Hi from Canada!
We are home now, and trying to get over the jet lag…it will take time yet…
Our flight from Beijing to Vancouver was uneventful but long. Aurora did sleep for almost 7 hours, but she is quite active when awake. Kira had trouble settling to sleep, and then only slept for one hour!!! We got to the Vancouver airport, and were able to avoid the long line up at customs, mainly because of our new citizenship letter for Aurora, and an official let us go to a side desk. Yay, that saved us at least 2 hours!! But our luggage was slow to unload; we had the Canadian and Chilean para-olympic athletes on board, so lots of equipment and luggage to unload.
Then, we arrived at our hotel, and had a room arranged to meet some friends. That was really great to see so many people drop by, and welcome our new little girl! Thanks so much everyone and we really appreciated seeing you all!! Sorry we were so exhausted, and poor Kira fell asleep on the chairs at one point. We were all in bed early, but the girls woke us up at 2am. Wide awake!! Oh well, we were ready and off to the airport at 5:30am.
We arrived in Calgary at 9:30am, to meet Tom’s sister and family! What a great welcome home! Balloons, which Aurora immediately loved, and some food for home! Yay!
Aurora was not as crazy about the car seat, screamed for most of the drive but did settle, watching her big sister beside her also strapped in. We had a little visit at home, before Kira was off for a nap, followed by the rest of us. It is now early Monday morning here; 4:30 am and I have been awake since 2am, when Aurora woke up. Kira is playing in her room, wide awake. It has been going ok, but the early mornings are brutal. Kira and Aurora are having deep sleep naps in the late morning/early afternoon, so hopefully that will gradually get better. Tom is going to work today; it will be a rough day for Aurora and I, and Kira, as she loses her playmate, my sister, who is flying home today also. I better go put the coffee on, and make it a full pot…I’m going to need it. But honestly, Aurora has already seemed to settle in easier than Kira. It sure helps having Kira for Aurora to adjust. They are getting along great for the most part. Kira puts up with a lot, but Aurora will get there. Will post some photos later on…
Our journey to China and back again has ended, but our journey with our 2 little girls is just unfolding. It has been another amazing adventure, and worth it all and then some!! We couldn’t have done it without my sister coming along; she has been a saint and a life savor several times along the way; thank you so much for joining us!! And we have absolutely no regrets about bringing Kira along. She needed to be there, and enjoyed it all. When I ask her what she remembers the most about her trip, she says, more than once, “meeting my little sister, Xuhua”. Wow, that says it all.
Thanks for coming along with us, and for your many emails. I know this blog website has given people trouble posting, more so than before. I’m so glad we were able to post and show photos while in China.
I would like to continue to share photos from time to time. If I change to a new blog, or photo website, I’ll keep you posted.
For now, cheers from us to you!
Family of Four, plus 2 cats who have not yet returned from their vacation,
Norma, Tom, Kira and Aurora
Monday, September 22, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Last post from China
Last night, we had a fantastic Peking Duck dinner with all our families and guide. It's been an awesome trip once again!! Can't wait to come back again some day!
Well, just finishing the packing; leaving here at noon. Long day ahead; flight doesn't leave until 16:20 local time. Kira is sad to leave China, but wants to go home. Aurora is getting into everything now, she will keep us busy!!!!
Will be stopping over a night in Vancouver, then home on Saturday. Will post then once home.
Cheers to China!!
Norma, Tom, Kira and Aurora
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
quick update Wednesday
Just quickly, on Tuesday, we hit all 3 major markets, Yashow, Silk and Pearl. Lots of bargaining, a little buying, a whole lot of craziness! Especially with a group of toddlers/preschoolers not interested in this kind of fun...
In the evening, we all went to an Acrobat show, and the kids all loved it! It was a completely different show than 2 yrs ago, better I would say. Live birds. We were not allowed to film it or photos, but they were selling the dvd which we bought; last time we video'd it, no problem, but I don't remember if they had the dvd's then.
