Headed Home!!

Originally posted September 29, 2005

Our last few hours in China...we got up early this morning to head out. Our luggage had to be ready at 5:00 am and we left the hotel at 5:45 am. We headed to the Guangzhou airport and took a short 30 minute flight to Hong Kong. After an hour layover, we then boarded the big 747 and headed home. Emma Grace's 3rd flight in 1 week. We had a long flight to Chicago. She did pretty well, even though she didn't sleep much. We had purchased a seat for her and it was so worth the money. It gave her a place to sit and play and when she did sleep, we could lay her there and we could rest. I couldn't imagine a 13 hour flight having to hold her.

We arrived in Chicago at 1:30 pm and had a few hours to kill waiting for our flight home. It was so wonderful to be back on American soil. The minute Emma Grace got her passport stamped in Chicago, she became a United States citizen. Although she wasn't aware of what was taking place, we were and we were so happy.

Our flight from Chicago was so quick (an hour long) and she took a bottle and slept the whole way to Nashville.

We woke her up when we landed and changed her into a red, white and blue outfit. The walk from the gate to the waiting area seemed endless. It was so wonderful when we turned the corner and we had 52 friends and loved ones waiting to greet us....more like greet Emma Grace...we are secondary now. HaHa!!

We're Home

Emma Grace and Nana

Emma Grace and Nannie

She did amazingly well. She let everyone hold her and she never cried. Of course, she wouldn't stay with one person long and she always kept a close watch on Mommy and Daddy. She really loved the kids. Several of our Sunday School kids and Children's choir were there. They were all so sweet. We missed them so much. They have been so anxious for Emma Grace to come home.

Part of the Welcoming Party

Emma Grace and one of her new friends, Maya

The ride home was not so calm. Having never ridden in a car seat, she screamed all the way home. But quickly settled down once we got home. We had such a nice surprise when we got home. Jason's mom and dad had placed a Welcome Home sign in the front yard. And when we entered the kitchen, we had a welcome sign and a table full of necessities. Thanks Misti and Extreme Youth!!

Our house had been deep cleaned and the carpets were cleaned....and we had fresh Subway sandwiches in the fridge....yum!!!

Thanks Amanda and All Pro Cleaning!!

We just want to thank EVERYONE once again for everything!! Our journey to Emma Grace was wonderful, our experience in China was priceless and we are so blessed to have such a beautiful, precious girl. If you are considering adoption, I would tell you it is an amazing experience that we wouldn't trade for anything. God's hand has been in this since the beginning and we could never repay Him for all His wonderful blessings.

Love,

Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

So close to home...

Originally posted September 28, 2005

We are so close to home now, we can almost taste it. We have really enjoyed our journey in China and have valued the opportunity to experience Emma Grace's homeland, but we are ready to bring her home. It is not the easiest thing to do....living out of a suitcase. And eating out for every meal...as Emma Grace was throwing one of her fights last night at dinner, I told Jason I mow understand why people with children don't go out to eat much....too much work. Oh, to have an uninterrupted meal.

Today was a free day. She and I got up early this morning and went to Shamian Park to watch the locals do their morning Tai Chi. They are very into fitness and exercise here. I only had 1 Chinese grandma fuss at me for her arms not being covered up. They all want to love on her and give us the thumbs up. They really love their Chinese children and are so grateful for us to be adopting them. So many people tell us, "Lucky Baby".

New Friends

We had our group picture taken and the red couch pictures. I figured Emma Grace would scream, but she did beautifully. We had our visit at the US Consulate today. In a room with probably 75 new families, we took our oath to love and protect Emma Grace. It was very simple and informal. I didn't expect it to be so emotional, but it was. When they guy announced, "Congratulations, you are official", I started crying...big surprise, I know. They gave us her visa and passport and said that when she steps foot at the point of entry into the US (which for us will be Chicago), she will be a US citizen.

Red Couch Girls

It is so overwhelming.This has been an amazing journey we have been privileged to take. We are so amazed at how the 14 girls in our group have grown just in 2 weeks. 2 weeks ago, they were orphans and for the past 2 weeks, they have been living like princesses in 5 star hotels. We are so blessed that God had this plan for our life. The road hasn't always been easy, but it has been guided by God. It took us a long time to accept the plan that God had for us. But once we did, we never looked back and always had complete peace about it. I hope you have enjoyed reading our story. If you are considering adoption, I would tell you it is a wonderful experience. I didn't realize how much I could love this child until they placed her in my arms. We are absolutely in love with her. She is perfect for our family and an answer to many prayers.This will be the last posting until we return home. We leave in the morning.

