So, my dad says it is time....

Dad says it is time to update the blog. We have been home a little over a week now, and here is the top ten list of things that happened this week: 10. Audrie met lots of new people who love her very much including visiting Amie and Jerry's work. 9. Audrie began loving baths. 8. Audrie went to the Dr. in the states and got a very good report. We will have to repeat immunizations, and will be referred to First Steps, but other than that... things look good. Oh yea... she needs to gain weight. 7. Audrie loves to slide and play with anyone that will be silly with her. 6. Audrie likes to eat many things other than just congee (even though Grandma makes it and she still likes it!). She likes broccoli, peas, cauliflower, shrimp, chicken, beef, ham, macaroni, applesauce, animal crackers, ritz, cereal, and more. 5. Audrie does not like anything on her head - hat, flower, hood, hair clip, anything. 4. Audrie dressed up as Tink for Halloween and looked adorable if I do say so myself. 3. Audrie likes to ride around in the stroller, even if it is super duper windy out. 2. Audrie began giving kisses. It melts our hearts. 1. Audrie is loving to learn--she likes flashcards, us working with her, and learning/play. It is awesome to see her pick up new things so quickly. Thank you all for following us. Sorry there have been no updates this week. This is the week in a nutshell. I have attached a couple of pictures and will post a few more... Love you all!

Audrie passed out while playing

Okay, while I was posting the last update, Jerry said - hey Amie, look. Audrie was playing with her toys and fell asleep with a toy in her hand. She is in bed now, and not too far off of the time schedule--a couple more days and we should be on target.

Good night all. This mama is going to sleep while she can.

Amie

We are home!!!!!!!

35 hours of traveling, some tears, but overall a good trip. Grandpa Jerry, Grandma Sharon, Aunt Nancy, and Cousin Tyler met us at the airport. Grandpa Jerry drove us home and we are very thankful for that! We were exhausted. After playing for a little while and cleaning up, we passed out until 2 30 PM.

We went to Mexican for lunch, and Montana Mikes for supper with Grandma Carol and Grandpa Bob. She opened up with mom and dad after just a little while. We had a nice visit.

We are home and rested. As we are unpacking, we realize we do not have the video camera. We have great luck with cameras on this trip. Well, I called Newark TSA lost and found because we had it at the Newark Airport. I have left a message.... we will keep our fingers crossed. I vaguely remember them having Jerry take it out of the bag and do not remember at all putting it back in. Ugh. Life goes on. BUT, I did not download any of the video clips.

I hope that travel insurance works.

Amie

We are outta here....

Unplugging the computer and packing - we get picked up at 520 am. Home, here we come!   Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts during our trip. We are praying for safe and quick (haha) travels.   Love you,   Amie, Jerry, & Audrie

River Cruise 10/19

We took a beautiful river cruise tonight. It looped a few times down the river. The lights of Guangzhou were so beautiful, the weather perfect, and timing just right. It was a great way to begin wrapping up the trip.   I started packing and we went to bed.

Interesting consulate facts

Approximately 3000 immigrant visas are processed each year for adopted Chinese children to the US. In the past, special needs adoptions have accounted for less than half. This year, it topped 67% of adoptions are special needs adoptions. The majority of people in the room when we took our group oath--were special needs adoptions. There was one single parent who was in under pre-hague rules. After hague, China does not allow single parent adoptions anymore.   As you can tell by the picture attached, our little one is not getting enough love! LOL!   In the second picture, our little girl is drinking some decaf tea made for us by a shop keeper, named Dong.

The "Famous" Red Couch

I have heard many other couples talking about the red couch. Today, we took pics on the red couch. It is a tradition for newly adopted children to get their pics on the red couch. One picture is all of the adopted children in our group, next our family.

More inside the hotel

The lobby..Jade sculptures, flowers, waterfall, and fish:-)

Flowers around the hotel

There are beautiful flowers everywhere.

Our hotel - White Swan

I took some pics today of the hotel.... wanted to share.

Thai 10/18

We at at the Thai restaurant once again. I have not had anything bad from there:-) We ate with the whole group this time. Hayes, Bowlds, Hamptons, Mayhalls, and Knowles all met and went to dinner. It was nice to spend time as a group once again.

Thai 10/18

Today we took our group oath at the US consulate. Then, we signed our paperwork, and were told we would get the Child's visa on Wednesday. This was our last step in the process. Now, we just wait until Wednesday.

Our sweet angel

Business opportunity for dad + Audrie and her bee

While at the Chen Clan, we noticed several vendors selling off the back of their three wheeled bikes. Jerry pointed out that it would be a good business venture for Bob...selling nuts or sweet potatoes from the back of his bike.   After swimming, we went and watched the boat parade again. She loves it. I guess it is from the different countries of Asia--in prep for the Asian Games that start in November.

