Tuesday - even hotter!

We went back to Shamian Island. We had to meet our guide to give him a paper he needed for the meeting tomorrow. Then he walked with us and we got Amy, Tom and family. I asked our guide where the jewelry market building was. Peter said it was near where he lived so he would walk that way with us. He and Howard spoke most of walk because he is coming to NYC in a week or so and had some sightseeing questions.

We ended up very near where we were shopping yesterday. It is a five story, MASSIVE mall like building. The whole thing is stalls selling jewelry. I got Teagan some seed pearls and a pearl pendant. Then we went back through the shopping area, made a few more stops! Yes, more shopping. Amy is as bad as I am. Actually, the one thing I wanted to get on the trip was a gold charm for my bracelet. Finally got one today.

We got back to island and we all went straight to the restaurant about Jordon's. My pals who will be here soon - you really cannot get to that place quick enough. Must have the eggplant. Afterwards, a quick stop at Jordon's store downstairs. Then a couple more stores, picked up laundry and to hotel. We messed with the computers for ever and now VPN is going. While I have been catching the blog up to speed, it sounds like Howard got Teagan down for a nap.

We have a very busy day tomorrow. Early to meet van and go to consulate meeting. Then to a Buddhist temple. Amy and Ton may come over to our hotel after that. I'll try to post when I can, we should have good photos tomorrow.

Xoxoxoxoxxo

Loves playing peek - a - boo.

View of the nicer shopping street where we were.

Mommy and Teagan. The Ergo is amazing but crazy hot for the both of us.

Monday in Guangzhou

Monday we got ourselves together pretty quick and went over to Shamain Island. We dropped off our laundry (at Michael's - fabulous job and great prices) then met the other families. They were getting their sons (5 & 9) TB tests read. All kids over two have to have one. They checked out ok. We all then went off island and went to a neat shopping street. First it was the type of herb and animal market you hear about but then there was a nice pedestrian area. One family went back but the other family (Tom, Amy, daughter Sophia and new son Emmerson) hung out with us. We shopped, I haggled, then we left. It was just too darn hot. We ate at the Cow and Bridge, a Thai place with them on the island. It was very yummy. Then a quick shop and back to hotel.

We went swimming again. This time there were a few other families there. It was fun, getting to know some of them. Teagan missed her afternoon nap. So once we bathed and we ready for happy hour she was so tired! Sure enough, dead asleep when we got there. Luckily it was a cat nap enough for us to enough some adult time and a great glass of wine. The food was amazing again and they really switched things up. Teagan woke up in time to get some dinner. Back to the room and to bed a bit earlier.

Just a stroll down the herb street - my doggie pal Darwin would like it there, dried out deer hooves and leg sections.

The swanky ladies: Amy, Sophia and Monique

Emmerson and Teagan at the Cow and Bridge. He likes spicy food.

Daddy and Teagan cooling off in pool.

Dead to the world at happy hour.......

Don't even think about getting between me and my dinner!

computer having problems

I am so sorry folks. I didn't post yesterday and when I did try to in evening, I lost my VPN access. That is the way I am able to use blogger, email, etc. This morning still none. We finally got it working on Howards but all photos are on mine. We will keep trying.

In the interim, all is well. We have been doing a little shopping and hanging out a lot with one of the other families. It is so very, very hot here. Think we may skip the pool today, chill out and then hit the amazing happy hour spread for dinner.

I promise we are working on the computer problem. Hell or high water, I will post the latest tomorrow. It may not have cutie photos of Teagan but you'll have an idea.

Xoxoxoxo again, very hot here!

Sunday in Guangzhou

Thinking and worried for all back home. Praying our two old massive trees hang in and don't crush the house.

We had a sort of quiet day. Breakfast. Yes, that gets it's own statement because it is so darn good.

We then Skyped with Howards folks. They had a hard time seeing us but we could see them well.

Then we went to a very large park. It was so darn hot. Luckily Howard is great with the heat and carried Teagan. It was so neat we just didn't get to see everything.

