Guangzhou I

Daddy and Kate in the Nanchang airport. That is her Chinese passport.

Will took this during the medical exam.

Kate's first plane ride. I heard she did well. Sorry about the arm (it's Dave) there on the left of the picture. I could not crop it out.

Kate Emerson's medical exam. She did well. One of the babies in our group had to go to the hospital and two babies needed to follow up with Western doctors. Please pray for them. I cannot imagine how scared the parents must feel.

I was starting to feel very concerned (and a little upset) because I had not heard from Dave in over 24 hours. He usually tries to catch us at either 7 a.m. or 7 p.m. and we had not heard from them since Thursday night. Apparently his computer is broken. So, he sent these on a friend's computer. Thanks Rob! They like the White Swan a lot and seem to be settling in. He said the room service was great. He ordered fish and chips and Kate ate about half of his fish! They arrive home in 4 days. Thank the Lord!

Traveling Day

Thinking about the next play.

My little soccer star.

I might get a few pictures and an update from Dave today but I might not. When we spoke last they were getting ready to do a last bit of shopping in Nanchang and then heading to the airport to fly to Guangzhou. It will be Kate's first airplane ride and the first time she has left the province in which she was born and has lived her short life thus far. I hope she enjoyed the flight.

So, not that it is interesting at all but I thought I'd let you know what Harry and I have been doing while they were gone. Harry has been very busy with 2 soccer games, 2 birthday parties, a t-ball meeting, a sleepover, school and Mom time. We have had a few dinner dates out at his favorite places and I let him sleep with me once (which he had never done). It was very snuggly.

I have cooked and frozen some meals for when they return. I have changed all the closets over to summer clothes, written my thank you notes for various gifts and begun painting Kate's bathroom (pink). Oh and I have been the chauffeur for Master Harrison's activities. I have also ordered Kate's arrival announcements, gotten an estimate for an invisible fence for Scout and scheduled some yard work (mulching, fertilizing etc.) to be done before Dave gets home as a surprise! I want to accomplish a few more things before they return but I mostly want to sit at my computer and stare at my daughter. We are trying to keep busy to pass the time and I think it is working. We have been quite industrious. Check back in a few hours. I asked Dave to take a picture of Kate on her 1st airplane ride. Maybe he'll send it soon.

I did hear very briefly from Dave. They landed safely are sleeping now at the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou. Kate Emerson did well on the plane.

Shopping and the Park-Nanchang

Oh Mom, how long do I have to hang out with these boys? I need some girl time.

Click on this photo to see it larger. It is really pretty (and they did a really nice job styling Kate's hairbow). They went to a park in a non-tourist area where they were the only people in the park who were not Chinese. Dave said the local people were fascinated by the boy, his Dad and a Chinese baby.

Will getting his exercise in the park. Apparently the locals were fascinated by this. Later, Will had a really hard time breathing and needed his inhaler. Dave said the air is very heavy with pollution.


The child make friends wherever he goes!




Dave said this is where they went shopping (I think). He did not go the tourist stores. Supposedly, they ventured out to a local shop. Dave bought some locally produced porcelain, a hand painted tea set for Kate, some bracelets, a celadon vase, porcelain chopsticks, and some silk clothes. He had a traditional silk dress, hat and shoes tailor made for Kate. He will buy some more factory made ones for her later but he wanted one really special Chinese dress.


Will conversing with a local police officer. Good job, Will. Make friends with the law. Sorry these last two are out of focus. Dave "claims" it is hard to take pictures with a squirming baby in your arms;)

Dinner?

Speaking of dinner, Kate took her first bottle from Dave!!!!!! He is not sure if she genuinely has thrush or not but he snuck a bottle in. He wonders if it was a trust issue. He said that she is really starting to bond with them and play with them more. He notices a HUGE difference. Dave thought Kate was just laid back but he said now he thinks she was detached those first two days. She is really coming out of her shell now. I think it is so awesome how intuitive he is and how he is figuring this all out. I have never been so proud of my husband and my son. Thank you so much for all of the support, encouragement and prayers. They mean the world to us all.

Village outside of Nanchang

Elissa, she loves the stacking cups. Dave said they are good for an hour worth of stimulation. Thank you!

Willie in his new Chinese shirt from Walmart. I asked him what it said and he said he has no idea. But it is his favorite color--orange!

So cute!

Katie Ru eating at the big buffet in the hotel.