Daddy and Emma Grace

Today has been a very bittersweet day. We are so ready to come home to our family and friends, but are very sad to be leaving the place of our daughter's birth. As we rode through town today, it was almost as if Emma Grace knew she was leaving. She sat on my lap and took everything in wide eyed. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers. I know the next few weeks are going to be a big time of adjustment for her.

Thanks to everyone who helped us in anyway during this process. The bake sales, the yard sale donations and purchases, the prayers, etc.....We love you all and can't wait to see you!!

Love and hugs from China,
Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

Medical and Visa Day

Originally Posted September 27, 2005

Today was fun. Emma Grace had her Visa photo taken....no smile....kind of a deer in the headlight look. Then we walked to the other end of the island and had her medical exam. Now that was great fun!! She weighs 17 lbs...she is not the smallest in the group..but she is so petite. She did not like the doctors poking and prodding. Very simple exam....they looked in her ears....with the naked eye. What are they looking for? Ear wax? They certainly couldn't tell if she had an ear infection. Then they shook some different rattles and played some notes on a toy piano to check her hearing.

Scientific Method???

By this time, of course, she was screaming. The nurse was like Nurse Cratchit. She said.."oh, stubborn girl, good lungs." We laughed...the nurse did not.

You can stop now...

Jason took Emma Grace back to the hotel and put her down for a nap and I went shopping some more. I can really get used to bargaining. Why don't we do that in the US? We are really enjoying our stay in Guangzhou, but are so homesick.

We had a tough night last night with little Miss Temper Tantrum. Everyone has told us it gets better when you get home.She is doing wonderfully though overall. We just love to wake up everyday and look at her sleeping. She is so funny though....regular just like daddy. First thing every morning....poopy diaper. She is an eater too. Every time we go to Lucy's for lunch or dinner, we have to order 2 bowls of mashed potatoes for her. She loves them.

All better now

Someone asked what squeaky shoes were. They are so cute. They have little squeaky things in the heel. So when the child walks, they squeak. Granted, Emma Grace isn't walking yet, so we think they are cute. Ask me again in a few weeks.That's all for now....more shopping to finish up. See everyone in a few days. The countdown is beginning.

Love from China,Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

Shop, Shop, Shop!!

Originally posted September 25/26, 2005

Today we started out with a wonderful buffet breakfast. Breakfast has turned out to be the best meal of the day here. We love Chinese food, but are ready for the American version of Chinese.We went to church this morning at the Shamian Island Christ Church. It was such an experience. There was probably 200 people there.....and only about 50 were Americans. The rest was Chinese. They sang songs in English and Chinese. The had an English translator and they had a short sermon. It was really neat that even though our language is so different, we can still come together to worship God. Emma Grace slept through most of the service and ate Cheerios for the last part. Her first and last church service in China.

It started raining, so I took her and put her down for a nap...not as easy as it sounds. She took a bottle and then screamed and cried. We rocked, we patted, we sang....she was not going down. Finally, I put her in the stroller and we made about 15 laps around the 6th floor and she was out....slept for 2 hours...in the stroller.

Jason stayed with her and I went shopping. Got some really cute dresses and several Chinese outfits. We got about 5 pairs of squeaky shoes. Her foot is so small and narrow that they don't have a small enough size for her right now...but maybe by spring.

We went to eat at the Riverview Restaurant for dinner. We were told they had American food...I don't know what part of America they are thinking. The had chicken feet, pig intestines....etc....We ordered spring rolls...pretty safe.....they said they were out of them. So....after we had gotten Emma Grace in the highchair....all settled and started feeding her...we had to repack everything and we left. Headed to Lucy's for dinner then and had quesadillas and a cheeseburger...much better.I can not wait to get home....I want a Subway sandwich and a big ole fat salad. Oh the comforts of home.

One more thing..Emma Grace is really attached to us now...today different people would try to take her and she would just cry and reach for us. So sweet and so amazing how much she has changed in just one week.....seems like she has been with us forever. She is really starting to show her temper though. If she wants it, you better give it to her right then....oh...Lord....a "mini-me".

