Happily Ever After

On Thursday morning we departed from our hotel in Guangzhou around 6:00 a.m. The driver picked us up for the two hour ride and we said good bye to mainland China. We were very nervous about the ride as Blythe has a tendency to freak out (scream and squirm) while in the car.  Sorry to say she did not disappoint!  It was a long stressful ride, even the driver was sighing.  We finally got to the airport and found that there were two other adoptive families on our flight- one family had 15 months old twin girls!  It's hard to prepare for a 15 hour flight with a toddler- your tools are limited mainly food! I have to say it was probably one of the most stressful and tiring days of my life!  Blythe surprised us all by being pretty great on the plane. Not much sleeping- maybe 45 minutes but no screaming!  We finally got off the plane and handed over Blythe's immigration paperwork at which point she officially became as citizen of the United States- probably one of the highlights of my life! There was no fanfare or even congratulations from the immigration officer but Christian and I knew how special it was. Next leg of journey was the 2 hour ride back to Wayne, PA.  Blythe freaked when we put her in the car seat so it turned into a screamfest! Poor thing. 

We arrived home and my heart was thumping as I hugged Avery and Claire!  They looked so great and they were so sweet to Blythe-giving kisses and calling her by name. The next two days are a blur except to say that Blythe would not sleep for more than 45 minutes at a time and the girls were great with Blythe- they are already sisters and friends. My brother Mitchell came to the rescue and spent all day researching sleep issues in adopted children.  We took all of his advice and can you believe it- she is sleeping at night and napping. 

We have all been through a lot in the last three weeks (well four years) but every minute away from the girls, every notarized document, and every worry was worth it to get to these moments with our three beautiful girls. Now onto living and enjoying her with all of you- our dear friends and family.

Love to all of you for your support!

Last Day in China! Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Today we met up with the other Gladney Families and headed to the Chan Ancestral Home in Guangzhou.  This Chinese mansion was built about 130 years ago and the workmanship is incredible.  You don't see much traditional architecture here because much of it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.  This house was saved because the Communist Party used it - go figure.  The carvings and artwork on display were wonderful and there were opportunities to purchase some items.  We bought a couple things for Blythe and the girls.  We plan to give them these gifts over time to celebrate various special occasions.  Next stop was the pearl market where various jewelers sell pearls and other items at wholesale.  Christian bought the girls each a pair of earrings that they can have when they get their ears pierced (on their 18th birthday - according to Christian).  Blythe had another tough day in the car so after the Pearl Market we went on another forced march to find snacks for the plane ride.  We can't find Cheerios here so we have been substituting with Honey Nut Cheerios and it came to me that perhaps all the sugar we are giving her is making her crazy.  So we bought her wheat crackers and actually found some goldfish crackers.  So maybe that will help - fingers crossed.  We passed a mall with some interesting stores - ROLUX, CUGGI, DION, BAILEY, PRAYA, HERES.  Not sure if it was a joke but Christian wanted to do all his Christmas shopping - thankfully we ran out of time!  We are back at the hotel watching Champions League Soccer, packing, and waiting for out dinner reservation at 6:00 p.m.  Then it's off to bed before our long trip home.  Please pray for our sanity and safety.  We can't wait for all of you to meet Blythe - she is beautiful, funny, spirited, smart, brave, and very playful.  But most of all we can't wait to be home with all three of our amazing girls continuing the adventure of a lifetime.

Thank you again for your kind words, support and encouragement - it has made all the difference on this long journey!  See you soon!