Today, Wednesday, we did the Forbidden City. T'men Square was closed for some reason. It was extremely hot in the sun, and we all found it a bit of a struggle, strollers, tired kids. But we saw the highlights, and got a glimpse of a beautiful piece of China's history. That wiped me out for the day, and I'm hoping to do a bit more shopping tomorrow; we might also take in the Aquarium...last free day!! I'm a little sad, the time has gone so fast, but Kira is excited to go home she says. The girls are getting along really well, and have had a couple of great baths together, and of course a few minor squabbles.
Have to get the photos off the camera, and will then post those separately from today...
Norma
In the evening, we all went to an Acrobat show, and the kids all loved it! It was a completely different show than 2 yrs ago, better I would say. Live birds. We were not allowed to film it or photos, but they were selling the dvd which we bought; last time we video'd it, no problem, but I don't remember if they had the dvd's then.
Today, Wednesday, we did the Forbidden City. T'men Square was closed for some reason. It was extremely hot in the sun, and we all found it a bit of a struggle, strollers, tired kids. But we saw the highlights, and got a glimpse of a beautiful piece of China's history. That wiped me out for the day, and I'm hoping to do a bit more shopping tomorrow; we might also take in the Aquarium...last free day!! I'm a little sad, the time has gone so fast, but Kira is excited to go home she says. The girls are getting along really well, and have had a couple of great baths together, and of course a few minor squabbles.
Have to get the photos off the camera, and will then post those separately from today...
Norma
still here and having fun
Yes, way behind in the posts, I apologize...things are going well. Trying to do as much as possible before our final week ends. So...here are some photos from Monday, we went to the SOS medical clinic in the morning, and then the Summer Palace in the afternoon. Kira really had a great time running around with the other girls her age in our group. Aurora got into the stroller and loved it. Then, when she got out, she was walking around with Tom, and came right up to me, grabbed my leg and was laughing and so happy. She took my finger, and we walked some more, and then let me pick her up! Yay!! Even more comfortable in our room, she comes up to me, and lets me do more for her, and pick her up.
Here's the photos from Monday...
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Weekend update
The new Jade Factory
Walking with the masses
Great Wall 2008
Here we are again!
wall to wall people
The great climb
Birds Nest
Olympic Torch building
Smiles playing with a water bottle
Yes, I'm a day behind the posting, but hard to keep up. Saturday, I don't have any photos, so easy to catch up to today. Sat, we met up with all families at breakfast, then had to do some citizenship paperwork. Then most of us were off to the weekend market again. Got a few different things than last time. Had lunch at a Szechuan restaurant, where Aurora showed us some of her true spirit and strength, threw a plate on the floor. Actually, I think she is just frustrated we don't always understand each other, and it is coming out at times; good for her! Being strong willed is not a bad quality! The staff didn't seem to care; there seemed to be plates breaking all around us, and they wished us good luck on the way out! Lots of adoption families pass through Beijing, so we must all stand out, no matter if your first time or not!
We then went next door to McDonalds, for ice cream, and a bit of playing.
In the evening, we had to get Aurora's visa photo done, and then, just like before, a tailor came to one of our rooms for fitting of Chinese outfits. I think they were the same guys.
Back in our room, Aurora is smiling more, and walking around by herself, and playing/giggling with us. So great to see her settling in. She hasn't let me pick her up again yet, but she smiles alot at me, and I haven't pushed it.
So, today was Sunday, big day of touring. Off to the Great Wall! But first, a stop at the new Jade Factory! Funny, three of the four families have had the same tours with our first adoption, so fun to share stories. Well, it seems you can never have enough jade, but I managed to be in more control of myself and wallet this time. Next, on to the Wall! Man, it was crazy! Now I know where the saying "wall to wall people" must come from, hee hee. This weekend is a national holiday, Autumn Moon Festival, and I guess this was a good place to spend the day for nearly all Beijingese! It was a different section of the wall than where we were last time, a little further down the highway. This section was sooo busy, because it was an easier grade to walk up, no steps, whereas last time, steep and steps. That area was practically empty today as well. But it was fun to see, and the weather was awesome. On the drive back, we went past the Olympic Village for a few shots from the bus...
