BACK IN GUANGZHOU

We left Xi'an this morning and arrived back in Guangzhou to finish up our final papaerwork. One of the most important things we want to do here is take Clara and Lu to a Buddist temple to be blessed. Their cultural identity is very important to us and the ceremony the Monk performs is moving and beautiful, Clara's old enough to remember this and I hope it creates an impactful memory. Tomorrow Molly will take us to the Temple and some local markets for shopping.

We all went to Lucy's for dinner and then visited the "Swan Room" (a playroom here at The White Swan sponsered by Mattel). I chased Lu around as he cradled a ball in his arm, football style, darting just out my reach as I'd get close. He thought that was big fun! He'll be a very busy guy between his Olympic gold medals and Pro football career.

Clara and Lu (whom we've nicknamed Big D and Little D for the one prominent dimple they each have on their right cheeks, Lu's being smaller though) are getting a little less feisty with each other. After bath, they layed down on the King size bed and Clara rubbed Lu's back and sang him lullabies, I thought Lu was going to nod off any minute as his eyes were nearly shut, but then he popped up and climbed over to rub Clara's back. It was so sweet. Clara thought enough of it to give him a kiss.

SPLIT PANT AT YOUR OWN RISK

Clara has been all about the "unique" options for bodily functions here in China. One of my favorite things about her is her adventuresome spirit. She LOVES to use the squatty potties, even when the sit down toilets are available. After missing her aim on several occasions, I stoppped fretting about what was on her shoes, pants, hands, shirt, etc. and let her enjoy a slice of Chinese childhood. Which is also why I searched out some split pants for the kids today. It is a sight to see cute little Chinese bottoms wandering around the streets, and with just a simple squat, they can relieve themselves where ever they are (Pete was surprised to see a child leave a special souvenir in the middle of a restaurant).

Clara of course has been dying to try them so she was very excited when I came back to the hotel with matching ones for her and Lu. Now, before I go on with my story, I must ask you to please remember we are on a stressful journey and any bit of levity is a necessity. Choices we make here are a bit outside the norm of our daily existence at home. Ok, you've been warned.

Since the kids had just gotten up from their naps, I let them run through the hotel in split pants, chasing each other and giggling, me following behind (no pun intended) with a camera. My Mom came out to caution me that I should watch Lu, as he is used to diapers and could let loose at any moment. And thats just what happened. I admit it, I laughed till I cried as he stood in the hotel hallway urinating, a look of surprise and delight on his face that was worth every second of poor judgement.

DAILY LIFE

FYI

We aren't able to view our blog while in China, so unfortunately can't see any posts from family or friends either. We are checking emails though and if you'd like send us or my parents a message, please use the email address for Mel. If you don't have it, you can call my sister Beth and she'll give it to you.

We greatly appreciate any messages and posts, they'll all mean a lot to Lu someday when we tell him the story of how we became a family.

ONE LAST GOOD-BYE

Yesterday was pretty hectic, once we got back from our visit with Aunt Sandy, the kids were exhausted. We quickly got them in the tub, washed, pj'ed and tucked in bed, but not before a few meltdowns which verged on hilarity. What can you do when two small children are wailing simultaneously, mouths open wide enough for us to see breakfast. Pete, needing to release a tiny of pressure, also succumbed to a small meltdown and again my parents came to the rescue by sharing their quiet room and a cold Tsingtao. I've already scheduled my melt-down for tonight : )

After huge naps enjoyed by all this afternoon, we feel much better. We also put the last big emotional hurdle behind us this morning when we went to the "Pink Castle" (Xi'an Childrens Welfare Institute) for Lu to say good-bye. It is an impressive place, everyone knew Lu and wanted to meet his new Momma, Babba and big sister. It was touching to see how much this little boy means to his family here in Xi'an. Lulu's primary caregiver is a tiny, beautiful young woman who seems full energy and life and adores Lu. She noticed his new bruise right away and I feel terrible that her first impressions of us include a new shiner. She asked our guide to translate to us that he has a birthday coming up, could we send her some photos? I wanted her to be assured we will send many photos of Lu and keep in touch with her always, she is as much Lu's Momma as I am at this point. Throughout our visit there, waves of gratitude kept rolling in as we saw how much care and love Lu has gotten. I believe it is a very good place, very likely one of the best, yet it is immediately apparent that homes and families are vital for these kids. Knowing this fact must be the only way the Aunties can bring themselves to say good-bye.

