It has been a few days

And all is well! We have had so many positive moments, where to start.

Our new daughter took all the family stuff like a champ. She got to meet brother Jeff, it took a little bit, but she finally warmed up to him. We talked about getting a sitter for visitation and decided against it. I took her hackysac and she entertained everyone. (brought smiles to some sad faces) She took everything in stride and did as the rest of the family did. Although I could not get her to wear a dress, I knew my dad would not have cared. At the funeral dinner she wouldn't let me fix her plate. It was interesting what she chose. 3 Bean casserole, jello with fruit, cherry tomatoes and lays chips. She ate the fruit in the jello and put the jello on another little kids plate (too funny)

Tia had softball tournaments Saturday. Gene ran Curt to the KC airport, the girls and I went to the game. Everyone wanted to talk to Tara, she wanted to talk to no one. It was probably close to an hour before she warmed up to a sister of one of Tia's teammates. She also took a liking to ones little brother (age 2)-- she was motherly to him. That was nice to see. If he got out of sight she went after him. Tia won her first game and we had lunch waiting for the second game. Tia had a macho nacho and I thought Tara might like a hot dog -- wrong. She threw it on the ground and stomped on it. I did find out she loves Doritos.(a new flavor for me, sweet & spicy) We also shared our first diet Dew. She also drank alot of water, which I was glad to see. Tia also won her second game and we have to play again on Sunday. It is double elimination. As soon as we hit the door, Tara goes straight for the pj's. I went to the garage to get the mower before it rains again. She wasn't happy I left her in the house with all those nasty cats. She has learned to do alot of stomping to keep them away from her. LOL!

Since she still has her cough, I think it best she doesn't go back to the ballfield. She spent Sunday with Dad at Aunt Marcia's. I heard she ate a good dinner of fried chicken and corn, she skipped the mashed potatoes. She was on the four wheeler checking the hay with dad when we got home from the game of which Tia's team took first place. Way to go Girls!

We got Tia's old bike down in the garage. You should have seen the smile, it was huge. The tires were flat, but we had to take a spin around the garage. I needed to get groceries, but ended up airing the tires and going round and round in the driveway.

It is Actually Day 15 and We Are Home!!

Remember the airport shots are at 5:30 AM China time, with driver Mr Li and Faith guide Cordelia Chen. A Big Thank you!
For those who have done the trip, I have seen enough airports to last me a very long time. We entertained the other waiting passengers for our flight playing with the hacky sac (getting some exercise while we could). Guangzhou made me mad :( I threw away the water that the hotel sent with us for breakfast unopened. Before we boarded I bought a water and a coke Olympic can for a souvenir after we handed our boarding passes they checked bags and made me throw them away -- again can unopened. Tara has a cough, so she took a Benadryl and was out for most of the trip. We did play a game of war with cards half way through. She is very good with the card numbers, but she also knows how to cheat. Probably did the wrong thing, but I let her. While waiting in Minneapolis for connecting flight to Des Moines she plainly told me "get up Mama, Please". Again wanting to entertain the waiting passengers with hacky sac. Guess how tired I was?? I will make a complaint of Northwest Airlines (for the most part they were very good) But we made our reservations at the same time and I am traveling with two little girls and they had us all over the plane. Most people were kind enough to trade places and I thank them all greatly. It was appreciated by all three of us.
After reaching our destination, we were met by baba, Grandma C., aunt Marcia, cousin Tricia, Best friends Murt and Mike and last but not least Tara's favorite brother - Curt. Hey guys, it's the only brother she knows right now. Something also wonderful was an interpreter. She was very good with Tara and told us our daughter was very happy. She wanted a shower and to eat! imagine that.


We were also greeted with sad news. While in China my dad passed away. Since I was alone with the girls they kept the news from me. They did the right thing--it had to have been hard on them. The next couple of days will be quiet here, unless it helps with jet lag :) It isn't the way I wanted Tara to meet all her family. Sometimes we have to make the best of the situation. My dad was very excited with us adding to the family and you just always think they will be around. With both our folks gettin up in age you always know it has to happen, it's part of life.

For my dad you would have loved Tara, she has alot of spirit and spunk. She is playful and ornery. She will miss getting to know you. All my Love your daughter.