Enjoy! Tomorrow is the medical check, and Canadian Immigration meeting.
cheers
Norma
Norma
Walking with the masses
Great Wall 2008
Here we are again!
wall to wall people
The great climb
Birds Nest
Olympic Torch building
Smiles playing with a water bottle
Yes, I'm a day behind the posting, but hard to keep up. Saturday, I don't have any photos, so easy to catch up to today. Sat, we met up with all families at breakfast, then had to do some citizenship paperwork. Then most of us were off to the weekend market again. Got a few different things than last time. Had lunch at a Szechuan restaurant, where Aurora showed us some of her true spirit and strength, threw a plate on the floor. Actually, I think she is just frustrated we don't always understand each other, and it is coming out at times; good for her! Being strong willed is not a bad quality! The staff didn't seem to care; there seemed to be plates breaking all around us, and they wished us good luck on the way out! Lots of adoption families pass through Beijing, so we must all stand out, no matter if your first time or not!
We then went next door to McDonalds, for ice cream, and a bit of playing.
In the evening, we had to get Aurora's visa photo done, and then, just like before, a tailor came to one of our rooms for fitting of Chinese outfits. I think they were the same guys.
Back in our room, Aurora is smiling more, and walking around by herself, and playing/giggling with us. So great to see her settling in. She hasn't let me pick her up again yet, but she smiles alot at me, and I haven't pushed it.
So, today was Sunday, big day of touring. Off to the Great Wall! But first, a stop at the new Jade Factory! Funny, three of the four families have had the same tours with our first adoption, so fun to share stories. Well, it seems you can never have enough jade, but I managed to be in more control of myself and wallet this time. Next, on to the Wall! Man, it was crazy! Now I know where the saying "wall to wall people" must come from, hee hee. This weekend is a national holiday, Autumn Moon Festival, and I guess this was a good place to spend the day for nearly all Beijingese! It was a different section of the wall than where we were last time, a little further down the highway. This section was sooo busy, because it was an easier grade to walk up, no steps, whereas last time, steep and steps. That area was practically empty today as well. But it was fun to see, and the weather was awesome. On the drive back, we went past the Olympic Village for a few shots from the bus...
Enjoy! Tomorrow is the medical check, and Canadian Immigration meeting.
cheers
Norma
Norma
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday September 12
playing with travel mate
nap together before leaving hotel
Kira doing some calligraphy
Kira and guide Megan
Artist doing scrolls
Aurora's name scroll
Snacking while we shop
Saying good bye to our guide, Megan
Today was pack up and say good bye to Gansu, for now. I kept looking out the window, from the hotel, and from the bus, as we drove through town, at the sights and sounds. Full of mixed emotions, that Aurora will be starting a new life in a new strange country, and overwhelmed that she is completely ours now. What a strange process this whole thing is. It is amazing it all falls into place so fast and so easy, and that these little bodies cope with it all in stride, one day at a time, slowly adapting to it all.
I got my first kiss already today!!!! Yay, that made my day, and then some!!!! Still daddy's girl, but I am gaining ground slowly. (faster than Kira at this point).
Our guides took us to a city market, outside of an old temple site. They arranged for name scrolls and chops to be made. Kira enjoyed listening to a local group of singers performing traditional opera.
Our flight to Beijing left early evening, and we arrived at our hotel around 10:45 pm, meeting up with one of the other families in our group. Tomorrow, we have a free day, but some citizenship paperwork to do.
Will update on that later…
Good night for now,
Norma
nap together before leaving hotel
Kira doing some calligraphy
Kira and guide Megan
Artist doing scrolls
Aurora's name scroll
Snacking while we shop
Saying good bye to our guide, Megan
Today was pack up and say good bye to Gansu, for now. I kept looking out the window, from the hotel, and from the bus, as we drove through town, at the sights and sounds. Full of mixed emotions, that Aurora will be starting a new life in a new strange country, and overwhelmed that she is completely ours now. What a strange process this whole thing is. It is amazing it all falls into place so fast and so easy, and that these little bodies cope with it all in stride, one day at a time, slowly adapting to it all.