Pandas for Blythe, Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Today we met up with the Gladney group and headed to the Guangzhou Zoo.  We saw a great variety of animals including monkeys, lions, tigers, camels, hippos, and elephants.  One of the highlights of the day was seeing the Zoo's two pandas;  the second highlight was feeding four or five giraffes by hand!  Blythe fell asleep and missed her Mom playing with the giraffes but we can always relive the moment on video.  After the Zoo we came back to the hotel to start packing up.  We check out on Thursday morning around 6:00 a.m. and take a car to Hong Kong (2 hours).  Blythe is usually pretty upset while in transit.  The train was a nightmare and most car rides are the same.  We are a little nervous for the 2 hour ride, 2 hours in the airport, 15 plus hours in the sky and the 2 hour ride back to PA!  But it is the only way home so what can you do???  In the afternoon we headed to another mega mall to look around.  This mall had an ice-skating rink and basically a strange indoor version of the Point Pleasant boardwalk.  We have been searching everywhere for little t-shirts with Chinese writing to bring home to the girls but ALL the clothes here have English writing and most of it makes no sense at all.  I think I should get a consulting gig here helping them write slogans that make sense.  I am not sure how many girls want a shirt that says, "beautiful monkey toy".  I was feeling homesick so Christian treated me to some chocolate Haagen Dazs at the mall.  Four scoops of ice cream cost us about $20.  We are seriously thinking of opening a Ben and Jerry's here!  Back at the hotel we rocked Blythe to bed and then ordered room service and sat on the bed in the dark eating - our usually evening routine.

Almost Home Monday, March 14, 2011

Today was a huge day for our family.  We took another step toward getting Blythe home to the United States.  We met our driver at 7:45 a.m. and headed over to the US Consulate.  In the lobby we met up with a lot of other US families that we had seen around town.  One family from Long Island had twin girls - they were adorable.  We went through security and got checked in and then of course we waited.  Finally a woman came out and administered the immigration oath that we took on Blythe's behalf.  The oath is not for citizenship but rather that you were truthful in filling out your documents.  Then we waited some more...can you see a theme here???  After about an hour and a half only the four Gladney families remained so of course I went up and started asking questions... I found out that there was some sort of scheduling confusion and according to them we were not due to be processed for an hour or so.  How do you think I took that?  I asked for her supervisor of course...she came over and gave me an overview of how the system works and that if she did it for us - blah, blah blah.  Finally she agreed to process us but wanted to make sure I understood how much of a burden it was for her... I reminded her that the gentleman next to me had been waiting five years to adopt his daughter - that pretty much ended the conversation and we were the next family called.  I guess they wanted me out of there!  We don't have any pictures at the Consulate because they don't allow it but check our Blythe in her adorable dress!  She looked so beautiful! Shopping was next on the agenda.  I wanted to find dresses for the girls but a communication error (I am now legendary for them) led us on an hour and a half forced march followed by a taxi ride in traffic and finally a 15 minute shopping spree before we had to get back to the hotel for my spa appointment.  I know it sounds indulgent but I have three kids now!  I need to relax a little!  Christian parented Blythe through a fussy period and then I returned to her sleeping - perfect timing.  We then headed down for formal tea - yum!  We capped off the day with a walk and a bath for Blythe.  Not a bad day at all!

Blessings Sunday, March 13, 2011

Today is Sunday in Guangzhou and we have no official business to take care of so we are meeting up with the other families for some sightseeing.  Our first stop was the Six Banyan Tree Temple.  It is a well-known and beautiful Buddhist Temple in the city.  Locals were coming with offerings of incense, flowers, and fruit.  Our guide Jack gave us the background of the temple and the various Buddha statues that people were praying to.  We then entered the main temple and watched the monks perform a ceremony.  Their chanting was wonderful to listen to and it was so cute to watch the children and their parents pray together. The monks finished their ceremony and we were invited up to the alter and each child was blessed.  It was a very moving experience.  Afterwards we headed to a local park to walk around.  Most Chinese people in the cities live in apartments so they don't have much room at home.  The city's parks are like their backyards and playrooms.  The elderly are doing tai chi and karaoke while the parents and their children go for paddleboat rides and enjoy amusements rides.  We spent most of our time at the playground with the kids.  Blythe went on her first rides, the merry-go-round and this little elephant ride.  Again, I am in awe of her - she was totally calm for both!  We let her practice her walking for a while.  She loves to walk but needs to hold on to one of us with one hand.  She is getting stronger everyday and I think she will be walking in no time at all.  I was homesick at the park for Avery and Claire.  They would have loved this place!  There was a craft area, goldfish games, go carts with no seat belts for toddlers (very scary - Claire would have been in heaven), and a huge fury pink mechanical dog that the kids sat on and drove around the park.  I think I could make a fortune selling them to parents in the US!  After the park we headed back to the hotel and sat outside for lunch.  The hotel staff set up a play area for the kids in the restaurant and Blythe loved playing with the other "Ritz Kids".  It was all fun and games until the French girl fell in the fountain!  Jack our guide came by and we finished up our US Consulate paperwork for Monday.  After Blythe's nap we headed back outside for a walk around the adjacent park.  Christian got us tickets to tour the Guangzhou Opera House, an open-air park and performing center that recently hosted the Asia Games.  They love exterior illumination here and the whole place was lit up in colored lights as the sun went down.  We got back to the room around 8:00 p.m. and started the evening ritual of rocking Blythe to bed.  It is a little scary trying to picture putting three toddlers to bed...so I try not to think about it!

