Xia Xia - Saturday afternoon / eve

Before I fill you in on Saturday, I have been "instructed" to point out Emma's nickname.  On the videos you will hear us calling Emma "Xia Xia" (pronounced Sha Sha).  This is the nickname she had with her foster family and caregiver and one that is familiar to her.  It is also part of her middle name (as evidenced by the blog url).  So just wanted to be sure you all didn't think we were "losing it", or just making up sounds. 

After Starbucks yesterday, we did a little shopping and then off to lunch at Lucy's.  Lucy's has both Western and Asian food, so we were able to get congshie and quesadillas (not to mention a glass of wine and a beer).



It was a good lunch



Emma and Mom w/ her "juice"

I think Emma is starting to get tired of all the picture taking.  As we came out of the restaurant there were more "hoards" of photographers looking to take her picture, or get her autograph.  She is practicing her papparazzi moves here.

"Can I have a little privacy please?"

After another long day it was definitely nap time!  She continues to sleep well, and has been making the most of our morning excursions which coincides with her morning naps.  She gets some sleep in while we are out, but looks forward to the afternoons in the comfort of her room and crib.

What an incredible feeling!

Later in the evening we went out to dinner to a local Thai restaurant (the Cow and Bridge).  The food was great, reasonably priced, and extensive.  I can't say I was crazy about the picture that looked like a glazed barbecue "hand" (actually a goose claw, or something along those lines), but were able to find something that looked and tasted familiar. 

It was getting late by the time dinner finished and again coming up on her nap time.  She has no problem letting us know when she is tired, but rarely ever fusses.  The times that she does, we think it is the teething that is taking place.  One in, and another on the way.

Time to end another great day ...



Saturday - Guangzhou and Physical Exam

Not much time to sleep last night.  Bed around 2:30 and up at 7.  They didn't have our name on the "list" last night for today's activities, so we had to get that sorted out.  Today was Medical Examination day and Visa photo.  You will probably not be surprised to hear that Emma was phenomenal again.  We started the day with breakfast, which ended up being very Western.  No steamed eggs, congshie or even rice.  We have gotten used to the Chinese breakfasts, and really don't want to change her diet too much at this point.  We made due though and she even took two bottles of formula when she woke up.


Emma dressed up for her
Visa photo and Medical Exam



"No, not another doctor!"

The Physical Examination was utter chaos.  In typical Chinese fashion there were about 30 families, three stations plus immunizations, and NO order in which to proceed.  Everyone just get through and figure it out.  Needless to say there were MANY crying babies, and Emma was a champ throughout it all.  She only cried during her physical exam (she doesn't like being on her back and having her diaper changed).  And we learned that she is officially 13.8 pounds.  A little bigger than we thought, but still less than the 16 she was at her referral a couple of months ago. 

Her ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) exam went well, though she was so interested in befriending the doctor that she almost missed the "Ear" part of the exam. 

Emma at ENT station

After the exam she had a little celebratory drink as we set out on the town to find some lunch.  But not before hunting down a Starbucks for mom (bet you're not surprised to learn that).  On our search for this elusive "Asian" coffee house we came across a special place that you may be able to detect in the background.

Emma after her Physical Exam

Emma at "Susie's Place"

Emma's first trip to Starbucks

Momma gets coffee = family gets happy!!!

Friday - leaving Guangzhou

OK, we are back.  The blog master is fully recovered from his bout with the stomach gods, and recently arrived in the sunny city of Guangzhou.  I know we have some catching up to do and I will try and get that in over the next couple of days. 

Last night we left Nanchang and caught a flight to Guangzhou.  We had a going away lunch with our group and Sissi, our travel guide throughout our stay in Guangzhou.  We cannot say enough about how wonderful Sissi was.  She took care of everything, and often anticipated our needs.  She is the voice on the videos singing children's songs, and is pictured here with Emma.  Her assistance throughout the week, both as visitors to Nanchang, and as first time parents, really took a lot of the anxiety out of our trip and let us focus on Emma.  THANKS Sissi!!!

Our guide Sissi and Emma's newest friend

We have been traveling with a group of six families.  Everyone's babies are from different cities and there is a lot of diversity in the age and nature of the families.  There is one other family that is here for their first child, and several that are returning to China for the second or third time. 

Our group in Nanchang

Today we received Emma's passport (took me nearly 20 years to get mine).  So she is ready to travel.  Just need to get final clearances and paperwork once we are in Guangzhou. 

The flight last night was Emma's first time on a plane, and mom and dad's first time on a plane with a baby (that we were responsible for anyway).  And of course not only was our flight delayed, there was a chance it wasn't going to take off at all.  We were delayed about 3 hours in Nanchang airport, and lets just say that the amenities were somewhat limited.  Emma was champ through it all and didn't complain or fuss during the entire experience (unlike her parents).  We finally made it into Guangzhou at about 12:30 am and checked into our room at about 2 am.  We upgraded to a junior suite, and I have to say it was some of the best money ever spent.  Not only is the room spectacular (we'll share video once we tidy up a bit), but compared to our room in Nanchang it starts to become presidential.  Though we do miss Sissi very much. 