10/17

We went to the Chen Clan Academy today. It is a museum, but also is a place of worship for the Chen family. It was quite interesting. They had a display on silk art, making fans, cut paper, and more local crafts. The buildings were amazing, everywhere we tour has awesome carvings that are completed by hand.   We went "swimming" for a little while today. Audrie did not really want to get all the way in, but we sat on the side and played in the water while we tried to let daddy take a nap.   This evening we ate at Lucy's. We have met so many nice people through our Journey here.Not only the families through our agency, but many of the millions that are here. It is overwhelming - I get choked up sometimes even out to eat when I look around and see how many children are getting adopted from here. God is good--all the time.

Supper 10/16

We went to our Thai place again last night, and Jerry decided to check out the Roast Pigeon. It was actually very tasty, but not much meat there. I have included a picture for your enjoyment. Also, Ms. Audrie found out she likes steamed noodles.

From Audrie

m        b    v

Just a couple more zoo pics

Okay... I know one is gross, but I could not resist.

Going to be out of order.... I attached 3 photos and that doesn't work. Here is two.

October 14, 2010 (10-15 here:-) I just realized I was a day off on the dates...)   This morning we went down for breakfast and momma broke out in a sweat and ended up in the bathroom puking through breakfast. Hotel staff came in and wanted to take me to a Dr.--I politely refused. Then, called Jamie (a nurse in our group), who had brought Finnigrin. I took that and was ok.   We went to the zoo. Audrie liked watching the animals, but most of all just likes to be outside and playing.   I can only attach 2-3 photos, so I will post again with the rest of the day.

October 16, 2010

Today, we got up and went to breakfast and then had to go to get our TB test checked. We are happy to report that she tested negative. I guess it is pretty common for them to false test positive and need chest x-rays.   She almost had a melt-down when we entered the room for the check. It was the same room where she got the shots. But, we got it done and zipped outta there. We hit a few shops, tried to find Audrie some squeaker shoes, but the biggest we can find are 5s and she wears a 6:-(.   She really liked a pair so we tried them on. Her toes were at the tip top. Momma said no.   We found her a Made in China shirt. This was on daddy's list for things to bring home.   Then, we re-stocked our supply of milk in the boxes. She loves to drink from a straw in those boxes. That is the best way to get fluid in her.   Now, Audrie is out for a nap, and we get the rest of the day off. We had thought we would go swimming this afternoon, but actually it is a little chilly. Hard to believe since two days ago, it was soooo hot and muggy. You just walked out of the hotel and were drenched in sweat. It is beautiful to us, but a little chilly for lil tike.   Thank you for all of your prayers.... keep them coming! We have 5 nights left here! Ta Ta for now!

The rest of the day 10/15 (10/14 in US)

Next, we went to lunch. Audrie ate steamed veggies, eggs, and milk. She is a good eater. Sometimes she likes to play games and put a bunch in and spit it out though.   We came back to the hotel and we all napped for almost 3 hours. Momma felt much better when she woke up.   We played in the room most of the evening, and ordered pizza in. We took a bath, but changed routine after the bath, so it was not straight to bed. Hoping to find that was what she did not want to do (going to bed).   After playing until after 10 pm, we went to bed.

October 13, 2010 Continued...

We got a new camera. Our camera was not found. We got a newer model of the same brand. Our guide, John, took us to the store (not a market) and we purchased the camera. It was an interesting experience. We said yes, we wanted the camera, but I guess the person who normally works the Cannon stand was not in. We went back and purchased, then came back to pick it up. They took it out of the package checked it all to be sure it works, then cleaned the screen, and put a screen protector on it. It took a very long time and 3 people to get the screen protected. Very funny. Then, we got a KFC family pack, for supper. It was perfect. 5 pieces of chicken (Audrie ate a chicken leg - Yes Grandpa Bob--she loved it), 6 hot wings, corn, 3 breadsticks, and three drinks for less than $10 bucks. Everything was fresh and good. (I am very critical of other KFC's)   Audrie did not want a bath tonight, so we just went to bed. It was a rough day with the shots and all.

What a Day.