What a Difference a Day Makes, Saturday, March 12, 2011

This morning we woke up feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep.  Blythe got up around 4:30 a.m. which doesn't seem early to us anymore because we go to bed around 8 p.m.!  We had an incredible breakfast at the hotel and then headed out for a lovely walk in the adjacent park.  The park is right along the water and was so beautiful.  The area we are in is called New City and it is filled with wonderful art museums and open parks.  At 9:30 a.m.  our driver picked us up and we headed to the famous White Swan Hotel.  The White Swan is famous in Chinese adoption circles because so many families stay there.  It was amazing to see so many western families all with beautiful Chinese sons and daughters.  Many had older Chinese children as well - just like biological families they come back for more.  We met up with the three other Gladney families and their wonderful daughters.  They are from Montclair, NJ, Easton, MD, & Rockville, MD.  It was great to speak with them and hear about their experiences thus far.  We then headed over to have the girls pictures taken for their visas and onto their medical appointments.  There were lots of other families doing the same and it was great to see all these excited families going through the same process as us.  If you doubt that there are loving and kind people in this world then come to this medical office and you will see family after family choosing to love and parent children with all sorts of special needs.  Whether the children are older and having trouble adjusting or are missing both their hands and feet.  Amazing people are saying they were called to love these children.  It puts a lot of life in perspective and makes you feel good about your fellow man.  I was grateful for the experience.  We then did a little shopping and had lunch outside at Lucy's Bar.  Blythe and I walked around the park listening to music and dancing.  They love cheesy music here so I was in heaven.  We parted ways with the other families and headed back to our hotel and had the most lovely Italian dinner.  We were seated right by the open kitchen and the Head Chef noticed Blythe and made her a miniature pizza - not bad for your first pizza!  I looked over a Christian and said a week ago she was eating steamed eggs in an orphanage and tonight she is having Italian food at the Ritz Carlton - she deserves it.  She was a perfect angel all afternoon and at dinner!  Yeah Blythe!

Patience Friday, March 10, 2011

Blythe had a great nights sleep and we were up early for our last day in Changsha.  We had nothing on the schedule other than waiting for Ashley to deliver Blythe's Chinese passport and all the finalized adoption paperwork from the Chinese government.  We spent the morning hanging around the room.  Blythe took a great morning nap.  But as many parents of young children know that can spell disaster in the afternoon.  Ashley got the passports and paperwork early so we canceled our plane reservation and decided to take the high speed train.  However on the way to the train station Christian and his keen eye for detail noticed that they had put the wrong date for Blythe's birthday.  An error that had to be corrected.  So we took a detour to the adoption office and Ashley quickly fixed the issue.  We got on the train and took our seats and that is when the squirming and crying started.  Blythe was not in a good mood for the entire two + hour journey.  We got a lot of looks from the locals - not sure if they were in sympathy or agony.  We were in agony!  But as soon as we got off the train she fell asleep and we checked into the hotel and unpacked while she slept in the stroller.  Then we transferred her to her new crib and she slept through the night!  Blythe continues to teach us lessons about ourselves each day.  Today we worked on patience!  It's easy to forget that her new life with us is full of changes and is probably very overwhelming.  I just keep reminding myself of the first valuable parenting advice I recieved when Avery was born - the good and bad are both temporary - so enjoy the good stuff and don't worry too much about the difficult stuff - both will pass.