  

Emma hanging in through flight delays







Intermission

Hi all.  Sorry for not posting the last couple of days.  It appears that the guy in charge of writing and posting these updates lost a battle with lunch yesterday, and wasn't able to provide updates.  Near as I can tell, he is on the road to recovery after some Chinese herbal remedies, supplemented with good old Pepto and Immodium.

We have had a great couple of days (besides the obvious setback) visiting and learning the history of China and some very interesting sites here in Nanchang.  Emma is napping right now as Sue and I pack for our trip this evenign to Guangzhou.  And yes we have a lot of stuff.  We are looking forward to the next leg of the trip as the weather is supposed to be nice (haven't seen the sun in a week) and we will have much more room in the next hotel. 

When we get a chance we will provide more updates, pictures and videos from the last couple of days.  Be back soon.  In the meantime, here is a picture of Emma playing with her stacking cups last night.  Who knew stackable cups could be so much fun?!

Emma loves her stacking cups

A Walk in the Park - Wed October 13

Emma slept great again last night, except for about 45 minutes when she woke up crying.  She was back to sleep around 12:30 am and slept through until we had to wake her up at 8.  She woke up with smiles again and ready to get out and take on another day.  Below is a video from yesterday morning that we didn't have a chance to post, but pretty close to how she was today as well.

Emma in the morning

Her rash has been troubling her at times, and we were able to get the doctor to see her tonight.  Fortunately it is not anything serious, and he thinks she has sensitive skin.  He also did a quick check of her lungs, ears and throat and all is good.  He wasn't too concerned about her size, though did think she was on the small side. We have some medication on the way, and she is now sleeping soundly. 

Our biggest challenge of the day was probably keeping her up until the doctor arrived.  She was very ready to close her eyes and turn in around 7.  The doctor was originally going to come around 1 pm, but was busy and couldn't make it until 8:30.  No complaints though as he makes "house / hotel" calls, and came directly to our room.  If you want to see Emma prepping for her first doctor visit with us, click on the link below.  (And for those of you wondering - no she was not all smiles as she being evaluated - but she was a champ nonetheless.)

Emma waiting for the Doctor

Up this morning and headed out for a visit to one of the local parks to walk around and experience all the older retired folks exercising.  Quite the experience and very interesting to see. 

Walking through the park we also came across people playing music and a small group that was both singing and playing.  It added a completely new dimension to the park and cultural experience here. 

 

Music in the park

Singing in the park

On the bus ride home we had more lessons on Chinese children's songs.  I won't make you guess this one, since it is originally Chinese (and I don't remember the name). 

Emma and music on the bus   

Tuesday October 12th

Emma slept like a champ.  Went to bed just before 9 and we had to wake her up around 7:30.  She was up for a little bit at 4, but went right back to sleep.  And when she woke up, she was all smiles! 

Today was her first trip to Walmart.  Not exactly the Chinese cultural experience we were planning, but it does help take care of necessities.  Like dad having to buy a new suitcase because the zipper was breaking.  We were fairly sure that was not a stress we wanted to add to our return trip home.  We made it through Walmart with few issues, though we were either avoiding the old Chinese women, who have issues with our clothing choices (they layer LOTS of clothes, in stores that are sweltering to begin with), or we were dealing with her new found fan club.  Apparently Jiangxi (Emma's province) is one of three known for the beauty of their women.  And Emma seems to have a "special nose bridge" that several people have stopped us on the street to point out.  Of course we don't speak Chinese, but when they point to her nose and give the "thumbs up" sign we can figure it out. 

Back home for a nap, and then we went for a walk in the afternoon to a nearby pedestrian mall.  She LOVES being outside and just takes in everything going on.  Crossing streets here is one of the more harrowing things I think we've ever encountered, but somehow it all seems to work.

We ended the day with dinner at a French bistro with some new friends.  A little Western style food was in order at this point in the trip.  As we entered the upscale restaurant with our new babies in tow, we noticed it filled with happy couples and bottles of wine.  I think they were a little nervous at first, but the girls were wonderful.  Emma had her first bit of spaghetti, and loved every bite.

Just before bed we had a chance to talk to Grandma Villanova on her way to work.  It took Emma a few seconds to figure out why one of her "toys" (aka my cell phone) was talking to her, but then she was fully engaged.  See the video below.

Emma "meets" Grandma V

More tomorrow. 

It's Official!!!

While yesterday was the day we met and received Emma, today is the day that she was "officially" put in our custody, so according to the Chinese government - we are now HER PARENTS!!! 

She slept through the night wonderfully, forcing us to wake her up around 7:30 so that we could be on time for our appointment at the Civil Authority in Nanchang.  She ate a great breakfast and is definitely a fan of steamed egg and congshie (sp/).  Even though the temperature here has been in the 70's, it appears that EVERY room, building, office that we go to has the heat turned up high.  I think they like to "see us sweat". 