October 14, 2010 Well, we had a rough day today so far. Why? Well, Ms. Audrie had to have her medical examination today. First of all, the lady picked her up--which she does not like anyone else to pick her up. Next, and possibly worst of all, she took off Ms. Shoe Princess's shoes. Oh man..... she was so upset. She did not even cry that much when we got her three days ago. So, while we are waiting at the clinic- SUPER Crazy by the way, we realized that we did not have our camera. I had given it to Jerry in the hotel lobby and he and Audrie were looking at pictures. She loves to look at them. Well it must have gotten set down. It is gone. Hoping our travel insurance will cover it. We will see. On the brighter side, at least I downloaded yesterday morning. We only lost last night and this morning pictures. Life goes on, I keep singing, who needs pictures with a memory like mine. We have reported to the hotel. We are praying that someone turns the camera in to lost and found. So, next, Ms. Audrie had to get 6 shots. Broke our hearts. She was soooooo UPSET! The most upset I have ever seen her. Mom and Dad cried with her. Amazing how God can form such a bond in our hearts so very fast. Imagine our little girl in a very cute outfit that says "Daddy's Lucky Charm" (Aunt Lisa Benson got it for her) She looks adorable today. The pants were a little big, so yes, mom learned how to make shift sew. I whipstiched her lil pants in the back so they would stay up. We had started out for breakfast and her pants fell down half way down the hall. The kids are down for a nap, and I think I may take one myself. It has been a day. We are looking forward to the zoo tomorrow. She really enjoys watching animals.

Oct 13 Does it really surprise anyone that Amie has "Mommy Claws"? Didn't think so.

Are those mini marshmallows?

I see a lot of balls in her future...


If the picture below wasn't also included I'd say this was the cutest picture ever of Mama and Audrie.

Baba and Audrie are the CUTEST EVER.


Audrie slept great again last night. We got a crib delivered to the room, but NO we have not used it. She sleeps great right between us on the bed.

This morning at breakfast, she tried lots of new foods, and even began feeding herself. Jerry helped initiate it and she really did pretty well. The caretaker said she could not feed herself, but given the opportunity she is.

Next, we walked around and looked at the fish, the birds, and she grabbed daddy's hand and led us on a walk. She loves when she has each of our hands and we do a swing with her. Got some more giggles from that.

Then, we went to the White Swan room, and played with Journey for awhile. He is a sweetie. Then, we went on another walk, ate lunch (crazy story....)

She led us into a restaurant, and so we just went. There was a menu, so I just kept asking questions, and they brought another menu. I picked a chicken casserole thing, -- ugh it was like the knuckles of a chicken... very grissely. The veggies were good in it. Jerry ordered a fish piece.... and that is what it was - a small cut of fish. Very expensive.

Oh well. You can't win it all. But, then a lady came up and picked up Audrie. She just kept looking around like what is going on. I said she is very shy and took her away. It is amazing how fast Mommy claws develop. :-)

Well, the kids are down for a nap again, so I thought I would send an update. Enjoy the pictures.

October 12, 2010

Today was a great day. We got up, ate breakfast, and then went to the registration and notarization procedures. Audrie was very good, and I guess we passed the interview:-) We got back to the hotel, and the kids (Audrie and Jerry) both took naps, while I found the episode of Amazing Race that I missed from Sunday night. We found the Swan Room (play room with lots of toys, balls, etc.) We found out how much Audrie really loves balls. She began to giggle, play, and smile much more. As her caretakers told us, she has a "strong" personality. I can relate. We went to a few shops, found Audrie two balls for the room (of course I haggled.... I am getting better at it.) When ate supper at Lucy's and she ate a big bowl of chicken congee and a strawberry milkshake. We made it back, and played for awhile while Skyping the grandparents. Okay - TEARS - she said "Mama" last night. Mom cried. Her ball went into the bathroom and she was scared to crawl on the tile, so she point and said Mama. That is the first word she has said so far. A little babbling, but nothing we understand. She knows who Mama and Baba are (that is dad) and loves to play tug of war with toys with Baba. She loves to snuggle with Mama, and play with toys. The pictures of her and baba are at the adoption center, the picture of her and Myah are also there. Myah is Amy and Jeff's daughter. She is also very sweet. Last night, Jerry looked out the window and saw this boat parade. We watched and I took pictures of several boats. It was very cool.

Our First Family Pictures

Gotcha Day At Last

Hey everybody!! First pics of Audrie Ying Ying. She had a hard time leaving her care taker. But she seems to be warming up to us a little as you can see her first food was pizza with us. I brought it in while Amie and Audrie played with cheerios. And she seemed very interested in what I had so I gave her some to try. It was an instant hit. She is very shy to begin with so it will take a little time but we are already seeing good progress. She fell asleep @ 7pm on the bed between us and will probably sleep until we wake her.

Love you all.

Jerry and Amie

Pictures - Made in China Part 3

I'm not sure what captions I was supposed to put with theses...that means I get to make them up.


Amie is exited to have a diet coke. Jerry is excited that he looks the same in pictures taken from china as he does in pictures taken in the US.


This dragon swallowed a boat and is forced to eat rubber tires off the dock for the rest of eternity.

MMMMM Dim Sum and peculiar yellow beverages.