We are staying at the Ritz Carlton in Guangzhou and it is incredible.  Our room looks out over the river and the skyline of modern buildings and colored lights and is exactly what you imagine when you think of modern China.  The hotel staff left Blythe a welcome bag full of baby goodies that she has enjoyed sorting.  Tomorrow we meet up with three other Gladney families to begin the US visa portion of our trip.  We are very excited to make some new friends and see more of this beautiful city!

Changsha Days and Nights Thursday, March 10, 2011

Our last full day in Changsha was a funny one!  Living in the hotel is getting a little old.  the desk is our kitchen, the window sill our playroom/yard, the entryway our garage...you get the picture.  Blythe likes to open the mini bar and take everything out she also likes to play with the remote - I guess that is a universal fascination for children.  Our guide looked at Blythe today and declared that she was ready to go to the USA.  She looks so cute in all of Avery and Claire's clothing.  We have already taught her high five and she is clapping and waving.  She has even been brave enough to take a few steps without holding onto us.  The smile on her face is priceless when we are out, it looks like she is saying - "look at me I have a family that loves me too!  I belong!!"  We couldn't be happier for all of us.

In the morning we headed to the Hunan Provincial Embroidery Museum.  It was a wonderful exhibit of the incredible talents of the local people.  I found the political portraits done during the Cultural Revolution especially interesting.  During that period artists were only allowed to do works depicting the leadership or the 8 approved state operas.  Hunan is the birthplace of the Chairman Mao so his portraits are common.  Christian and I were happy to see a photograph of President Bush 43 at the museum, apparently he received an embroidered family portrait while President.  Blythe slept through the entire tour which  which of course meant she would not sleep the rest of the day!  She was in quite a fussy mood but who can blame her, she has been through a lot in the last week!  I decided to visit a spa at the hotel called Revive! Revive! which is a foot massage parlor which I guess are pretty common here.  They led me into a small smokey room with a TV and a very comfortable chair.  I read while they messaged my feet for 90 minutes for about $25.  The funny part came when she asked me to lie on my stomach...then she hopped on my back and proceeded to dig her knees into my back.  She then cracked both my ankles and all 10 toes...it actually felt really good.  We had dinner with our guide and he gave Christian some good news.  Our driver thinks that Christian is the best looking western man that he has ever seen!  Many of you know that this is not Christian's first time being singled out for his beauty - he was voted Best Looking at Pingry.  Anyway he was happy to hear that he has universal appeal.  We move into Guangzhou tomorrow by high speed train and we are hoping that Blythe will enjoy the ride.  There is no smoking on the train which is nice since most of China is filled with cigarette smoke.

Thank you for all of your kind notes via our blog FB and gmail.  They keep us smiling and enjoying this long time away from all of our family and friends...this time next week we will be HOME with BLYTHE!!!