I got my first kiss already today!!!! Yay, that made my day, and then some!!!! Still daddy's girl, but I am gaining ground slowly. (faster than Kira at this point).
Our guides took us to a city market, outside of an old temple site. They arranged for name scrolls and chops to be made. Kira enjoyed listening to a local group of singers performing traditional opera.
Our flight to Beijing left early evening, and we arrived at our hotel around 10:45 pm, meeting up with one of the other families in our group. Tomorrow, we have a free day, but some citizenship paperwork to do.
Will update on that later…
Good night for now,
Norma
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thursday September 11
Good Morning!
Sport Park - basketball games
Aurora stands for a moment
At the Sport Park on the Yellow River
making friends
Sport park on the Yellow River
The Becker girls
Daddy and his girls
Enjoying some corn soup
Today was a free day, nothing organized. We did a bit of shopping in the morning, on our own, then lunch in our room. We then met up with the other family from our group, and took taxis to a sport park near the river, so the kids could run around. We had supper at the hotel, and then an early night. Aurora is slowly opening up to us, and smiling more. Generally, doing better, but not wanting to walk but be held when outside the room. Tomorrow, packing in the morning, and leaving for Beijing later in the day.
Cheers for now,
Norma
Sport Park - basketball games
Aurora stands for a moment
At the Sport Park on the Yellow River
making friends
Sport park on the Yellow River
The Becker girls
Daddy and his girls
Enjoying some corn soup
Today was a free day, nothing organized. We did a bit of shopping in the morning, on our own, then lunch in our room. We then met up with the other family from our group, and took taxis to a sport park near the river, so the kids could run around. We had supper at the hotel, and then an early night. Aurora is slowly opening up to us, and smiling more. Generally, doing better, but not wanting to walk but be held when outside the room. Tomorrow, packing in the morning, and leaving for Beijing later in the day.
Cheers for now,
Norma
Wednesday September 10
Arrival at 5 Springs Park - the swarm
Kira handing out Canadian flags to other children
Exercising in the park
This is MY water
Monks preparing for Moon Festival
Silly faces
Yes, I can eat this whole thing all by myself!
Children wearing split pants instead of diapers
a cracker or 2...
an apple a day...
Cell Phone girls
Today, we had to wake Aurora and Kira to head off to breakfast. Aurora again was very sleepy, even after 12 hours sleep, she is exhausted. She was interested in some food at breakfast, but more interested in showing us that when she wants to do it herself, she is very strong willed! She will reach and grab for anything within her reach, and especially glasses or bottles of water. We offered her a new cup to try to drink from, but she obviously is not used to that, but determined to try, very erratically, with the contents flying everywhere, as she dodges our attempts to control the direction of the cup to her mouth, along with flailing arms and legs, and cries, tears, and closed mouth screams (mouth full of food). She has the cutest little chipmunk cheeks and she has perfected the art of storing food for several hours…. No kidding.
Anyways, we started off the day with a tour of the local ‘5 Springs Park’, a beautiful day, with lots of locals out doing their exercise, singing, playing games and just enjoying the sunshine. As soon as we got off the bus, many older people gathered around Tom as he was carrying Aurora in the hip sling. Finally, I showed them the translation card that explains we have adopted her, are Canadian, and very happy. They were very happy for us, and kept giving me the thumbs up sign.
We then walked around the park, including a Buddhist Temple, where the monks were busy preparing for the upcoming Moon Festival, hanging red lanterns. Then we went into the Lanzhou Zoo, located inside the park, but separate admission. Kind of a sad zoo, lots of animals in bare concrete pens, but clean. It is the oldest zoo in China.
For lunch, we went to a “Pizza” restaurant that was tasty. Then, home for naps for some, and more shopping for others. Our guide, Steed, took us to a local shopping market, 5 stories high, where you barter for everything. It is not a tourist market, but the locals shop here. Nice quality for some things; some good deals, and other things not any cheaper than at home. Mainly, it was a run for suitcases for some, baby clothes for others. No souvenirs here; can’t even find t-shirts from Gansu. There were lots of souvenirs at the park, and other tourist stops.