Day 13 Consulate

Wow did I have a hard time rolling the girls out of bed this morning. It is our last full day in China. Heavy Sigh! Those who have been trough this process know the roller coaster of emotions. Yesterday homesick, today not wanting it to be over and leaving. I had our guide ask Tara if there was anything from China that she would like to take home. She told Cordelia she didn't know what she wouldn't be able to have at her new home. For this I am sad :(
We were able to visit with Stefanie and her little one Shephard at breakfast. I am in aw that this is number 8 for them. The holidays will be so great with a full family. Maybe a little caotic, but so blessed.
The girls quickly changed into their suits and we headed probably to the pool for the last time this trip. THe girls being older no enough to stay away from the edge, but I can't imagine having a toddler on the 9th floor pool. It closed at noon, so we headed back to the room to clean the leftovers out of the frig. And cool off. We actually saw enough sun today, I got sunburned and Tara has a swimsuit tan.
It is almost 2:30 and time to meet Cordelia for a 30 minute bus ride to the consulate.
Cordelia met us at the Victory and we walked to the White Swan to join a bus load. Our bus held about 20 families and guides. Both Tia and Tara fell asleep on the short ride. It was very warm. I did't take the camera, they aren't allowed inside. After about 40 families went through the security check, a gentleman from the US spoke to us and listed all the states accounted for in the room (several) Ohio is big on adoption. He had us raise our right hand and say "I do" to all our paperwork being truthful. While we waited for all the families to file in, the girls and I had a quick game of war. Before we put the cards away Tia had the most. We then did the return ride back to the hotel after being given the brown envelope that goes to the Minneapolis airport customs officer. Tara had alot of smiles for people today that asked her if she was going home. I think she's ready, she told Cordelia she is planning on sleeping on the big plane. (let's hope)
Cordelia came back to the room with us and played a quick game of volleyball with the beachball, of which I will be donating to her 2 yr old daughter. She also helped Tara write names on the back of the pictures we had developed of her friends. It will be fun to track down their parents, some already in the states. We were suppose to meet Carla, her son Logan and new daughter Tiana for supper at Lucy's. Tia was starving so I shot Carla a quick email and headed for Lucy's. Tia ate half of Tara's chicken wrap, half my chicken strips and half of a pork chop & rice dish. Wow. I made the girls look for Carla and we found her before we left. Just a quick visit, my girls aren't very patient. We have a picture of Tiana for you.
We have a 4:30 wake up call for bags to be picked up at 5 and on the way to the airport at 5:30. Ugh! The bags are packed and waiting at the door--to just add the pj's. Hope they fit!
Thank you all for following our journey we are almost ready to begin another one in the US.

Monday Day 12 Consulate

Well my Dongguan baby is slowing down with the food. She can't put quite as much away as she had been. She makes good choices with her foods. Good mix with the fruits, veggies, meats and not alot of starches.
I exchanged some money first thing, they wouldn't except one of my bills because it had a tear in it. I didn't even think about it when I grabbed it and went to the bank. The bad part is you loose your place in line. I timed myself this afternoon when I did it again and it took 30 minutes after taking my number and 15 minutes for just my transaction. I can't imagine it every time I wanted to do some banking. I would love to get the girls silk quilts, but that would mean going to the bank again. Makes you really think twice.
Tara does not smile alot in pictures, she does have an overbite and I think may be a little self conscious.
Today was the first part of our consulate appt. Cordelia had a meeting with the consulate and we had to wait in our room to see if she would need any more information. She called at Noon and gave us a thumbs up. She met us at 1:00 and we went back to the electronic market to exchange a gameboy game that Tia got that wouldn't work. Lunch was McDonalds again. They have stuff on their menu that you cannot get in America. (1/2 cup kernel corn, they mix orange juice with sprite-have no idea what they call it) Tara does not like cheese and is picky with Micky D's. Tara ordered a chicken sandwich, fries--Tia ordered a different chicken sandwich, corn--Patty ordered fish, fries. Patty ate Tara's sandwich, Tara ate Patty's plus Tia's corn and we split the fries. We are being very flexible.
Cordelia was headed back to the Consulate, so she sent us back to the hotel in a cab for 18 RMB. He dropped us off at the White Swan,I knew where we were but the girls were freaking we were lost.(we were only a block from home) We changed and Tia headed us to the pool. We were only 1/2 hour early, so killed time people watching in the lobby. The girls thought it was fun to splash mom (non stop)and found out mom just gets out and is done. That's no fun! After a cooling dip in the pool we headed to our usual Lucy's for supper. It was packed,so we had a table outside. If you drop your laundry off in the early AM it is ready after 5 the same day. Wish I could do that at home. LOL! The girls weren't crazy over the idea, but they got a traditional Chinese outfit tonight for something to remember the trip. I had trouble keeping a leash on Tara, she wanted to go home to bed. God Bless the shop keepers that explain to her that she needs to stay with mama. Tia was happy, she got to watch Inspector Gadget on the American Star channel.