Hunan Provincial Museum Wednesday March 9,2011

Another early morning in Changsha.  Today I stayed in bed and Christian headed down to look at emails and worked out.  At 7:00 a.m. we enjoyed one of the best parts of our day - Skyping with Avery and Claire!  They look so adorable sitting at the kitchen table eating their dinner.  It is very comforting to see them so happy in their usual routine.  We have no adoption work to do today.  Our next official item on the calendar takes place on Friday when we pick up Blythe's Chinese passport.  Today we met with our guide Ashley and headed over to the Hunan Provincial Museum.  When we arrived we learned that in the last two years the Chinese government has made all museums free to the public.  That is the good news for the locals, the bad news is the country is so populated you have to stand in a line for half the day waiting to get a free ticket.  Fortunately we did not have to stand in line.   While waiting to get in a group of Chinese schoolgirls approached us and asked to be photographed with us!  Now we know what it is like to be famous.  The Museum was excellent.  The main exhibition was the contents of three 2000-year-old tombs that were unearthed in the 1070's in Changsha.  The highlight was the preserved corpse of a woman, skin, wig, and bones still intact.  The whole exhibit was very interesting.  Afterwards we headed to a local restaurant for lunch.  I am a bit shy about the local cuisine but I have tried a few things.  They like their food very spicy here so Christian is enjoying what our guide picks.  Blythe eats everything that we put in front of her - bottles with formula, rice cereal with fruit, bananas, local foods, and cheerios.  She loves to eat and has become fast friends with the waitstaff at the Sheraton. They come by every morning and make a fuss over her.  She took a very restful nap after lunch and played all afternoon in our room.  She will be surprised to learn that at home she will be able to play with something other than a small beach ball and a few small toys.  I wonder what she will make of our playroom?  We are anxious to move on to our next destination - Guangzhou.  We will meet up with three other Gladney families there and we hope to become fast friends.

Please keep all your kind messages coming!  We love to hear from each and everyone of you!  Your support means so much to all of us!

Photos of Blythe

Our beautiful Blythe!

Finalizing the Adoption March 8, 2011

Blythe did a lot of tossing and turning last night and finally woke up around 5:00 a.m.  It's hard to know what she likes for a bedtime routine so we are trying various bedtime rituals to see what works.  I went to the gym around 6:00 a.m. and then we all went to the lobby to Skype with Claire and Avery.  It is obvious that my parents are doing an excellent job, as both girls are so happy!  We miss Avery and Claire so much. We talk about them all day long!

Our first breakfast with Blythe was great although we have to be very careful what we feed her.  She likes doughnuts (just like her mom) but really can't swallow that texture so there was a bit of a choking incident-nothing too serious!

After breakfast we met Ashley our guide in the lobby and drove back to the Hunan Provincial Adoption Office to have the paperwork finalized.  They basically confirmed that we were happy with Blythe and that we could take care of her.  We were thrilled to answer yes to both questions.  The director of Blythe's ward at the orphanage was there.  I was actually a little happy when Blythe immediately cried as she came close. Perhaps for a moment she wondered if we were sending her back - never!

After the appointments were complete we went back to the room and Blythe took a nice nap.  We then fed her lunch and headed down to the lobby for a couple glasses of sparkling water before heading off on a walk to a local park.  The park was amazing - amusement rides, boat rides, aquarium and snake exihibit, go carts, women singing karaoke, games, you name it this huge park had it all.  We were somewhat of an amusement to the locals.  We got a lot of stares, a few young people practicing their English, and even a request for photos.  As well as one gentleman who followed us around for about ten minutes taking our picture from several yards away?? You see very few westerners in Changsha; we were the only ones at the park so I guess we stood out quite a bit.

Back at the hotel it was time to switch rooms for a third time.  The air conditioning in our room would not work so it was becoming quite uncomfortable.  We moved to another room where it is probably one or two degrees colder...

A few observations...

1.  They dress their children very warmly.  It was close to 60 degrees today and children were dressed in snowsuits.  Our guide recommended that we keep Blythe bundled up at all times as Chinese medicine proscribes that your neck be covered to ward off illness.  Most homes, stores, and government buildings are not heated so it makes sense to an extent.  With that said I see a lot of flushed children in snow pants and long johns who look very uncomfortable.

2.  Christian and I are running out of new topics so we find ourselves having the same conversation over and over.  Thank goodness that we have so much fun together or it could be grounds for divorce.

3.  Christian swears that I have confused half of China with my questions and requests.  i will say they don't give up easily and usually get it in the end.

We continue to be in awe of Blythe, without question she is by far the bravest person I know.  At 15 months of age, she has left behind every familiar part of her life with such courage.  She is already laughing and smiling and if you can believe it she call me "Ma" at dinner tonight while trying to get my attention - she wanted more food!  She is beautiful, smart, and a survivor at her core.  I can't wait for her to join forces with her two incredible sisters!