Then a trip to a grocery. We needed more formula and wipes. Of course, snacks and such got in the basket. We also got fresh buns and noodles for lunch. We had our picnic lunch in the room and went to check out the hotel pool. They have a small playroom and a great playground area. Teagan had a quick swing. Then mommy and Teagan went for a swim and daddy went to workout. The locker rooms have hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms. Fun. Naps for all. As you can see I got up and caught up on blogging.

We are now off to the happy hour. This hotel has an amazing wine store so we are hoping for a nice glass tonight. Will let you know!


.......... OK, we are back from happy hour.

More amazing food and wine. Yes, so much food that we are stuffed. This was my favorite type of meal - all aps. Shrimp with mango, sushi, mini sandwiches, fruit, cheese, all kinds of great dishes. Beautiful wine, full bar and beer. Desserts, coffee, tea. I'll post one of the many plates I got..... I am coming home ten pounds heavier but I really don't care!

So, for those who are keeping track: "happy hour" is a MAJOR perk I was able to score. (hehehehehe)

Xoxoxoxo Mo

Monique and her two new friends

Bathing beauty. Usually hates baths so glad she loved it so much. Maybe next bath will be better.

Daddy and Teagan at the gardens

Some of the many aps

Cheers!

Cute photo but I look stoned. And no I am not........

It takes a Hanzok

For those who may not know me well, my maidan name is Hanzok. And those of you who know my family, I had to get all "Hanzok" on the hotel.

To try to make a long story short: when we got back to the hotel room to rest and nap in the afternoon there was a loud drilling sound right next to my beloved suite. OH NO! Howard called down to check on it and after awhile no one called back.

I got on the phone.

After a bit I had the head of guest services up to show me new rooms. It was construction that would be for a few weeks. It literally sounded like a dentists drill but very loud. I was none too happy that tired, sweaty us were going to have to pack and move. The first room she showed me was not going to cut it. I sent her back to try again. When she got back, I ok'ed the new suite. Not quite as big but I got a few things out of the deal.

I went from: suite with breakfast for one rate for three days and then much larger rate for four nights with no breakfast.

Now I have: suite with low rate all seven nights. Free breakfast all seven mornings. Executive floor privilege. I can take breakfast on the special floor. Business office usage, lounge has free drinks all day. Happy hour. We will check that out tonight. Not only drinks and wine but food. Guy said most people use it was dinner.

Oh yes, I rock. Was it a pain to move, yeah but worth it in the end. Much nicer view out window too. Oh yeah, and the hotel person also sent fruit and chocolates to the room......

Teagan trying the sugar doughnut at breakfast

Our first day in Guangzhou - Saturday

We got up ahead of wake up call. While Teagan slept in we spent a long time putting away all our things and make e suite our home away from home (the tid bit will come into play later). We are staying at the China Hotel Marriott. We got a weekend special for first three nights. Room and breakfast with upgrade to suite. Come Monday, room goes up, no breakfast included or we have to change rooms. Well, NO WAY I'm leaving this room. Yes, it's that good. So breakfast costs $30. a person and I totally see why. Crazy amazing. Yes, just like some others said, I'll dream of this French toast for awhile. Insane.

Off to meet up with guide, two other families that are here adopting special needs children who also work with out agency. We met them and all went to the medical building. Score one for guide as we got there before the crazy line started. So we were in and out fast. Teagan did fine. She is 18 pounds! When we were done we went back to the White Swan hotel to sit and do paperwork for visas in lobby. It was busy so the one family offered their apartment there to hang. They have a three bedroom apartment! Massive! They are now a family of five kids, one nanny and two parents so they need the room.

After all of that we ate lunch with the other family, parents, adoptive daughter from six years ago and new son. We ate at the restaurant we were told about on the fifth floor above Jordon's store. All stairs but worth every one to climb. AMAZING chinese only food. Only had juice boxes and beer. Three massive plates of food, four forty ounce beers, rice less than $20. Such yummy lunch. We then went down to Jordon's store. He is a character, bought a few things, I'm sure we will go back.