As Lu's Auntie held him, and he clung to her, she had him blow me kisses, trying to help him understand that I was his Momma now. He did not want to let her go and quick as lightning, she put him down, distracted him and dashed out of the room and down the hall. She was still caring for Lu in the best way she could. I did get a chance to hug her and give her a photo album that has photos of Lu's new home and life in Minneapolis. There are plenty of blank pages for her to add more photos to.

Tomorrow we'll get Lu's Chinese passport so we can fly to Guangzhou on Saturday. We'll have 5 days there and then board our flight for home. I bet my parents are counting down by the minute, I think they've heard enough crying to last them a good long while. I only hope they don't skip town on us before that 24 hour flight back the U.S.

XI'AN'S TWO GREATEST TREASURES

What a day this has been. I'm not even sure where to start.

This morning we took a bus about 1 hour out of the city to see the Terracotta Warriors. Hearing the story of how this archaeological site was found by local farmers digging wells in 1974 is quite amazing. The four farmers, who were very simple men, were instantly catipaulted into fame once the Chinese government realized the enormity of their discovery.

The Terracotta Warriors were created 2,200 years ago to protect the tomb of QuinShihuang, the first Emperor of China. He was also responsible for the construction of the Great Wall of China. A ruthless ruler who was known for his cruelty, he destroyed confucian writings and had their scholars murdered. He also ordered his concubines and slaves killed so they could serve him in the afterlife. Worse yet, he used over 2 million laborers to construct his tomb and wanting to keep it's location a secret, had many of them buried alive. Peasant revolts eventually resulted in the overthrow of the Qin Dynasty and they stormed the tombs where the warriors were, setting fires and smashing the statues.

It's remarkable to see the actual dig sites and 100's of the restored statues. It's also mind boggling to know that this is just a small portion of the actual tombs, which have not all been discovered yet.

It was a very hot day for a 2 and 4 yr. old to be getting history lessons. Clara was much more interested in the bottles of snake wine (see photos) we could have sampled at lunch (I'd like say one of us was brave enough to try it, but sadly, there were no takers at our table) The two of them fell asleep in the car and rested up for the next big adventure, which was meeting the famous Aunt Sandy and the family Lu has known outside his orphanage in China.

I believe the world would be a better place if everyone had a chance to see what what we did today, the heartbreaking tears of orphans who are old enough to see Lu get a family, when they still have not. Of having to say good-bye to yet another child they consider a brother or sister, knowing they'll never see them again. If I did what Sandy did, I'd last a week, max. My heart couldn't take it. There are few people in my life I consider a hero, but Sandy is one of them. She has compassion and love, yet knows pity won't get these kids anywhere. It takes a very unique person to supply these kids with the essential lifelong skills of facing adversity with courage and determination. And she's been at it for over 8 years.

Lu was very excited to see his friends at the Foster Home that Sandy works with. These kids, every single one of them, shines a light as bright as they come. International adoption is not for the faint of heart. The emotional ups and downs are draining and exhausting as you walk this path, experiencing the joys of becoming a parent, all the while forcing yourself to look at the life your child is leaving behind. I think it's absolutely crucial to embrace the whole thing, the good, the bad and the ugly for the sake of your child. Only then can you truely accept who they are. But it does take a toll, that much is certain.

As we were leaving, I wasn't sure that Lu would let me take him from his Aunties, I was worried that he thought we were just bringing him back home and we'd be off, just some nice strangers who happened to show him a good time for a couple days. But when I put my arms out to him, he reached for me. And so it goes, ups and downs, peaks and valleys, losses and gains, all within the span of a day.