This is right outside of the hotel. Will is leaning. The buildings are not.


They went to a village outside of the city yesterday. Will got tremendous joy giving candy to some of the little children. Dave said he made friends easily.

Another friend.

This is a group of men playing cards and that is a pool table. Dave said some things are simply universal.

Dave is wearing Kate in a Mei Tai carrier (thank you Shana for the suggestion) and it is working really well. Dave made friends too.

This is a family kitchen in the village. Dave said they were getting ready to prepare lunch.

Dave said this is where people buy their daily meat on the side of the road. He said..."It was oinking this morning and is in the wok by tonight."


An update on Miss Kate....A nurse in our travel group tired to feed Kate a bottle and realized that it appears as though she has thrush. Thank you for all of your wonderful suggestions on getting her to drink. We are trying to get her to a doctor for the thrush. Dave was able to get almost an entire bottle in her with a medicine dropper. Apparently, sucking of any kind is just too painful. Poor angel.

The great news is she is an awesome sleeper. So, those of you who know me know that you could literally set your clocks by Will and Harry's sleep schedule when they were little (now too, actually). Kate sleeps on her tummy and falls asleep easily in the crib. She sleeps through the night for about 10-12 hours. AND she naps at about one in the afternoon for about 2 to 2 and 1/2 hours. Dave said she also takes a morning snooze in the carrier. I know this all might change when she gets home but it looks like she appreciates a good routine (just like me)! I actually prayed for a good sleeper. Thank you, Lord.

Dave said she is a really easy going, sweet baby and that she only whines when something is actually hurting or bothering her. We really think once the scabies (if she had it) and the thrush are gone, she'll be even easier. When I see them on the webcam, she just gazes up at her Daddy with such adoration in her eyes. She loves to touch his little five o'clock shadow. He is really falling in love with her too. I recognize the look in his eyes.

More from yesterday

I literally begged Dave to send just a few more pictures. Poor guy. It was midnight and he was exhausted but this is what I got. Thank you to those who suggested Kate might have scabies. We are looking into that and we have a prescription for her and the boys. It did not dawn on us right away (even though it is common there) because she was in foster care. Please continue to pray for Dave, Will and Kate. Cutie Kate will not take a bottle and Dave is giving her liquids through a syringe. I know they'll be fine but prayer would help.

Yep, that is a bow.
Kate Emerson's first time in a high chair. We know it is ideally best to feed her in our laps for bonding but Dave needed to have some free hands here.

This is just moments before they met Kate. Will's smile is so genuine. Dave's is so nervous. He said the bench was vibrating from their excitement/nervousness.

This is one of the guides who has been a tremendous help. Dave said she has held Kate and made her smile. Thank you Vanessa!

Boring Musings from Mommy

About Kate Emerson

I cannot even try to replicate the amazing heartfelt entry that my husband wrote yesterday (nor would I try) but I wanted to let you have an update. Hopefully, I'll have a picture or two in a few hours (because I know that is what we all want) but Dave is too busy to send one now. He is really doing an incredible job!

Yesterday was a slow day. They went to Walmart for diapers (apparently the ones I sent are a bit small!) Those of you about to travel...they found regular old Pampers so you can get them in Nanchang.

Kate slept very well the first night. She slept over 8 hours with a brief scream about 2 am. She still will not really drink from her bottle but she is eating. She took a nice 2 hour nap in the afternoon in her crib. I like that Dave is already starting to get on a routine--you know me!

She is a scratcher and I think this is ironic. Dave said that she scratches her belly and her legs a lot. That is such a family trait. My grandmother used to scratch her legs badly and so do I and so does Will. I mean I am talking....doctor visit type of scratching. I cannot tell you how many times I had infections as a kid from scratching my legs (Will too).

They were about to got to a paperwork meeting (it was 7:30 p.m.there) and then bath and bed. Tomorrow (our tonight) they will go out into a rural area and tour around. Will wants to buy penny candy to give to the local children. I hope he has time. I know he will get a lot of joy from doing that. They are also going to do some local shopping. Dave will look for a small tea set for Kate as this region is known for its porcelain. He is also going to look for some traditional Chinese Silk outfits for her.
Oh, one more thing...Kate kisses Will. When I was talking on the webcamera to them, she grabbed Will's hand and kissed it. Last night, she puckered up and kissed his cheek. How awesome is that? I could just sit on the computer and watch them for hours. It is very hard to hang up.