Then we went back to hotel and the rest of the day deserves it's own blog post so I'll see you on the next section! Xoxoxox

Me and Teagan in front of bird cage. She loved watching them.

Teagan on the famous red couch at White Swan hotel waiting for group.

Teagan having a snack while doing the medical check.

Jordon doing his thing. He makes those papers with the kids name to draw you into the store. He is a character and a half.

The good, the bad and the ugly - the rest of Friday

We took care of our bill and found our dear sweet Ann one last time to give her a small gift. We got on our way to the police station to hopefully get the passport. Mary called and they just got done. On the way, we pulled over to a bus stop. There was the head director with the passport! Mar looked it over, said good-bye and we were off to airport. When we got to airport it took us over an hour to get Teagan's ticket straighten out (THE UGLY). Yep, not too happy. We ended up waiting at a tea shop to feed Teagan and have some Oreos, they make most situations better. All got fixed and off we were on our flight (THE BAD). Teagan was a pill. Did not like being in one place. Ugh, spent most of one hour flight in back playing with attendants. The hotel car (a Benz with cold water waiting) whisked us to hotel by 10:30 p.m. The hotel room (THE GOOD) was amazing. A suite that was to die for. Unfortunately, off to sleep up need to be up early for meeting. Hello Guangzhou!

Sitting in "high chair" at tea at airport.

Tea and Oreos

Waiting with daddy in PJs at airport. Checking out IPad.

Last day in Nanchang - Friday

Well we leave the states and so far a rare East Coast earthquake and now a hurricane alert. OY! Be safe all, check in and let me know how you all do.

We all had a huge sleep last night. Howard and Teagan really slept in. Howard is feeling bit better today. I had a little sore throat that has gone away. After breakfast we came back to our room and packed. This took a bit as I was trying to lighten the load, shift things around, and just get organized in general. Our laundry got done and even though it is not very cheap it was still half of what the hotel charges. They did a great job too.

Mary called and said due to the large number of passports this week that they were not done yet at noon as expected. We will leave here and on way to airport pick it up. If something goes really late, I guess Mary will have it mailed down to us in GZ. I really hope it is done.

Off to lunch at the hotel's Chinese restaurant. A bit of lost in translation. You order in a large room where you see everything they can make. I saw uncooked beef slices on cilantro. The lady following us and taking the order said, beef with vegetables. I said ok. It was cooked beef and cilantro with a yummy sauce but CRAZY hot - for me. Howard was fine.so anyway, she followed us around and we picked what looked to be two entrees an two small aps. Also order Teagan noodles. We then get taken upstairs to a private room for eight. We were confused, asked to wait a minute, must be they were expecting the American group that is here. Ok, fired they ere taking us to big dining room. Nope, we were put in a private room for six. Big TV, private bath, way too much staff. We tried to question, again all were lost in translation. We figured, oh well. The food comes, it is amazing amount. Plus fruit course, plus, noodle soup course.......we cancels the rice we asked for........ Too funny. And in the end the bill was not bad. No extra charge for the room. We felt like to dodged a money bullet. And had we known it was so good, we would have been there more often.

Howard and Teagan napping. We leave room around 3:45 to deal with bill and get car. We won't get into next hotel till around 10 p.m. So it will be a long day. Hope Teagan is able to sleep some and does ok on flight. Again, love to all.

No silver spoon for Teagan, it is the gold standard all the way!

The crazy amount of food. We are not very bright Americans. Either we should have learned Mandarin in the last six years or brought a translator ap.

Thursday in Nanchang

Another full day in Nanchang. Howard and I slept well but were up around 4:30. We did breakfast early. Laundry was to be picked up so that got organized. The day looked clear so we made plans with Mary to go to the Tengwang Pavillion. As soon as she got here it was pouring. We still went and I am so glad we did. I am not going to go into a ton of details but the pavilion was first built for a prince around 600 AD. A very famous poem was written about it and that was what ended up having more significance. We walked all six stories. Cool things on each floor. At the top, on the hour, there is a dance / music show. It was very interesting and beautiful.