Love and miss everyone.....Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

Hallelujah, Hallelujah!!

Originally posted September 24, 2005

Hallelujah, Hallelujah......Can you hear the angels singing??? Emma Grace slept 10 hours last night and didn't wake up during the night. We had to wake her for breakfast. Lets hope she keeps that up. This morning we left Nanchang headed to Guangzhou. Emma Grace did wonderful on the flight. She played and ate and of course...nothing like changing a diaper mid-air...in our laps. We are so close to home now. Guangzhou is beautiful and so Americanized. Everyone who adopts a baby in China has to come to Guangzhou. We have to take our adoption oath at the American Consulate. We will also get Emma Grace's visa and medical appointment. Then head to Tennessee.

1st plane ride

Brand New Carry On

We are staying at The White Swan Hotel. Talk about 5 star....tonight a lady came to the door and asked if she could turn down our bed. Then she put chocolate on the pillows. We are receiving the royal treatment here. Tonight, Jason went to the 7-11 to get some drinks and baby food. While he was in there, he was propositioned by a Chinese woman....lets just say, she was very interested in tall American man. He was so flustered when he got back...he forgot the baby food.

Sunset in Guangzhou

Tomorrow is a free day and we plan on doing some serious shopping. Guangzhou caters to adoptive families and there is so much here to buy. Emma Grace isn't walking yet, but we are getting some squeaky shoes for when she starts.

Love,

Jason, Denise & Emma Grace

Last Day in Nanchang

Originally posted September 23, 2005

Today was our last full day in Nanchang. We took advantage of the nice weather and got out and shopped with the locals. We finally tried out the stroller and walked through the city to the pedestrian walkway. Oh, the sights you can see walking the streets of China. For those of you who don't know....the young Chinese children wear split pants....no diaper. Just "flesh" hanging out....when they have to go, they just squat....wherever they are.....Walmart, the street...etc. We caused quite a commotion walking around. People pointing and staring at Emma Grace. Every time I would walk into a store, I would come back out to find Jason mobbed by a crowd of people. They were all very nice. They are so happy for Emma Grace to have a family. Especially when you tell them you are from America. One lady walked with us for several minutes talking to us in broken English. She told us to come back to China sometime. We told her we would most definitely try...Emma Grace needs a sister. One man chased us down and gave Emma Grace a rose....and another one gave her a inflatable Snoopy toy. She is quite the little attention getter. Jason made the comment that just 5 days ago she was the last thing on these people's minds....now they all want to love on her.

Sweet Girl

We had McDonald's again....it was so good....better than McDonald's at home....or maybe it is all in my head. Did I mention we are ready to come home???

New Friend...Ronald McDonald

We got Emma Grace's passport today. It is so nice to know that we have one more thing done and are another step closer to her being home. She is absolutely amazing. We have been so amazed at the changes she has made just since Sunday. She is totally bonded with both of us. She is such a joy. I don't think we ever imagined how much we could ever love her. Oh....another big event....she said Momma tonight. She has been saying ma-ma-ma-ma, but tonight she was crying and when I picked her up, she patted me and said very clearly Momma. How sweet!!!

Silly girl

Tomorrow we head for Guangzhou. Hopefully, she will do good on her first plane ride. It is only an hour. I am thinking we endured a 4 hour bus trip to the orphanage....surely an hour plane ride won't kill us.We miss you all and can't wait to see everyone. Again, we are enjoying reading all the emails, but there is no way we can respond right now. I promise I will respond to everyone when we get home.

With our guide, KiKi

Love and hugs from China,
Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

Sweet Days!!

Originally Posted September 22, 2005

Today Emma Grace and I stayed in. We have been so busy and she was worn out. Jason went on the tour of the countryside. They visited a farming community to see how Emma Grace's birth family more than likely lived. They said it was an 80% chance that our babies came from this environment. Jason enjoyed the tour, but was so affected by the poverty he saw.

Village Family

He said the people were so gracious and invited them into their homes. They brought their children out to see our babies. When he got back to the hotel, he just hugged on Emma Grace. Seeing things like yesterday and today really make us appreciate the wonderful gift God has given us.