Thank you for all of the loving comments and e-mails. Yesterday truly was the most glorious day of my entire life. To see the daughter God has chosen for us was a miracle. I cannot even imagine how it will be when I get to hold her next week.

P.S. I not usually a fan of music on blogs (I know a lot of people check in from work) and I will take this one off shortly but I kept hearing this song in my head yesterday. There is one more song that sums up our whole experince that I will add in a few days and then I promise to go back to being a "music free" blog.

Musings from Daddy

Big brother is awesome!

Her first bath with our family.

This is a post from Dave in his own words. Keep in mind, he has not really slept much in the last two days. It is stream of conscious but beautiful to me:

I woke up at 6 a.m. and tinkered around the room. I am already very nervous. I don't feel prepared -- I only had two years to get ready. Why is it time so quickly? We went to China Civil Affairs office around 10:30 am. The children arrived in two different vans apparently. (different orphanages?) Three families, I think, met their children at basically one time in a noisy, busy, room that may have had a flow to those used to it. Other 4 families waited and wondered, and I was one of those. About twenty minutes later, our children arrived, and all were placed with us at more or less the same moment. We were not called out to the middle of a room in a one-by-one fashion. So- three families are very busy trying to cope with their new children, and four families are receiving children, trying to take it in, be strong and loving for the new child, have pictures taken, have video taken, make bottles, calm the cries, and wondering what to do next (as in next minute and next 10 minutes, and next hour).

I met Lu Dan Ru (Kate), it was a wonderful and nerve-racking and reality-setting-in all at once, standing there with my 9 year old son who is saying "she's beautiful Dad", half way across the world. Wondering 'what to do now?' Feed? Sit? Stand? Have brother hold? Where is the care-giver? The foster parent did not make the trip. Perhaps she is not allowed - maybe it is the orphanages responsibility only? Is she healthy? She's big. Wow. Arms are getting tired. Couples all around me crying tears of joy. Equal number of babies crying tears of fear. Mom would know what to do - but I only had Will to ask - what now Will? We coped - we stroked her, we kissed her, we hugged her, we cooed at her, we got peed on, we are now family. Do I make sense? I entered into this with about 4 hours sleep. Once a bit settled down (not really), we went through a brief interview process one family at a time. We needed certain papers at certain times. After we made it through this, we came back to the hotel. We then were told to have "one parent" to go and do some paper work. I was the only parent, so I, Lu Dan Ru (Kate) and Will all went to the conference room. I filled out papers. Will said he locked the key in the hotel room. Our guides (they're great) got Dan Ru to smile across the table, between signatures. Will told me his Nintendo DS is gone - missing - likely stolen. And we're locked out. I can't find a most critical paper. Panic time. Without this paper, I cannot receive the status of Parent. It is needed for the interview/meeting where I sign to become fully responsible. I cannot say no after this meeting - but I can't find the paper for it. Maybe we can generate a new one in the US and get four levels of authentication and overnight it here within 24 hours. Ten minutes later - I found it. I'm set. I can quit shaking. What, me panic? I set a new standard. We weren't locked out of the room The Nintendo DS was where I put it - in a suitcase. We can proceed. I am a lone tree on the wrong side of a hurricane. Then....we had the meeting, everything worked out just as planned and perfect, and Dan Ru is working on becoming Kate Emerson and Dad is working on trying to become the calm and mellow person he typically (obviously not always) is, and being a caring Dad.
Back to the hotel. Everyone made it through.

Kate is still fussy to me. She won't drink a bottle. Put on carry-thing (whats it called?) and Will and I walk around. We meet an Australian group in the play area. They ask me if the Rumor Queen is part of our group. She's here, they say. The Aussie group is one day ahead of us. They had Pizza Hut delivered for several families. I have an idea of how to be popular with our group. No telling on me. Wondered down to the lobby and went to the buffet. I missed lunch, stomach acid churning, trying to unwind, Dan Ru Kate is chilled out in the snuggli. She goes to the high chair easily. The women waitstaff are great. They see I haven't done the highchair and baby girl thing for a while, if at all. They help. They tuck in a napkin as a bib because I didn't take one. Would any Mom not take a bib? Dan Ru Kate eats a whole bowl on Com Chi (fix the spelling, Kim) and some bread tidbits. She's happy. I eat bread, a little rice, two bites of chicken, another bread. Stomach churn is starting to recede. Will enjoys gluten AND cheese AND Sprite all in one meal. Wow - glad Mom isn't here. He earned and deserved whatever he wanted. No Five Guys here, so we made do with local gluten, dairy and sugar.