As you can see, Emma is already teaching Sue how to read.  Actually, she is getting to "know" her family and friends that are anxiously waiting to meet her back in the States, with her picture book that Sue created before we left. 

At the end of our visit with the Civil Authority, we received our "red book" which is the official document that says Shi Fang Xia is our daughter.  The next step is to get her passport which we are scheduled to receive on Friday. 

On the ride over to the Civil Authority we learned some Chinese childrens songs.  Let me know if you can tell which one is on this video.  And of course by "learn" I mean that I heard someone else sings it in an effort to teach us.  So far not very successful, so I made an instructional video. 

Emma - Chinese children's song

Emma missed her morning nap, but ate a nice lunch as well, and then slept for about 2.5 hours this afternoon (so did mom and dad BTW).  Then off to a group dinner at a nearby restaurant this evening.  It was really nice to get some fresh air and get out of the hotel.  All the local people we meet seem to be really drawn to Emma - and we can certainly understand why!

Ended the day with a bath (see video link below), a little play time, and then fast asleep. 

Emma's bath

The rest of the week is pretty light.  We pretty much will explore Nanchang and her province a bit over the next few days as we wait for her passport to be prepared, and for the next leg of our journey to Guangzhou, to handle the US side of things at the Consulate. 

Stay tuned ... more to come ...

Middle of the night update :)

It is now 2:30 am.  Please do not expect these updates often (at least I am hoping not!).  Emma has been sleeping soundly since 8:30.  We on the other hand - not so much.  Actually Sue probably worse than me to be honest.  But the evening is going well,and one of the videos finally finished uploading.  Here is a YouTube link if you want to see footage of Emma giggling (yes the elusive smile can be seen live).  More to come tomorrow.

Emma Giggling "Gotcha day"

"Gotcha" day

The day finally arrived!!!  Up early to catch a flight to Nanchang, Jangxi and over to our hotel for a 4:30 appointment to finally meet our daughter.  Travels went smooth, and the agency has done a great job at making sure our worries are limited, at least related to the travel and paperworks aspects of the process. 

We were finally able to meet our daughter and her first impressions of us were "less than impressed" :).  Lots of tears all the way around, but as expected. 

We met her caretaker and the director of the Social Welfare Institute (SWI) where she has been living.  You could tell how much they loved her, and that she has been in good hands during her stay.  They left us with a necklace for her and a few more details about her routine and what she likes. 

 

Unfortunately she has been dealing with some type of reaction that has caused her to break out with a bit of rash.  Fortunately we have some medicines, and some medical folks in our group. 

The initial meeting and time was a bit tearful.  It seemed that her lungs and vocal cords were gaining strength with each passing minute.  We did finally get her up to the room and quieted down a bit.  She appeared to be fighting a smile, and finally caved in unders Sue's relentless comedic assaults.  Soon enough we saw the smile that we have been waiting to see, and the personality we were told of that was full of joy.  She is definitely a bit of a peanut, but absolutely precious by every account! 

We made it through our paperwork for the evening, a little bit of food-cherrios are a hit, a bath, and finally bedtime.  She is now sleeping peacefully in her "cat pj's" and being attentively watched by both of us, as we wait for our food to arrive.  Yup - didn't factor in that we were going to have to eat as well somewhere in the evening.

So AWESOME day, very long, but I think we are going to be able to handle this :).  Tomorrow we are off to the Civil Authority to get our official documentation and guardianship.  Thanks for reading and more to come tomorrow. 

And for those of you who are heading here next week (LISA-YEAH!) Sue wanted me to tell you the carry on restrictions were not enforced(inter country China flights), you can take a carry on and a personal items.  BUT you are only allowed 44 lbs for your luggage per person. It doesn't matter how many bags you check but if the total of them is over 44 lbs per person then there is a charge...hope that helps.(we had about $50 for our extra bag).

Day 1 - Beijing

Today we were up early for orientation hearing about the next couple of weeks.  We received Shi Fang Xie's "red book" which provided us updated details on how she has been doing, her personality etc.  The one interesting point that stuck out was that she "does not like strangers to hold her".  Yikes - that will be us, at least for a little while until she gets to know us.

Then we were off in the afternoon to the Forbidden City and Tianeman Square, with a final tour of a Chinese Silk Factory.  The Forbidden City was very interesting, and an amazing place to get a grasp of Chinese culture and history. 

The picture below is us by a 400 year old dual-interlocking Cypress tree located within the walls of the Forbidden City. 

We ventured for a more authentic Chinese restaurant that was focused on Roasted Duck.  And they weren't kidding.  EVERY part of the duck is available in a variety of preparations.  We managed through dinner, though have to admit that lunch was a bit better at the hotel (also Chinese, just no duck). 

Up early tomorrow morning.  We leave the hotel at 8 am, arrive in the province (Jiangxi) around 1 and will meet Emma around 4!  Drama of the day is luggage.  We have a bit (lots of Emma stuff), and nobody seems clear on the allowances (number of bags or weight).  Well, I am sure it will be clear by tomorrow afternoon.