Village Home

Emma Grace is really coming out of her shell. We made some big steps today. We were able to sit her on the bed and get up and walk around the room.....without tears. Also, while we were having mommy and baby time, I finally got her to sit with me on the floor and play. She is doing so much better. I know everyone has been praying for her health and it has made a difference. She has started laughing more and getting more attached to both of us. We are enjoying her so much. We can not wait to get her home to meet everyone.

Happy Baby!!

This afternoon, several of the families sat in the hallway while the babies played. They are so cute. Emma Grace cried when we first put her in the floor with them, but she soon warmed up. She played and played. Also, today we started getting some crawls out of her....more like an army crawl...but we will take that. Her arm and leg muscles are so weak. We are working on that though. She may be walking before we come home. Today, she was able to come from laying on her back to sitting up, to standing up....with us holding onto her arms. She is getting stronger everyday.

After the problems she has been having in the diaper department, today we went all-American. No Chinese food today. She had watermelon and cantaloupe. She loved that. I gave her a little piece of cantaloupe to gnaw on and before I knew it, she has gotten several bites and was storing them in her cheeks.

I love Watermelon!!

We took a taxi ride tonight to.....McDonald's!!!! It was wonderful. We got lots of attention. People just walk by and stare. She had her first french fries....yes....I shared. We also went to Walmart. We were in the baby aisle and people were pointing and looking. The next thing we knew, we had about 15 people standing around us talking to Emma Grace and trying to talk to us. When we were leaving, these 2 ladies came up and all they could say (that we could understand) was..."China Baby?" We said "yes"....and they gave us the thumbs up. They said, "America". And just loved on her. Tomorrow, we are getting Emma Grace's passport. Everyday we are a little closer to home. We are enjoying her home land, but are ready to get home. One more week and she will be a US citizen. I hope everyone is enjoying the journals and pictures. They don't do her justice though......she is so much cuter in person.Oh, and Pops.......she LOVES watermelon!!!

Watermelon Face

Love to everyone!!
Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

Parenthood Is Great!!!

Originally Posted September 21, 2005

I know....I am so sweet

With each new day, things are getting better. Today, Emma Grace didn't wake up until the alarm went off. As usual, we had a busy day that started early. We left at 8:30 for Ji'an City, Emma Grace's birthplace. We visited the orphanage. It was a 2 1/2 hour bus ride with 5 new families. Oh, and have I mentioned the driving in China?? Talk about praying through....if you are not saved when you come here, you are saved when you leave. They just drive however they want. Our driver about took his life in our hands when he crossed into close oncoming traffic over the double yellow lines. Our guide, Ki Ki finally told him to drive a little calmer. Anyway, back to the important stuff. As we were driving to Ji'an City, I couldn't help but think about her birth mother. The poverty in Jiangxi province is so great. It is such a rural area with 90% of the population being farmers. They make the equivalent to $500 US dollars a month. Such a overwhelming sea of emotion came over me as we pulled through the gate of her orphanage.

In Front of Orphanage

The nannies there are all so sweet to the babies. We have no doubt they were well taken care of. We got to see the room where they mix up all the baby bottles and prepare their rice congee. Also, the room where they were bathed. Then they took us to 2 of the baby rooms. It made me so sad to see all those other babies still waiting for forever families. They would just look at you with these sad eyes. I wish we could have taken them all home with us.

Emma Grace's Empty Crib

They showed us the crib where Emma Grace slept. I am so thankful that crib is empty now. I wish they all were. We were concerned about taking Emma Grace to the orphanage with the problems she has been having. We didn't want to make her separation and grieving process worse. But after talking to our CHI coordinator, she said she thought it would be good for her. One last goodbye and then she leaves with us....kind of closure for her. She did really well. The nannies talked to her and passed her around and she always wanted to know where we were. She never made a whimper.Some of the nannies were crying when we left. They were all so sweet.

Sweet Nannies

The orphanage director then took us to lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. That is one more experience......we had many different dishes. One mixed pot that had all parts of the chicken....and I mean all....chicken feet, chicken head.....etc...We also had a whole fish served to us on a platter. Needless to say, Jason and I ate a lot of rice and noodles. Emma Grace had the regular....steamed egg and a bottle. The director was so sweet...she was going around feeding all kinds of things to the babies....I think they are afraid we are starving them. Could she not tell by looking at us that she will not miss a meal??