Gotcha Day March 7, 2011

What an incredible day we are having!  We woke up around 5:30 a.m. and of course hit the gym.  It was great to get some exercise and watch the sun come up in Changsha.  We hit the restaurant for breakfast and I caused a great deal of confusion by ordering a diet coke.  Finally it was straightened out and I started the day with some caffeine.  At 9:30 a.m. Ashley, our guide, arrived at our hotel and escorted us to the Hunan Provincial Children's Adoption Center.  As we drove in the parking lot we saw the back of a little girl entering the building and both of us wondered could that be her.  When we entered the room we immediately saw Blythe sitting with her caregiver.  She looked so beautiful!  We answered a few questions and produced some documents and they told me I could hold her.  As soon as I picked her up she started to cry so her caregiver took her back.  Then we tried again with Christian holding her and of course she calmed right down.  Is he great or what??  After a few minutes he handed her to me and she quietly sat in my arms.  It was an incredible feeling.  In the car ride back to the hotel she showed signs of opening up by playing a little game with me.  We finally started to see the first glimpse of a smile.  Back in the room we sat on the ground and started to play and she opened up right away.  Lots of playing, smiles, and a few adorable laughs.  Around 11:30 a.m. we fed Blythe her first meal.  She was incredible and ate and drank everything!  Then if you can believe it she took a two hour nap in her crib!!!  We hope she does as well tonight.  After her nap we went out for a stroll and had a celebratory meal at - Pizza Hut - go figure.  It was delicious!  As we walked down the streets of Changsha we get plenty of looks from the locals, we are not sure if they are surprised to see westerners (there are very few), the bugaboo (you don't really see any strollers), or if they are admiring how beautiful Blythe is.  We think it is the latter!  We came back to the room and are playing before we head to dinner with our guide Ashley.

It has been one of the best days of our lives.  Blythe is everything we imagined and so very much more.  As Christian said, "all this feels so natural".  We are truly blessed!

Changsha

Today we woke up around 5:30 a.m. and decided to get out of bed and hit the gym early.  It was great to watch the sun come up over the hills of Hong Kong.  We had a great breakfast and then strolled around the nicest mall I have ever visited.  Christian was thrilled that all the shops were closed because it was Sunday morning.

We caught the 11:30 a.m. train to Guangzhou.  It was pretty uneventful.  As soon as we stepped off the train in mainland China you could sense the change in culture.  We then met our guide Jack who transferred us to a new high speed train.  The train was amazing - very fast - at one point we were going about 340 KM/hour.  For about two hours we headed west into the heart of China and the scenery was very rural.  Finally we reached Changsha and met our guide Ashley.  Ashley took us to our hotel and gave us a brief overview of what to expect over the next week.  Tomorrow we meet Blythe at 9:30 a.m. at a government building and then she is ours!

I have to admit I was more than a little homesick this afternoon but Christian has been wonderful trying to keep me centered!  Not an easy task!

We learned this evening at dinner that the Chinese government does not allow Facebook, YouTube, or my Blog page so I have to send the updates to my mother to be posted - thanks Mom!  Tomorrow I will share pictures of our little Blythe!

We are in Hong Kong!!!

We departed on Friday at 3:30 p.m. from Newark and just arrived in Hong Kong at 8:35 p.m. on Saturday.  We watched a ton of movies and Christian got some good sleep.  I am a little nervous about the flight back- the only child we saw on the plane was throwing up! We arrived at the W and enjoyed some in-room dining.  Now we are watching American Idol!  Hong Kong is awe inspiring as always.  There is such a vibrant feel to the city.

We brought our stroller and have received several strange looks and questions regarding why a stroller but no baby.  I guess we have to get used to questions from strangers!

Tomorrow we leave by train for Changsha.  We meet Blythe on Monday and it can't come soon enough! I will post some pictures tomorrow! 

This is all so exciting the only difficult aspect has been missing Avery and Claire.