Made it back up stairs, talked to Mom, talked with Aunt Dawn. Gave Dan Ru Kate a bath. She cried, but not nearly as bad as I thought she would. Will helped. Will helped all day. I should have said that in every other sentence. He carried the backpack, he watched security for abandoned Passport while I had to go somewhere, he sat when I said to, and he never got in any one's way. He never complained. He got Dan Ru Kate to laugh after dinner but before bath. I haven't accomplished that yet. But I think she wants to trust me. That's good, well maybe that is great and what I'm really after for at least one of my many roles and goals for now. I got the other solo Dad and Non traveling Mom together on my webcam setup so Mom in PA saw her daughter (live) this evening. Our group works as a team. I've been helped more than once. I tried to help someone. We're a scruffy bunch - but we work it out together pretty well so far. Dan Ru fell asleep on my belly and I set her into her crib. I will do whatever it takes to keep her trust. It's a play it as it comes situation. She and I don't know each other well - but I have a feeling she's going to like our family, I guess I mean her family. She's got an awesome set of brothers to whip into shape pretty soon. And as for Mom, she's already jello. And me, you make the call. I know where I'm going with this one.

Okay, tissues please? I have the BEST husband in the world!

A smile!

My incredible son and husband have been able to get Kate Emerson to smile and laugh in just 8-10 hours! Look at that smile! Thank you Dave. I love you!

Here she is!

I prayed for this child and the Lord granted my request.

1 Samuel 1:27

Daddy and Kate Emerson at the Gotcha moment.
Look at those tonsils! Or is it an uvula? Now, big brother has her laughing and smiling but there were lots of tears at first.

Will, Kate and Dave.

I have waited three long years to write those words at the top of this post. Those of you who know us well know that we came up against virtually every obstacle possible during this adoption process (including one falling through completely). So, today we rejoice in this miracle.

I have so much to tell. Kate cried a lot for about the first 6 hours but she is calming down now. She doesn't want the bottle but is loving solid food. Dave said she ate an entire bowl of congee (rice porridge) for dinner. She has four teeth. These pictures do not do her justice. She was very scared and now her face is so much more open and relaxed. I will post newer photos the moment Dave send them.

Will has been able to make her smile and laugh already! Dave will be sending those pictures soon. He is trying to get them all cleaned up and into pajamas and ready for bed. The poor guy is exhausted. Right after they got Kate, he had a full day of meetings and paperwork. He had a major panic moment when he could not find the most important document (the one is which I give my permission for him to adopt her without me). He said it took about 4 years off of his life but he did find it and all is well!

I have had the luxury of seeing my gorgeous daughter by videophone and it is AMAZING! To see her move and hear her gurgle and see Will roll around with her and make her laugh is absolutely priceless. They are in bed now or else I would be staring at her on the screen.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for our family during this journey. Please continue to pray that she attaches well and that Harry and I can make it another 9 days until we meet her!

Love,

Kim

Quick Update

As soon as they got back to the hotel, Dave called me on skype (internet phone) with the webcams. So, I got to see my beautiful daughter. It was amazing. I even woke Harry up at midnight to meet his sister. Dave said Kate is quite big and definitely the biggest in our group. She was crying the most too. She is absolutely, stunningly beautiful. Am I allowed to say that about my own child?

She did not want her bottle but she gobbled up some day old cake they got on the airplane. She was eating it as I watched on the webcam. I guess her referral information was correct--it said she liked cake!

Dave had to rush off to a meeting so I don't have a picture yet. But I will within a few hours. I got so many wonderful e-mails and messages and it has made my heart soar. I will print them all out for Kate to have someday. Thank you.

She is in her Daddy's arms!

The most amazing thing just happened. Someone loaned Dave a cell phone and he called me just seconds before they handed Kate to him. I was able to be on the phone and hear the whole "gotcha experience." Of course , I was crying my eyes out. My baby is in her Dad's arms. Will talked to me while Dave went up to get her. He said, "Mommy, she is so beautiful." Kate was crying a little bit and Dave said she looked nervous and overwhelmed. I just know that Dave's calming ways and Will's humor will make her feel safe very quickly. Finally, Kate is ours. They were getting ready to head back to the hotel and they will e-mail me the pictures right away. I do not think I will be sleeping tonight! Thank you to Steve for letting Dave borrow the cell phone. That was the most precious gift anyone could have given me.