Lunch...mmm...mmm....good

After a long bus ride, we made it back to the hotel at 5:30 and had Pizza Hut delivered. I am still holding out for McDonalds. I am hoping for that tomorrow for lunch. We then spread out all her toys and we laid on the bed and played for a few hours. She is really coming out of her shell now. She is becoming more animated. She reminds me so much of my niece, Danielle. She is very quiet and curious. Some of her mannerisms remind me of how Danielle was when she was a baby. Jason said she is a drama queen.....he said he knows where she gets that from. Emma Grace and I are staying in tomorrow while Jason tours. They are going to the Nanchang countryside and visiting some farms to see how the families here live. We are really having a great time, but now that we got what we came for, we are ready to come home. One more week.....See you all soon!!

Love you!
Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

Brighter Skies!

Originally posted September 20, 2005

What a cute smile!!

Skies are brighter...So far, so good. Day 3 has gotten much better. Emma Grace has only had 2 poopie diapers. I know...TMI...but you know me...open book. She has started feeling much better today. Still a little fussy, but a major improvement over yesterday. One day at a time...we will take what we can get. We have actually gotten some laughs from her today...of course, with a daddy like Jason, wouldn't you laugh too? We are learning...we got up this morning before she did and started getting ready. We actually were at breakfast an hour before the bus left.
Teng Wang Pavillon

Today, we went to the Teng Wang Pavillion. It was built as a palace for someone....didn't catch the whole history...you know...my short attention span. Anyway, it has been built and rebuilt 89 times. Each time it has been destroyed by war. The last time it was rebuilt was in 1989. It is absolutely beautiful. We were even treated to a Chinese Music and Dance show. Emma Grace enjoyed it. She likes music, so while they were playing, she was beating her toothbrush against a stacking cup...future drummer?We came back "home" and she took a short nap.

Chinese Classical Music Show

Happy Family

Then we headed downstairs for lunch...I forgot to mention...yesterday, we never left the room, so we had room service pizza for lunch and dinner.So today, we ate downstairs and Emma Grace was an angel. We were actually able to eat w/out crying and we went shopping in the gift shops. Seems as if she doesn't particularly care for the hotel room....back in there....here comes the drama and tears.I turned on some Chinese cartoons and laid down on the bed with her and that seemed to calm her. She feel asleep about 5:30 and at 6:50, she is still sleeping. I think we may get to eat dinner out.

Sleeping Beauty

Love,

Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

DAy 2

Originally posted September 19, 2005

Well, day 2 didn't go as well as day 1. Emma Grace woke up at 4:30 and would not let us put her down. One of us had to hold her all the time. She prefers daddy right now, most of the time. After a really rough morning, we made it down to breakfast 10 minutes before time to leave. We then headed back to the adoption center to finish up some paperwork. We had to tell them why we wanted to adopt a baby from China and that we were happy with her.

1st night with Mommy and Daddy

We then had our first official family photo made for our adoption certificate.We made a stop at Walmart and got some baby items. As in the US, they were very busy and only had a few cashiers open. We got back to the hotel around noon and the day kind of went downhill from there. She cried, screamed, pooped, and then did all again....all day long. Finally, around 4:00, our CHI coordinator, Joyce, took us to see the hotel doctor. She checked her out and gave us medicine for indigestion and cough/congestion. So....back to the room where it started all over again. She finally went to sleep about 6:30 and slept until 12:30, back to sleep at 2:00 and slept till 6:00 am. She had severe diarrhea...total of 8 poopie diapers. She has broken us both in.....Jason has even mastered changing diapers.We are hoping for a better day tomorrow. We just really feel like she is grieving the loss she has had the last few days. Everything has changed for her. New surroundings, new food, and 2 new people....who feel helpless and clueless.

1st bath

Thanks for all the emails. We are really enjoying reading them, but there is no way we can respond to all of them. But please keep them coming and please continue to pray for us. We want Emma Grace to get to feeling better and realize we are not going to leave her.

All Smiles!

Love from China,
Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

Sweet Moments

I know I have posted a lot today...but they were all previous (old) posts and I had to post a current blog.

Today was a very special day at our house. We always make a big celebration out of Gotcha Day and today was no exception. We are actually making this a 2 day celebration. Jason is taking the day off tomorrow and we are having a special lunch with Nana (my mom) and Nanny and Pops (Jason's parents) at The Spaghetti Factory. I fixed a big Chinese dinner tonight complete with wonton soup and crab rangoon and we are so stuffed from Chinese...so we welcome a different cuisine tomorrow.

