said to Daddy, "if Megan were here she would definitely be getting sick". Love you Megan.
Colette
Friday night in Beijing
Never thought we would be in China! Bob here, we made it in to Beijing around 3pm (1am in Tulsa). The flight over was uneventful but damn it was long!!!!! Unfortunately for Colette and I, we could not get any sleep on the plane so we are running on fumes. You will probably notice the pictures below of a local market which would out do the local Super Walmart during Christmas rush (as in number of people in the store). This store actually sold more lines than a Walmart (it sold large applicances along with everything else you can think of). But, we only went for the essentials, BEER and water.
Anyway, we are pretty much dead tired since we have been up for more than 24 hours but are really thrilled to be here. Tomorrow we are going to Tieneman Square, The Forbiden City, and the Great Wall. Working our way to Monday when we meet Olivia for the first time.
Bob
Anyway, we are pretty much dead tired since we have been up for more than 24 hours but are really thrilled to be here. Tomorrow we are going to Tieneman Square, The Forbiden City, and the Great Wall. Working our way to Monday when we meet Olivia for the first time.
Bob
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Packing.....
It is official...... I am starting to freak out. I can't believe we leave in less then 24 hours. WOW! After all this time, I just can't believe it. It is a very surreal feeling.
This packing thing stinks. I must be pretty weak. I can't get the air out of these packing bags. Guess I will have to wait till Bob gets home. I am sure he will give me a hard time.
Well, I am off to pick Megan up from school to take her to lunch.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Packing.....
You know what has kept me up most nights? You guessed it... packing. We can only check in 2 suitcases for the whole trip. The max weight is 44 pounds per bag. That is 2 suitcases for us together. Even once we get Olivia we can still only have 2 because we are just buying a lap ticket for her. Can you tell I am stressing about this??? It is very difficult. We are going to be gone for 17 days living in hotels. Plus, I am not sure what size Olivia is.
Well, that is what I will be doing the next few days, making final decisions on what gets packed. Wish me luck.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
China Itinerary
Thur, Feb 22 - Leave Tulsa
Fri, Feb 23 Arrival in Beijing (Radisson Hotel)
Sat, Feb 24 - Sightseeing: TianAnMen Square & Forbidden City, and the Great Wall
Sun, Feb 25 - Flight to Changsha (Dolton Hotel)
Mon, Feb 26 - Get Olivia! (Gotcha Day)
Tues, Feb 27 - Do adoption procedure (registration & notary)
Wed, Feb 28 - Sightseeing: A kindergarten and YuLu Academy
Thur, March 1 - Sightseeing: Hunan Provincial Museum
Fri, March 2 - Get all the paperwork back
Sat, March 3 - Flight to Guangshou (White Swan Hotel)
Sun, March 4 - Free day
Mon, March 5 - Sightseeing: Baiyun Mountain
Tues, March 6 - Medical exam for children
Wed, March 7 - Free day
Thurs, March 8 - ACS appointment; Farewell dinner
Fri, March 9 - Go to ACS to take oath and get visa late in the afternoon
Sat, March 10 - Fly Home! Megan gets to meet her sister!
Fri, Feb 23 Arrival in Beijing (Radisson Hotel)
Sat, Feb 24 - Sightseeing: TianAnMen Square & Forbidden City, and the Great Wall
Sun, Feb 25 - Flight to Changsha (Dolton Hotel)
Mon, Feb 26 - Get Olivia! (Gotcha Day)
Tues, Feb 27 - Do adoption procedure (registration & notary)
Wed, Feb 28 - Sightseeing: A kindergarten and YuLu Academy
Thur, March 1 - Sightseeing: Hunan Provincial Museum
Fri, March 2 - Get all the paperwork back
Sat, March 3 - Flight to Guangshou (White Swan Hotel)
Sun, March 4 - Free day
Mon, March 5 - Sightseeing: Baiyun Mountain
Tues, March 6 - Medical exam for children
Wed, March 7 - Free day
Thurs, March 8 - ACS appointment; Farewell dinner
Fri, March 9 - Go to ACS to take oath and get visa late in the afternoon
Sat, March 10 - Fly Home! Megan gets to meet her sister!
Diaper Bag
My good friend Susan, who I have known since we were 6 years old, sent me this adorable diaper bag for Olivia.
Busy, Busy, Busy.....
Gosh, I shouldn't even be posting (since I am so busy).... but I am a great procrastinator.