Sunday Day 11 June 22

Once again we slept in. We have a free day, no paperwork, no tours. If we don't go to breakfast first thing maybe the day will go faster. Well we learned if you don't go to breakfast really early, you may not get a table. Or food. Actually there is plenty of food, but you may have to wait. All the glasses were in use and the juice was almost gone. Just something new for us. It had been pretty quiet around here, but today there are babies everywhere. (even a set of twins) We went outside for awhile to waist some time, walked to the play park. The girls weren't impressed, maybe another day another time. Tara has the doorman wrapped around her finger. She has a toy with feathers and they play with it. We then checked out the pool hours and found out we could have went this morning. Tia not happy! Oh well, we returned to the room for ramen noodles and rest to wait until 4 for swimming. Tara keeps saying jangdao. Not a clue?? the translator doesn't like it either.
Others have mentioned the wedding pictures. They are everywhere. Brides and Grooms all sorts of clothing, traditional to modern. We are told they can take pictures up to a year before the wedding. I ask Tia what happens if they don't make it to the wedding??
It is finally 4 and Tara is asleep. Tia is playing gameboy until she realizes the time. Now she is waking her sister and telling her time to go. Surprisingly she popped up and changed. Once at the pool she was not in a hurry to get in. It was close to time to get out before she was really ready to swim. We had the key to get in, but changed and headed to Lucy's. We had just stepped out the door when we realized we locked ourselves out. We had a good laugh, headed to Lucy's and ask for help when we returned. I am finally starting to get homesick--so glad only 2 more days.

The Disposable Camera

In August and again in October I mailed disposable camera's to Tara. I only received one back, but they will be pictures for Tara to look back at. I still have to find out who they are. I had it developed next to the 7/11 across from the White Swan and they also put the pictures on disc.

Saturday Day 10

This was the first day we slept in until 7, wow! Tia and I were both in shock when we looked at the clock. We went to breakfast and then met Cordelia to go shopping. Tia said how much she missed her dad, I reminded her how much he hates to shop. We took a taxi first to the electronic market. We started with DVD's and got Tara a "Tom and Jerry" cartoon and me some traditional Chinese music. Tia had a meltdown because it wasn't all about Tia. I told Jeff I would check on a Wii. Cordelia did her homework and told me the Wii is cheapest in Hong Kong, but made in Japan. We found several and they were $275 US. If the girls wanted clothes we didn't have money for the Wii. Tia did pick up a couple gameboy games. We ask Tara if she wanted a gameboy and she was not interested. I should have bought batteries, because my charger hates the converter in the bathroom outlet. Before we left the hotel I gave Tara a dose of Robitussin, so she was a zombie for the first couple of hours. While Cordelia did an adoption transaction via fax during shopping, we waited in McDonalds. Tara ordered corn and chicken nuggets with hot chocolate. >can't get that in the States. Tia had spicy chicken wings, I stuck with a cheeseburger. It's finally time for clothes and we take a taxi from the electronic market to a strip mall. Tara fell asleep and Tia moaned (she wouldn't use the squatty potty at Micky D's). She soon found out she should have, the next squatty potty wasn't so clean and she could no longer wait. Tara picked out a couple of things and Tia picked out a couple of things and we were all happy. We then walked about 5 blocks back to the hotel, by way of street markets, alot were selling puppies. Hmmmm.
For the first time since we have been here it hasn't rained. The girls were excited we headed to the pool. Tara was a little shy putting on her swimsuit, but it fit pretty good. We had to walk 2 blocks to the main hotel and up to the 9th floor. The pool was on the roof top. Tara jumped right in and found out it was deep, yikes. Tia and I both jumped in after her. It didn't scare or slow her down in the least. I blew up an inner tube and held her until she felt safe, which did not take long. She slipped out of it a couple of times, but she just kept on swimming. After an hour they had had enough and we headed back to our room to change. I had not exchanged any money and the bank was closed. When I was with Curt he used his ATM and got RMB. I tried and they told me no, so no playing tomorrow we just have enough to eat on. A busy day, we should sleep good tonight.