SOFITEL LIFE

MORE PHOTOS

OUT & ABOUT IN XI'AN

COLDS & BRUISES

The breakfast buffet at our hotel is spectacular. (Ann and Barbara, if you think Clara can eat, wait till you watch Lu in action!) We are staying in Renmin Square, which is a fairly enclosed area with 3 hotels under the Sofitel brand. Pretty swanky digs. The kids have enjoyed the gardens and fountains and Lu took a nasty fall headfirst into the pavement, getting a giant goose egg and bruised eye. He cried hard for about 5 seconds and was then over it. However, I took my chance to be a doting Mom and comforted him for a good 30 minutes. Both Pete and Lu have nasty colds and I expect all of us, one by one, will succomb to the inevitable "adoption bug".

Today is free day for us, no paperwork so we've been able to relax and enjoy the nicest pool I've ever seen in my life, like the kind I used to search for in stock photo albums when I'd do British Airways promotions. We were the only people there and the kids had a blast. Lu likes the water a lttle too much for our comfort, he's destined for Olympic gold medals in swimming, I'm sure of it.

Our days and nights have not been all sunshine and unicorns though. Clara is getting a big taste of sharing Mom and Dad and all is not well for her in that arena. My parents have been so great at distracting her and making her happy, I keep thinking we could never have done this trip without them. They have been wonderful. Lu is becoming very attached to Pete and prefers him or Clara over me. I can live with that. For now. Once we get back to Mpls. and Pete has to go back to work, I'll hatch my plot to win him over with home made cookies. The way to a mans heart.....

p.s. have many great photos to post but it takes more time than I have at the moment. Will try again later

TWO PEAS

Clara and Lu are crazy about each other. Lu follows Clara everywhere and insists on holding hands. Clara is thrilled and runs him all over the hotel, giggling, laughing and making enough racket for you all to hear them back in the States. Now mind you, the Sofitel is not like the White Swan where many adoptive families come and go. It's mostly business people here and our wild children are attracting a fair amount of attention, not in a good way. But, I figure hey, they're bonding, it's good for them, it's absolutely heart warming to watch and we'll never see these people again anyway.

Tomorrow is a "free" day, no paperwork. I think we'll hang out at the pool and enjoy our boisterous big family. Wednesday we're visiting the Terracotta Warriors, which will be fascinating and Thur. we get to go to the "Pink Castle", where Lu has called home up till now. He's learned manners there, good listening skills and is right on par with any two yr. old I know. We continue to be charmed over and over by his smile, easy laugh and adorable personality. He can hold his own with Clara too, which says a lot!

Worth noting, today we found out that what we thought were aftershocks from the big earthquake was actually another earthquake, 6.4, in the same area as before. The news coverage here, so much more intense than what we've seen in the States is so tragic. Being here and seeing how the cities work, how many people live in them, how condensed they are, paints a frightening picture of just how awful things are in Chengdu. We've heard there'll be many orphans as a result and the gov. is working quickly to set up adoption procedures, both domestically and abroad.

We're missing you all, happy to be here with Lu but also excited to introduce him to you. He is so terrific, so fun, so adorable and best of all, he's ours.

PHOTOS

PHOTOS

MAY 25TH (gotcha day)

Today has been a whirlwind, left Guangzhou this morning and arrived in Xi'an missing a suitcase. After phone calls and double, triple checking, the airline has concluded it's on a flight coming in tomorrow. Everything I brought for Lu is in there and for tonight he's wearing Clara's pink pj's. The airline says they'll deliver the bag tomorrow, I really hope so.

After checking in quickly at our hotel, we walked the 5 or so blocks to the gov. center to meet Lulu. The room was very hot and contained anxious families all waiting for their child. I honestly thought it was the stress, heat, chaos and lack of sleep that made me feel as thought the room was spinning. In reality, it was earthquake aftershocks. You feel them and know something isn't right, but it's so unnatural for the earth to move in that way, it's hard to believe what you just felt. After about an hour, Lulu finally arrived. We knew him the minute his Auntie carried him out of the van.

He is a sweet natured boy and we've all fallen madly in love with him. He was hesitant to come to us, let us hold him at first but after a short time seemed comfortable. I attribute this to the wonderful preperation Aunt Sandy and Lu's orphanage has done. Lu knew Clara and called her by name with no prompting within an hour. Some of the other children were devastated though, their tears and screams heartbreaking. In a hot room, with anxious, paniced parents, aftershocks and overwhelming emotions, Clara lost it. Poor girl, she didn't know what was happening as the officials shuttled Pete, Lu and I over to be photographed and she wasn't allowed to sit with us. She has been such a trooper and was SO HAPPY to finally meet Lu, telling me "I think I love Lu more than you Mom". And under the circumstances, I was thrilled to hear her say that.