While I was out shopping, Kira napped, and Aurora didn’t until after I got back. Then we had a quiet supper in our room. Kira had fun visiting in Susan’s room before bed, while Aurora had a nice bath, peaceful and was soon off to sleep.
I look at the photos we have taken of her, and they often involve her holding onto food. I can already see this child is going to be one with some food challenges, as she can store a lot of food for a long time. Any of you who have been there/done that, I’ll be looking for some suggestions!! We have decided to stick with soft foods, easy to swallow, and to show that there is always lots of food.
We gave the girls 2 cheap cell phones from a dollar store, and they both love them, in their own little way. There is this really loud annoying music, which Kira immediately starts dancing to like a ballet dancer; funny to watch them.
Well, that's a bit of what we've been up to; hope you enjoy the photos…
I'll soon post for Thurs! :)
Norma
Kira handing out Canadian flags to other children
Exercising in the park
This is MY water
Monks preparing for Moon Festival
Silly faces
Yes, I can eat this whole thing all by myself!
Children wearing split pants instead of diapers
a cracker or 2...
an apple a day...
Cell Phone girls
Today, we had to wake Aurora and Kira to head off to breakfast. Aurora again was very sleepy, even after 12 hours sleep, she is exhausted. She was interested in some food at breakfast, but more interested in showing us that when she wants to do it herself, she is very strong willed! She will reach and grab for anything within her reach, and especially glasses or bottles of water. We offered her a new cup to try to drink from, but she obviously is not used to that, but determined to try, very erratically, with the contents flying everywhere, as she dodges our attempts to control the direction of the cup to her mouth, along with flailing arms and legs, and cries, tears, and closed mouth screams (mouth full of food). She has the cutest little chipmunk cheeks and she has perfected the art of storing food for several hours…. No kidding.
Anyways, we started off the day with a tour of the local ‘5 Springs Park’, a beautiful day, with lots of locals out doing their exercise, singing, playing games and just enjoying the sunshine. As soon as we got off the bus, many older people gathered around Tom as he was carrying Aurora in the hip sling. Finally, I showed them the translation card that explains we have adopted her, are Canadian, and very happy. They were very happy for us, and kept giving me the thumbs up sign.
We then walked around the park, including a Buddhist Temple, where the monks were busy preparing for the upcoming Moon Festival, hanging red lanterns. Then we went into the Lanzhou Zoo, located inside the park, but separate admission. Kind of a sad zoo, lots of animals in bare concrete pens, but clean. It is the oldest zoo in China.
For lunch, we went to a “Pizza” restaurant that was tasty. Then, home for naps for some, and more shopping for others. Our guide, Steed, took us to a local shopping market, 5 stories high, where you barter for everything. It is not a tourist market, but the locals shop here. Nice quality for some things; some good deals, and other things not any cheaper than at home. Mainly, it was a run for suitcases for some, baby clothes for others. No souvenirs here; can’t even find t-shirts from Gansu. There were lots of souvenirs at the park, and other tourist stops.
While I was out shopping, Kira napped, and Aurora didn’t until after I got back. Then we had a quiet supper in our room. Kira had fun visiting in Susan’s room before bed, while Aurora had a nice bath, peaceful and was soon off to sleep.
I look at the photos we have taken of her, and they often involve her holding onto food. I can already see this child is going to be one with some food challenges, as she can store a lot of food for a long time. Any of you who have been there/done that, I’ll be looking for some suggestions!! We have decided to stick with soft foods, easy to swallow, and to show that there is always lots of food.
We gave the girls 2 cheap cell phones from a dollar store, and they both love them, in their own little way. There is this really loud annoying music, which Kira immediately starts dancing to like a ballet dancer; funny to watch them.
Well, that's a bit of what we've been up to; hope you enjoy the photos…
I'll soon post for Thurs! :)
Norma
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)