After dinner, we watched the video from our gotcha day. It is something that we watch every year....several times throughout the year, but this time Emma Grace had more questions. Why did I do that.....? Why did you do that..? Did I do this? Etc...etc...

We laughed and cried and just enjoyed being together tonight. Emma Grace didn't want me to turn it off...she doesn't understand...we have about 20 tapes from China...too much for one night.

When i think back to that special day, I am still overwhelmed with the emotions. What a blessing Emma Grace was/is to our life, our family. I really cant imagine what we did before she came along. She is such a special girl and I know that God created her especially for our family. She is so much like both of us...it is scary sometimes. She is a little social butterfly and she loves to sing and talk...:)

She has walked around all day singing, "happy gotcha day to mommy, daddy and Emma Grace" We have celebrated every year, but this year she seems to be more excited about it all.

I am so thankful for her and all she has brought to this family. She is so sweet and we love her so much!! I don't really know what else to say....I am really so tired, I cant even think at this point. I think I will call it a night....we have a busy day tomorrow.

Gotcha Day!!!!

Originally posted September 18, 2005

1st Family Photo

Well, the day has finally arrived!!! We finally got our baby!!! She is precious!! After a long day of sitting at the airport, on the runway and a 2 hour flight, we left for the adoption center at 4:00 pm Sunday afternoon. We had a 5 minute ride. Jason and I were both a little nervous and anxious.We walked into the building and could immediately hear babies crying. We walked past several babies, but were being rushed through, so we couldn't figure out which one was Emma Grace.

1st bottle with Daddy

We went into 2 small rooms where the temperature was about 198 degrees and waited as the nannies brought the babies in. The called each family one by one. It all went very, very fast. I started shaking and crying when the first family was handed their baby. We were the 8th family to be called. I absolutely fell apart when they handed her to me....no surprise there, huh? We were crying and she was just looking at us....with the most serious look. She is tee tiny. She was wearing a 3-6 month sleeper and it was a little big. She just studied our faces and watched the excitement all around. By the time we left, there were 13 new families and 13 crying babies.

She is worth all the paperwork!!

Today is also the Chinese Mid Autumn Day. It is somewhat similar to our Thanksgiving. Very special day for the Chinese to be with their families. The nannies and orphanage directors have to stay in Nanchang for several days. Because of this, they were unable to be with their families for dinner tonight, so we invited all of them to have dinner with our group. That was a very special time. We met Emma Grace's main caretaker. She was so sweet. She loves her so much. She kept calling her Qi Qi (Chi Chi). At dinner they all passed her around and loved on her. This made for some very priceless video and pictures. They said she was a favorite of the nannies. We found out she was in the orphanage for the 1st month, foster care for 3 months and then back to the orphanage.

One Family to Another

She did so good at dinner. She ate cheerios, fruit puffs, rice and steamed egg. She is a big eater. After dinner, we went back to the room and relaxed. She sat on the bed with us and played with her stacking cups and an empty water bottle.

Isn't she cute?

Well, after all of our excitement, we are exhausted and are heading to bed. Thanks for all the emails and well wishes. It helps to make us feel closer to home.

One Day till Gotcha Day!!

Originally posted September 17, 2005

Today we were ready for all the sightseeing. We actually slept all night long. Our bodies are now adjusted to China time. We headed out this morning and went to Tianemen Square and The Forbidden City. There were so many people there today. They are preparing for China National Day which starts October 1. So lots of work going on there today.We had a wonderful guide, Mr Lian. He was so knowledgeable about all we saw today. Of course, I knew I would never remember all of it, so I made sure it was all on video. The architecture here is so beautiful!

The Forbidden City

We had Peking Duck for lunch today!! It was so good. Tastes like chicken...:). I couldn't help but think of The Christmas Story movie. We also saw our first "Squatty Potty". I decided to pass on that experience. I didn't have to go that bad.

Squatty Potty

We had a brief orientation on what the plans are for our big day tomorrow.
We got a update on Emma Grace. Again it said she was quiet...just like her mommy. Oh...and that she was impatient sometimes. Can't imagine where she gets that from.....hmmm.....??