Both the kids and Pete are now fast asleep, I'm sure tomorrow will be an easier day for all. Clara and Lu are nuts about each other and in between Clara's understandable bouts of fretful tears, jumped together on the bed and held hands through the hotel. Lu doesn't like Clara out of his sight and follows her around, imitating the things she does. We are all amazed at the ease in which he fits, just perfectly into our family already. And guess what, he has dimples. Not as big as Clara's, but they're there. It's that red thread at work, I'm sure of it.

I'm barely coherent as it is, so tomorrow I'll post photos.

DAY 2 & 3

Too tired to post much tonight, just quick details. The heat and humidity here are extreme, but we've had rain which cools things off a bit and cuts the pollution. Shamian Island seems different, so many less families than last time! We've made friends though and have enjoyed our favorite spots, like Lucy's. Clara is such a great traveler, she's just rolling along, fitting in and enjoying our time here. She did mention today that she misses Minneapolis and home though so by week 2 I expect she'll have had enough.

Our visit to Yangjaing, the city where Clara was born, went very well. The miricle of birth is nothing compared to the miricle of adoption. Seeing the children who are waiting for their families and knowing that somewhere out there, the right parent and the right child make their way to each other, continents away, with paperwork and unseen government navigation bringing them together, it's mind boggling. On the bus ride home from Clara's orphanage she fell asleep on my lap and I was so happy to hold her tight, knowing she was ours and only by a crazy fate did we become family.

Tomorrow we leave at 9:00 a.m. for Xi'an and shortly after landing, meet Lu for the first time. Tonight we all had a "graduation ceremony" for Clara to commerate her new status of Big Sister. Of course we all shook her hand and clapped and then enjoyed some ice cream, she was very proud of herself.

DAY 1

First stop: Guangzhou, China. Our good friend Molly met us at the airport after 3 very easy flights (although long!) to get here. Clara was a great traveler with our only challenge being fitting us both in the tiny airplane bathroom at the same time.

Walking into the White Swan hotel felt like seeing an old friend and after enjoying their famous breakfast buffet, we set out for a walk around. It was reassuring to see many of our favorite shops and restaurants still here, but sadly, many have also closed. The increased length of time for Chinese adoptions means families trickle into the city at much lower numbers, affecting the economy for shop owners and other businesses that catered to new parents from all over the world.

Clara is using her Mandarin and has been able to impress many Chinese with her fast growing Chinese vocabulary. It’s obvious we’re an adoptive family and I’m conscientious of what they think as we walk by. When Clara greets them, tells them her name and age -- all in Mandarin, they grin and laugh, nodding at us with approval – understanding that we value Clara’s heritage. This means more than I can say to Pete and I.

Tonight we’ll be Molly’s guest for a dinner cruise on the Pearl River. When we traveled here in 2004, we met Molly when she worked in one of the local shops and she’d practice her English with us. She now works for our adoption agency and is beloved by the numerous families she’s helped.

We’re all looking forward to a good nights sleep, happy and relaxed to finally be here.

DAY 1

First stop: Guangzhou, China. Our good friend Molly met us at the airport after 3 very easy flights (although long!) to get here. Clara was a great traveler with our only challenge being fitting us both in the tiny airplane bathroom at the same time.

Walking into the White Swan hotel felt like seeing an old friend and after enjoying their famous breakfast buffet, we set out for a walk around. It was reassuring to see many of our favorite shops and restaurants still here, but sadly, many have also closed. The increased length of time for Chinese adoptions means families trickle into the city at much lower numbers, affecting the economy for shop owners and other businesses that catered to new parents from all over the world.

Clara is using her Mandarin and has been able to impress many Chinese with her fast growing Chinese vocabulary. It’s obvious we’re an adoptive family and I’m conscientious of what they think as we walk by. When Clara greets them, tells them her name and age -- all in Mandarin, they grin and laugh, nodding at us with approval – understanding that we value Clara’s heritage. This means more than I can say to Pete and I.