We then had a lovely lunch at a very good Italian restaurant. Afterward in the mess that was us trying to get a taxi, Teagan lost one of her new shoes! Oh well. The afternoon was down time. Howard ended up hitting a wall and was not feeling well. Teagan and I ventured out on our own (a girls adventure). We went across the crazy street (because no traffic stops) and went to the book store. I found a couple more books. Then it was a stop at the
"bodega" across the street for more water. The water is so cheap that instead of boiling water for an eternity, I just bring the bottled water to temp I want in the kettle. Teagan likes her bottles crazy hot.

Howard ended up sleeping most of day. I finally got a good bunch of sleep as well. I have a small sore throat but that could be being in the heat and sweating then hitting the air. I hope when Howard wakes he is feeling better. And let's triple hope that Teagan stays well. She is teething like a mad woman. Spent most of day with a hard roll I took from buffet. Friday we are mostly around hotel. Waiting for laundry and passport to be delivered. We say goodbye to Mary. She really rocks. We definitely felt the difference between when she was with us and when she wasn't. We leave here on a 7p.m. flight to Guangzhou. Teagan's first flight.

Went to top. Since elevators were busy, we walked stairs.

Teagan sleeping, daddy wearing, raining but still went to Pavillion.

Noodles for dinner in room while daddy slept. These where the thin kind so a bit harder to deal with.

Busy Wednesday in Nanchang

Today we got a lot "accomplished". Our usual breakfast with Teagan charming people and eating a ton. There is a large group from Spain staying here and adopting. A few Americans as well. Teagan is one of the few doing solid foods but of course some of the babies are younger.

We hung out and waited for the notary to come. We understood that it is a big deal here, a notary and what they do. When she got here, we found out from Mary our guide that the young lady just came from Teagan's city. That was a four hour drive - in the pouring rain. I guess the area of Teagan's orphanage is the only area in this province that has to have a notary from that area handle paperwork. Everything was fast. We joked because now she had the rest of the day in the city to do some things before heading back.

Mary then took us to a restaurant for lunch. It was family style. A lot of restaurants here you go to an area, see the different dishes and order. Then fresh orders of the dishes come to the table. It was bar none the very best food I have had in a long time. I was with Teagan but Howard went with her to order. They did a great job! At the restaurant I used my first "squaty potty". Too much info for some of you but this is a big deal. Not my favorite way to go and I was nervous I would have to use one at some point on the trip. Here we were in this very nice restaurant and...... I did fine. It was like camping.

Mary was a trooper and took us to People Park. A large Central Park type area. It was raining but very nice to walk and see the sights. It is a really nice area. Because it was raining there were not many people out. When we left the park we walked down the street and I popped into a kids shoe store. I felt bad poor Teagan did not have any shoes. She loves to be on her feet and walk with assistance. We got her two cute pairs at about $6.60 each. Now she won't look so odd trying to walk around lobby with just socks.

Then Mary really earned her day and got me to some porcelain shops. We ended up at one and luckily Teagan was sleeping and Howard found a chair. The shop owner followed Mary and I around and quoted the prices. I got her a cute little tea set. Very small, didn't want to schlep huge weight around. I also got a little item for us and some other things. It was the one thing I wanted to buy here for her. I feel like that is done.

A big full day. Even with all the rain. Good morning to all of you back home.

Howard and Teagan in park

Teagan checking out new shoes

Big girl in the big chair

A quiet day

Yesterday, Tuesday, was a quiet day for us. Howard and I are a bit jet lagged so did not sleep well. Teagan slept like a champ and then did a three Hour and two hour nap during the day. She eats very well. Loves her noodles, steamed egg, congee, carbs. Loves her warm bottles.