The Medical Exam

Part of an international adoption is a medical exam before they leave their country. Tia went along to see what happened with her 9 yrs ago. She could not believe we had to pay money for this. First Tara was checked to make sure she had no rashes or scars, her hands and feet were checked, head measured and heart listened to. Then we moved to weight and height measure, to an eye check (very basic). Last was ears, nose and throat. Tara has had a cough with Curt's air conditioning. The doc checked and said cough syrup would be enough. Believe it or not we have Robitussin. Tara is healthy and we returned to the hotel room to do alot of the last minute paperwork. You sign your name so many times, you have no idea why. Thank goodness for guides to help you through this process.
Tara took her Robitussin without a fuss, but by the time we ordered supper she had no appetite(if you can believe that one Gene).

Curts Last Night

A great way to send Curt off was having a foot massage. Gene opted out on this one, boy he doesn't know what he missed. There were a few moments where it was a little intense, but....ahhhh! Tia said she had two knotts in her back that needed worked out. Even Tara joined us. By the look on her face she seemed a little bored, but she sure got into the watermelon they served us. It will be fun to talk about this years later. Murt, I had a guy and he was very good. Sorry Jeff you had to miss it.

Curt then went on a mission for his suveniors. He ended up with a jade dragon, military t-shirt with red star and a set of chop sticks. It was fun watching him work the shop keepers.

Time With Chen MinJun

I met MinJun thru our email Gutian adoption group in 2001, she has been learning English. She is self taught and doing very well. I wish I could say the same for Mandarin. She helped greatly with our visit and invited us for supper Wed night. They live in an apt. in a nice neighborhood. Although watch walking in the streets, cause they throw trash out the windows. teehe, Gene almost got it. MinJun and Marcia would get along famously, they love to take pictures. MinJun very much enjoyed learning all she could about life in America and practicing her English. I tried to pull up my blog at MJ's and had no luck. I don't think she will be able to follow the journey. Hard to believe cell use is available everywhere.
#1 MinJun has a couple of swords, I think she uses them for exercise. She knew how to handle them. #2 MJ is with the kids on the couch. #3 Curt and MJ were sharing the peace sign. #4 MJ her husband and Curt. #5 Tia and MJ at Cui Ping Lake, MJ's husband swims often in this lake even in the winter 32 degrees...burrr.

A Few More Pics

We took 129 pics in Gutian. It is hard to just share a few. I am trying to pick the interesting ones.
The first shot is a picture of our breakfast buffet. It is mostly cold. We had dried fire fish(sardines)ick, alot of stuff unrecogizable, fried eggs(yes!). Next we have a shot of the inside of the circle of temple buildings. There is continuous work adding to the temple buildings, all very beautiful. The monk took us into one room and offered us tea in a box like Hi-C, he then took us to another room and offered us a fresh peach, too green for me-Gene was fine. Next is a family photo with a couple of caregivers of Tia -- We Thank them So Much!