"Don't worry Mom, I'll put a bow in her hair."

I just talked to Dave and Will on our video webcams by skype. It was awesome. They were just waking up and getting ready to go eat breakfast. Dave took the camera and showed me around their very small hotel room. He showed me the crib that is waiting there for Kate! I asked Will if he was excited to meet his sister and give her the bunny he bought for her months ago. He replied, "Don't worry Mom, I'll put a bow in her hair." That boy knows his Mom!

They will have her in just one hour. Dave is going to try to call me on skype again and I ought to be able to see them and they can see me too! Technology is awesome. My wireless internet did go down a few minutes ago and I panicked but it is back up now. I really appreciate all the prayers and well wishes. This is one of the most exciting days of my life.

The next time I post, I will have pictures of Kate Emerson!

In five hours...

These pictures are from the forbidden city where the Emperor lived. That is about all Dave told me. He was very tired (it was midnight) when they finally got to their hotel in Nanchang. They were getting ready to go to bed and they leave at 10 a.m. to go meet the babies. He will try to call me once he has Kate Emerson (about 11:30p.m. tonight).

Will, Emma and Jim. Read the sign and you will understand their silly faces.

Forbidden City

Dave and Rob.

In about five hours our lives will change forever, Kate. You will leave the foster Mom who has been caring for you since day one and you will come into our family. You have been in my heart for so long that I can hardly believe this day has finally arrived. I pray that you will know in your heart when they place you in your Daddy's arms that this is where you belong. I know your big brother Will who has wanted you for three years will make you smile. You are our little dream come true and we will thank God everyday for bringing you into our lives. Harry and I are home getting everything ready for you. We cannot wait to hold you in our arms and kiss those gorgeous cheeks. I am absolutely beside myself with joy and anticipation.

The Great Wall-Beijing

Dave is having a difficult time with his computer so he is e-mailing me the photos and some brief descriptions. Any errors are all mine. They are having a blast! Will is soaking in every detail and he is very popular with the Chinese girls. Apparently, the local young ladies all want their picture taken with him. I hope it doesn't go to his head. Click on the photos to enlarge and see the details.

Dad and son at the Great Wall.

Emma and Will in front of a weapons display at the Great Wall. Will says she talks as much as he does. I have trouble believing that but maybe he has met his match. They certainly are having fun.

The whole group at the Great Wall.



Apparently out of the entire group Will and Jim (who is travelling as a friend/helper to another Dad) made it the farthest up the wall. They are all anticipating sore thighs tomorrow as it was very steep. I guess all of that energy Will has always had served him well. Interestingly, it is Jim and Will that the locals want their pictures with also.

Beautiful view.

Dave said there are parts of the wall that are newer than others. The wall was started over 500 years ago and has been added to by three dynasties (according to the guide).

A park at the base of the Great Wall.

This is a stadium being built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Dave thought it might be for soccer or track and field. Dave said there is a lot of construction going on in preparation for the Olympics and the people of Beijing are extremely honored to have been chosen as the host.

The mascot for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Everyone was given a stuffed Panda yesterday. Will loves it but I think it was meant for Kate Emerson.

After climbing the Great Wall, the group enjoyed a dumpling lunch and then visited a jade factory. This is our travel group at the jade factory. They were able to see the rough cutting, fine carving and polishing processes. Of course, my geologist husband probably loved this. Dave bought a few things for the kids but nothing for Mommy:(

Next, they visited a silk factory. This is a local woman working there. According to Dave, the guide told them to leave everything in the bus except their cameras. So, Dave could have bought silk blankets and comforters for a song but he "claims" to have left his money in the bus. He also claims that he did not see any "Kimmy" designs. As much as a shopper as I am, my husband is the "anti-shopper."

Here are the silk worms and cocoons. Will told Harry that the lady gave him a few to take. Not sure customs will allow that back into the US though. According to Dave, each cocoon produces 1,600 meters worth of silk thread (about a mile). They do everything at this factory from harvesting the silk to making the bedspreads. A silk blanket cost about $70 and a bedspread about $140.

Tomorrow, they do a little more sightseeing in Beijing. Then they will fly to Nachang where they will check into the hotel and get a good night sleep (doubtful). The next morning, they will meet Kate Emerson at about 10 a.m. That is 10 p.m. Sunday night our time. From that moment on, she will be with her forever family.