We ventured out on our own. We took a long walk, yes in the heat, to Bayi Square. Very large with monuments. Right across is the Walmart. No, I don't buy Walmart in states and will not here. Right behind was a department store we were told was a nice one. Well, it was a Neiman Marcus type place. Versace anyone? Thinking of you Jon. Went and looked at baby stuff, got some cute socks, she needed a few more.

I found a fabulous book store across the street which was the main reason for going out. We found some fantastic books in the children's section and a small book about province and one with province maps. The books were cheap and I wish I bought more. Books are heavy through and I don't want to take up too much packing space with them. Then we walked all the way back. Lots of stares but mostly to Howard who was wearing Teagan in the Ergo (baby carrier). We have not seen a single child in a carrier here so far.

Great dinner in room, we were too tired and sweaty to go out. Very yummy. Then we went for a swim in hotel pool. It is a whole "thing" though and I doubt we will do it again while here. The pool is kept pretty cool, esp for Teagan. It is indoors. You have to wear a bathing cap, do this whole locker room thing, disinfect your feet.... just can't do a quick dip.

Slept a bit better last night. Teagan was up a few times but just for a moment. Right now she starts in her crib but ends up in bed with us. She slept in her foster parents bed so I am sure she misses that in the night when she wakes. Quiet again so far today, Wednesday. Big breakfast, playing, now nap. We are waiting for the notary to get to hotel. Notary is a big deal here. We are planning on meeting with him, then out to lunch with our guide Mary. We may try to go do something after depending on how bad it is out.

Thanks all for the comments here, emails, comments on Facebook. I enjoy it but am not always awake enough to respond. XOXOXOXOXOXOX

Eating the whole buffet

Let me see if I can remember what all Teagan ate at the breakfast buffet this morning. Congee (a rice porridge), watermelon, peaches, banana bread, French toast, noodles. Tried the drinkable yoghurt from a spoon and did not like that! Also had her bottle of formula right before we went down.

She has two more teeth that I saw that have popped through on top. Maybe more on bottom but I didn't get to really check it out. Totally teething but not complaining. Our guide, Mary, said parents here don't do ointment to ease the pain. I brought some though just in case.

Teagan

Happy little girl. Super sweet, loves people. Had a crying jag at bed, must miss foster mom and dad. Eats like a linebacker. I will try to post more and write more later, for now some photos.....

Introducing Teagan Elizabeth Xiaoyue Fineman

Our sweet Teagan. She seems very healthy. Smiled very quickly after we met her, some laughing too. We found out that she has been with a foster mother and father these past six months! This morning she left them, drove about four hours and came to us. She really is happy, loves the toys and mirror but esp likes interacting with us. Great eye contact. Only tricky spot so far is diaper changing. I have NEVER seen a kid get so mad and flight about that. Doesn't mind clothes off or on, just also doesn't like the act of doing it. We are tired. All napped a bit, we are off to another meeting and there is some thunder. Rain and cooler temps tomorrow. No matter, this ball of sunshine is here. We will post more when we can. Love to all!

Our flight

We have just under 4 hours to go of this 15 hour flight. As much as I batted my eyes, told that we are adopting, and talking about my bad back, no one bumped us up to business class. (the flight is major full) We are in the smaller cabin for One Pass customers so it feels less cattle like. We do not have to deal with bathroom lines next to our seat. As soon as the seats started to recline, it felt much more tight. The entertainment has kept me going. Touch screen gives you tons of movies, music, games and since I never get to the movies, I have been catching up. It will be interesting sitting like this on the way home with a baby in lap. Maybe a fairy with grant us wishes and put us in business class. Prob not, I think that some movie advertised.....

My back IS out. Went to doctor day before leaving. It is holding up with lots of Advil and not the big stuff they hooked me up with. My next door neighbor, Joann, treated Howard and I to drink vouchers. So drinks with lunch! I have to say lunch was not horrid and neither was the light meal.

Mid flight I got out a little journal and started it with some thoughts. Didn't get far before I was crying. Have not cried since Thuys funeral. Just got very overwhelmed. Amazing Howard sat in the dark feeding me tissues. It was nice to have that cry. And lucky for him, the guy next to me was asleep. Dad would have loved an adventure like this.