Tues thru Thurs Off to Gutian

What a trip, it wasn't an easy one, but so worth it. Cordelia helped check us into a early flight. Tara's first! All went well, then for the 3 hour drive (China driving, Yikes) We were nicely surprised at the good roads, with the exception of curves every quarter mile, Tia came from a mountain. Luggage and all we were packed into a mid sz car. The driver was listening to a CD (I would like to have)and we had air cond. MinJun met us at the hotel Chinese Oversea and helped us check in. She had ask them to prepare a meal (which was around 1) Once again our new daughter couldn't get enough to eat. We only had the option of chopsticks or fingers. LOL, we survived! It had been arranged to visit the orphanage first. We met the director and all the nannies that cared for Tia, they were so excited to see her. We presented some gifts and Tia was given a gift of a hand made scarf, bracelet, fan and small purse. We visited and I tried to hug each of the babies there, not very many. They have a 1 month old & 6 month old cleft affected, 1 little boy with birth marks(very minor), 1 spinal bifada, 1 waiting for heart surgery, 1 little girl is waiting for her family to finish a paperchase, 1 has excess hair on her back and so needs more TLC. DH checked my bag before we left to make sure I hadn't abducted one. We were invited for supper with the director. I was the only one that did't eat much. I am not a seafood person, so only dish was (I think) Ox & noodles. The girls and I made it a early evening, Gene and Curt took a stroll with MinJun and toured the streets.
At 8 we had breakfast at the hotel (not the Victory), then headed for The Tian Boa Temple where Tia was found. It was an hour drive on some not very easy roads. We got to see the true China. There are alot of dogs, oxen pulling plows, small fields, mushroom houses, rice patties(hard working people). They were excited for us to visit and ask us to have lunch with them. This is not usual, so we were very honored. And to say the least it was delicious. Also we were very hesitant at first (not sure what we would be eating). It was a good trip and we were very glad to have made it.
Tia was found at the front gate early in the morning when the monk opened it. They cared for her until someone visiting contacted the Gutian orphanage to come and get them. There have been 9 babies left at the temple and Tia has been the first to return. We were given the gift of a jade necklace and bracelet. I will probably now be in search of the other babies as they may be blood relatives to Tia.
Ater supper we once again toured the streets of Gutian, hard to believe all the people out and about. We stopped at a dept store and purchased some snacks. Tara picked out meat sticks and oreo's. Yep you said it oreo's. MinJun's husband helped Curt buy a bottle of wine $4US. Tia was getting tired, so we called it a night to be ready to get up at 5 am for our flight back to Guangzhou. As much as I would have liked to stay longer, it is nice to be back at the Victory.

Monday Day 5 Dongguan Visit

We visit Dongguan tomorrow. Today is a free day. I went through the suitcases and created my bags to donate to the foster family, director, nannies and Li Xiao Shang. I put Xiao Shangs picture and suckers in a bag, I will talk to Cordelia as to whether to give the bag to Xiao or the orphanage. I put Xiao's name on the back of the Walker family picture.
We will be going with Belinda and maybe Stefanie. Ann is also hoping to go tomorrow.

Well it is a good thing I checked, I updated here before bed and it did not save. We ended up going to Dongguan just our family. There are alot of banana trees along the way. Traffic wasn't bad, but steady. We saw leachy orchirds and a few rice fields, even small corn fields. Dongguan is a very nice town, it started to rain when we arrived. We were taken to a very nice room to visit with the director, we gave our gifts and gave my hug my baby list. We were told that Tessa was the only baby we could visit. Eric lives too far away and Li Xiao Shang was in school.

We had a nice surprise. Our daughter has been in foster care with the facility Dr for the last 3 years. She was there and we got to meet her. We exchanged email and I hope we can become long distance friends. Our daughter was definitely well cared for. Cordelia worried it would be hard for Tara to visit, but she did very well. She showed that she was ready for her forever family and excepts us. I think Cordelia wanted to cry for us, she was so happy. After a nice tour of the facility we headed to Tara's school. She had a smile to see it, but was happy with just that. Next stop was her finding spot. A little trouble locating, but did and we have snapshots. It is close by a University. Last was McDonalds for lunch to go. We had an appointment to start Tara's passport. We recieved her adoption decree --- She is Tara Faith Snyder...It is official. Sorry Murt, wasn't sure how to work that M in there.

Jeff G., I can't even descibe the banks. I wanted to take a picture, but didn't want carried out. Telescope camera's over the tellers. Tellers are behind glass. Everything done on paper. NO calculator, they had the bean counter. You would have to be here to believe me. You take a number when you walk in - it make take you an hour.

We are off to Gutian Tuesday, not sure about computer access. Best to All!