Tonight we’ll be Molly’s guest for a dinner cruise on the Pearl River. When we traveled here in 2004, we met Molly when she worked in one of the local shops and she’d practice her English with us. She now works for our adoption agency and is beloved by the numerous families she’s helped.

We’re all looking forward to a good nights sleep, happy and relaxed to finally be here.

NEXT STOP: GUANGZHOU, CHINA

The plan was to be all packed by Sunday night and have Monday to just relax (insert hysterical laughter here). We were still up at 11:30 p.m. last night finding creative ways to get everything in two suitcases. I am happy to report that we did, after ditching our second small suitcase in favor of a larger one provided to us in the 11th hour (thanks Ann and Chad!).

We're taking a lot of donations and I find it ironic that all the things we have were made in China, and are now going back. There must be a better way to do this.

We're all looking forward to buckling up in our seats, knowing that all the work is done, we're on our flight and the long, stressful weeks of preparation are behind us. The next post you read will be coming from the comfort of our hotel room in Guangzhou.

(*We've heard that blog updates from China can be difficult at times so hopefully we'll get posts and photos up without too much trouble.)

THANK YOU

To all our family and friends, thanks for the phone calls, gifts, meals for the freezer, baby sitting and most of all, continual support. (apologies if we haven't called you back, this week has been a bit hectic) International adoptions are quite a lengthy process and to know we've been able to count on people through every step of the way has made all the difference.

There are two special people who deserve more thanks than we'll ever be able to give them and that's my parents. Their commitment to our kids is proven over and over again as they read articles and books about adoption, research and study up on China and love Clara and Lu as much as we do. Once again, they'll be making the trip to China with us. When I asked my Mom if she was sure they wanted to come, she responded, "We were there for the arrival of all our other Grandkids, why wouldn't we be there for yours?" as if it was as simple as driving across town to the hospital instead of flying half way around the world to a country of 1.3 billion people. The respect and pride my parents have for our children's heritage will surely help provide Clara and Lu security and comfort that will last a lifetime. Thanks Mom and Dad.

WHEW...VISAS ARE ON THEIR WAY

Just got a call from our contact who took care of delivering our Visa paperwork to the Chinese consulate in Chicago — she has them in hand, stamped, approved and ready to be sent out for UPS delivery tomorrow. With only two days to spare, this news is like a GIANT tums for my stomach. Denise you are a lifesaver and have just earned the title of my very best friend in the whole world.

Clara is getting a head start on the time zone in China. For the past week or two, our dear child has woken at around 2:00 a.m. and has stayed awake till about 6:00 a.m., when she falls very soundly asleep again. Just 1 hour shy of her wake up time for pre-school. During these hours she insists that she needs Mom, and only Mom. Pete is the only one getting any sleep around here these days. Which is a good thing — he'll shine like a star in his role as the awake parent in China.

Packing is going ok, lists and post-it notes are everywhere. I have sectioned off the living room with police tape to keep everyone away from my piles of documents. Ok, not really, but it's good idea don't you think? 4 days left of utter insanity producing stress. I think I can manage it, I just got a new family pack of Charmin. (best quality for adopting parents? a sense of humor)

EARTHQUAKE NEWS

We awoke this morning to NPR's news on the earthquake in China. At 6:00 a.m. the death count was 400. After checking the news this evening, it's climbed to 9,000. The Province hardest hit is Sichuan, which borders Lu's province of Shaanxi to the south. There are reports of fatalities in Xi'an, where Lu's orphanage is, but from what I've read so far, that number is at 15 (the population of the City is around 8 million) Also concerning is the 80 tons of toxins that spilled from a chemical plant in a city called Shifang, which I believe is within a couple hundred miles of Lu.

We don't think this will affect our travel plans, but of course are aware of all the complications a tragedy like this creates with airports, resources, internet access, communications and day to day life. Not to mention the devastation for the people there.

We are now even more anxious to get to Lu, hold him close and see for ourselves that he's ok. It helps to know he's in good hands with the Aunties in Xi'an and at this point we're fairly certain he's fine. Our thoughts go out to all those affected and to the people we love and care for in China.