Shortly after a sweet flight attendant I has been talking to came by and asked Howard and I if we wanted some wine. When she brought it, she also brought truffles. Then a bit later she walked by and just left a little plate with pastries. She is my in-flight fairy god mother. Not sure if she saw me crying or remembered that my back was bothering. Either way, it was very sweet and the wine took the edge off.

I am very tired right now but cannot get comfortable to sleep. Slept a couple of cat naps.
Going to go try again.

I don't know what people want to read about but when I get time like this, I'll prob. ramble like I just did. So many of you are with me and in my thoughts. Can't wait to write about Xiao Yue! Xoxoxo

We are in China.

After a long, long 24 plus hours travel we are here in Nanachang, China. The flight was nota s horrid as I thought it would be. Hit a wall of exhaustion and could not get comfortable to sleep.

When we got to Shanghai, we were met by our new friend Leanne. She is an ex-pat living there. She and her husband just adopted their daughter in March and she is from the same orphanage as Xiao Yue! They also have a teenage daughter. We only got to see Leanne this time due to colds and naps. She treated us like celebs. Took us to Starbucks and then treated us to a foot massage. An hour of the most amazing pampering. They massaged not only feet and legs but neck and shoulders too. Boy, did THAT make a difference after the flight. The strongest hands ever. Cool place with private rooms. I LOVED IT!!! Thanks again dear Luanne, my Shanghai fairy godmother! Till we meet again, this time with the girls reunited.

The hotel seems nice. Yes, the bed is rock hard. We will see how we sleep, we are so tired. Not too sure how tomorrow will play out but it seems like we will meet her mid-day. Tha you all for the support that brought us here, to this moment. Xoxoxox

off we go......

Here are bags, all packed ready to go. We are actually ahead of schedule so here we sit, a wait till the car comes. We are well under our baggage allotment for not only the international flight but also for the inter-China flights. A lot of weight will be gone in Nanchang too. There are some consumables and gifts that were heavier than needed.

I never take a carry on suitcase but the little black one is filled with meds and 24 hours of stuff for Howard, myself and Xiao Yue. If you asked me what was in the suitcases, I could tell you. I made spread sheet, yep my usual old Type A is shining. I figure that way, if they DO lose the bag, I know what to replace.

Does this feel real? Not sure yet. Maybe when we are at the airport? When I see her face? This is still surreal but yet VERY real. Xoxoxox

we have waited many moons, now is the time - itinerary

For those of you who are curious or will be following our path to our daughter, here is a loose itinerary for our trip. There are many days without agenda items because we do not know what is planned for which days until we get there. There are paperwork meetings, medical exams, etc.

8/20- leave Newark, NJ at 11:00 a.m.
8/21- get to Shanghai, China at 1:40 p.m. Leave Shanghai at 9:25 p.m. for Nanchang. Get to hotel prob. around midnight. Find out at check in what time we meet Xiao Yue Monday.
8/22- meet our daughter "T" (Xiao Yue)
8/26- Leave Xiao Yue's province and the city of Nanchang. Fly in evening to Guangzhou
8/31- Consulate appointment
9/2- fly from Guangzhou to Shanghai very early. Leave Shanghai at 3:45 p.m. Arrive to Newark, NJ 6:20 p.m.

"T" is for tease

This is hanging on Xiao Yue's bedroom door...... her full new name to come from us when in China! Any guesses? If you saw our name decision wall, no fair! No guesses for you!!!!!

Last trip to Target????

Well, went to Target for the third time in one week. I cannot imagine anything else we need but I am sure something else will pop up. Otherwise, our packing should be good to go......

next Sunday we will be in Nanchang, China

Getting excited. Stressed. Not sleeping (because of Bennett mostly). The packing is pretty much done. A large list awaits though...... Need to have some wine with dinner tonight. On top of things, my tooth is aggravating me. I'm bummed it is hurting.

Which will he miss more.... His parents or the IPad?