Tuesday I volunteered my last day at Catholic Charities Adoption Center. The ladies were so nice, they got me a pretty floral arrangement. I will miss seeing them once a week. Wednesday, I got my hair cut & colored, then I ran errands.
So, today I am home trying to get stuff done around here. I need to go up to Olivia's room. Silly me started the packing in there.... big mistake. I need to put all the stuff in a suitcase and move it to the guest bedroom.
Well, I need to get busy. By the way, I am doing laundry, so I am getting something done.
One week from today we will be on a plane heading to China. YEA! I can't believe it is almost here. YEA!
Colette
Tuesday I volunteered my last day at Catholic Charities Adoption Center. The ladies were so nice, they got me a pretty floral arrangement. I will miss seeing them once a week. Wednesday, I got my hair cut & colored, then I ran errands.
So, today I am home trying to get stuff done around here. I need to go up to Olivia's room. Silly me started the packing in there.... big mistake. I need to put all the stuff in a suitcase and move it to the guest bedroom.
Well, I need to get busy. By the way, I am doing laundry, so I am getting something done.
One week from today we will be on a plane heading to China. YEA! I can't believe it is almost here. YEA!
Colette
Can you say shoping????
I went to Gymboree yesterday and found these adorable clothes. I sure hope I did ok on sizes. I can't wait to try them on Olivia.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
We leave 2 weeks from Thursday!
We finally got our consulate appointment. This is our last appointment we will have in China. It is with the United States Consulate. We will then get Olivia's passport the next day by 6:00 p.m. This is a day later then our agency was trying to schedule. What that means is we will be in China one more day. We will leave China Saturday morning (March 10) and be home Saturday night. This is with gaining 13 hours, with the time change.
We will be gone a total of 17 days. UGHHHHHHH! It will be worth it, but I hate to be away from Megan that long. I am sure going to miss her.
We will be gone a total of 17 days. UGHHHHHHH! It will be worth it, but I hate to be away from Megan that long. I am sure going to miss her.
Itinerary for our trip to bring Olivia home!
Confirmed travel dates are as follows:
Thurs, Feb 22 - Leave the US
Fri, Feb 23 - Arrive in Beijing China
Sat, Feb 24 - Sightsee in BJ (TianAnMen Square & Forbidden City, the Great Wall)
Sun, Feb 25 -Fly to Olivia's province (Changsha, Hunan)
Mon, Feb 26 - meet Olivia (Gotcha Day)
Tues, Feb 27 - adoption procedure with registration and notary
Wed, Feb 28 to Mon, March 5 - sightseeing and free days in the province
Tues, March 6 - Fly to Guangzhou, (date to fly to GZ is subject to change)
Wed, Mar 7 - medical exam for children
Thurs, March 8 - ACS appt
Fri, March 9 - receive our child’s visa about 6:00pm.
March 10 - departure from Guangzhou (going home)
Thurs, Feb 22 - Leave the US
Fri, Feb 23 - Arrive in Beijing China
Sat, Feb 24 - Sightsee in BJ (TianAnMen Square & Forbidden City, the Great Wall)
Sun, Feb 25 -Fly to Olivia's province (Changsha, Hunan)
Mon, Feb 26 - meet Olivia (Gotcha Day)
Tues, Feb 27 - adoption procedure with registration and notary
Wed, Feb 28 to Mon, March 5 - sightseeing and free days in the province
Tues, March 6 - Fly to Guangzhou, (date to fly to GZ is subject to change)
Wed, Mar 7 - medical exam for children
Thurs, March 8 - ACS appt
Fri, March 9 - receive our child’s visa about 6:00pm.
March 10 - departure from Guangzhou (going home)
Monday, February 05, 2007
Baby Shower
My friends the Two Debbie's gave me a baby shower for Olivia.
I received lots of nice presents for Olivia. Megan also received some nice gifts too. Megan was at the shower, she just isn't in any of the pictures. I am a bad mom.
Janie, Debbie, Kelli, Amanda, Olivia, Sherri, me, Karen, Debbie & Julie. Stacey was there too but she left before we took the picture.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Olivia..... look how much fun is waiting for you!
Things are sure looking different around here..... can you say "toddler"?? When I walk downstairs in the morning I am startled to see baby furniture. I never thought this day would come.
In this corner there use to be a big desk. I was planning on buying a kid's rug but found this rug. The print is similar to our curtains in this room. There still is a "Little Tike's" toy-chest upstairs in Olivia's room. I guess I will leave it so she will have something to play with while we are upstairs.
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