We then hit The Great Wall. We didn't make it all the way to the top, but Jason didn't miss it by much. I made it about half the way up and then just sat down and waited for him. Why must they wear us out the day before we get our babies??We had a great dinner at Pizza Hut and after shopping again at the Carrefour store, we are headed to bed. We have to have our luggage packed and ready for pickup at 6:30 am. Our plane leaves at 10:50 and we head to Nanchang. We are "scheduled" to get the babies at 4:00 pm Sunday. Which will be 3:00 am Sunday for you. So while you are all nestled in your beds, our whole life will be changing.....for the absolutely definite better.

At The Great Wall

Love, Jason & Denise

Sightseeing

Originally Posted September 16, 2005

We started out early this morning and headed to The Pearl Market. Lots of shopping going on. The 4th floor has very nice expensive pearl jewelry and the other 3 floors is like the flea market. All kinds of private vendors selling everything imaginable. They are very pushy about it too. They started bargaining with you to buy even when you aren't even interested in their product. And they have no definition of "personal space" and you know how well that went over with me.

Tianamen Square

It was so hilarious though.....Jason and I were wearing our buttons with Emma Grace's picture and the people kept stopping us asking if she was our baby and then commenting on how she looked like Jason. Well, I took mine off b/c I couldn't handle all of that, but Jason refused....he was loving the attention. We went down one aisle and I just ignored them and kept walking. When I got to the end, I turned around expecting to see my husband and he was no where to be found. I looked at the opposite end of the aisle and there he was. Surrounded by about 15 girls all up in his face wanting to see Emma Grace's picture. He was just standing there nodding and grinning.

Ling-Ling the Panda at The Beijing Zoo

From there we made a quick stop at The Beijing Zoo and saw Ling Ling the panda and several others. Some of them looked like we felt....exhausted. Then on to The Summer Palace. It was beautiful there. The architecture and artistry work on the buildings is amazing. And the weather has been so beautiful...around the high 70's with a nice breeze.It is still so hard to believe that we are here. It is so surreal to think that after all these long months of waiting, we are only 3 hours away from Emma Grace. Wow!!!

The Summer Palace

Talk to you soon!

Jason & Denise

Memories

As our Gotcha Day nears this Thursday, I have been thinking about our trip to China 3 years ago. In some ways, it seems like just yesterday, but it was so surreal, sometimes it still seems like such a dream.

Anyway, I have decided to take the next week or so and post the blogs from that wonderful trip. Some of you walked through that journey with us and you have already read these, but there are many of you who we were not blessed to know at that time.

I hope you enjoy reliving our experience with us as we take this walk down memory lane.

Originally posted September 14/15, 2005

Well, after many, many hours of flying, we finally made it to Beijing at 2:35 pm (that would be 1:35 am US time). The flight was overbooked, so we didn't have any room to stretch out. But believe it or not, I did pretty good. I listened to music most of the time. And of course, all the snacks we had packed helped out...thanks, CSI!!!!

I can not believe we are finally here!! After all these months, it is so surreal to know that we are just 3 days away from Emma Grace. WOW!!!

View from our hotel room

We got checked in and met 3 other families from our group. They showed us around and got us somewhat acclimated to the hotel and surrounding area. We are staying at the Beijing Radisson. It is very nice.

Carrefour Store

Parking Lot at the Carrefour
We went next door to the Carrefour store (somewhat like a Walmart Supercenter) to get a few things we needed. They have EVERY kind of live creature imaginable. Turtle, eel, sardines, all kinds of fish and many things I could not identify. You just pick out what you want and take it home with you. TO EAT!!!!

Hungry anyone?

We came back to the hotel and ate at the Chinese Restaurant here. It was really good. Donna-I know what you are wondering...Yes, they had chicken feet stew. Needless to say we didn't try that.

Well, I think we are ready to call it a night. As I sit here typing this, Jason is sitting here (in the business center) asleep. We are very tired. It is 7:00 pm and we have now been up for about 27 hours.

Tomorrow we are going to the Pearl Market, Beijing Zoo and the Summer Palace. That should be lots of fun.

Thanks to everyone who has played a part in helping us get here!!! We appreciate all the prayers over the last year. They have been heard and we have felt the results of them.

We love you!!!

Jason and Denise