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...

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

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

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

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

September 9 Tuesday

snuggling
The yellow? river
Mother of the Yellow River statue




Gansu National Museum
sweet dreams

Today we were all up by 0600, except Aurora. Great sleeper. We had to wake her up at the last minute, and she cried. She definately does not like have her clothes removed; but does help in putting them on. So she slept in her own clothes the first night, and then after she was sick, I had to change her anyways. Since then, it's a battle; she cries, and is really strong in trying to keep them on. Anyways, she took half her milk in a bottle first thing at breakfast; first time! She also ate a little. She seemed very bright, but still very serious and when outside the hotel room, she is just very limp, and withdrawn, as if she is expecting us to leave her with someone else now, or who knows what.
So, today's adventure was a tour of the Gansu National Museum, which was very interesting. Kira did great having lots of free hands to hold onto. She's made friends with just about all the other family members travelling with us, and our guides.
We went to a very old tradional Beef Noodle restaurant, and Kira and Aurora both enjoyed it! We then went back to the hotel, and despite an attempt at naps, no luck. But a fun play session in the hotel with Tom, while I went in search for warmer clothes for Aurora (I mainly just had sun dresses).
She didn't eat much at supper, but she is definately perking up, and looking a bit more comfortable. She is still very cautious, serious, and quiet. But she is so precious and beautiful. I hope she starts to show her true personality soon, as I'm sure it's going to be great!
Well, take care and good night...tomorrow is another touring day.

Norma