Three Years

How is it even possible that it's already been three years? Our lives are so full, so fun, so crazy with this sweet girl in our lives. We are so very lucky.

I finally found all the links to our trip, they are now over on the left side-bar. I had a sniffly trip down memory lane just now, reading them. It seems like yesterday, it seems a lifetime ago.

We had some photos of Emi taken for the occasion. They sum up our sweet girl as no words could ever do. Her sparkling personality just shouts out. Enjoy!

DC Trip

A few folks already know this, but Jeff and I met when we were both living in the DC area. We spent the first eight years of married life living in Northern Virginia. Before that, I lived in and around DC for almost five years. Needless to say, I still consider DC home. I loved living there, it was fun and I loved being just a subway ride away from the excitement of DC. But, other avenues opened for Jeff and I, so off we went.

Emi and I are once again planning an adventure. This time we are heading up to DC for a few days of fun. I am so happy to be once again living close-ish to DC. We are about an eight hour drive, so it's not too bad. I have been looking forward to sharing DC with Emi and now's the time (at least, for a first visit). Yes, I'd love to wait until later in the spring or even next fall when the weather is a tad more predictable (hello? snow ... be gone with you!) but you see, the Terra Cotta Warriors leave to return home at the end of March. I *so* want to see them, and while she may not remember, I want Emi to see them too. So, an adventure is planned. (TCW tour info here.)

Someday we dearly hope to return to China, to share with Emi the wonders of her birthplace. We'd love to tack on a trip to Xi'an but, what if? (Xi'an is where the TCW are located.) So while this won't be as wonderous as seeing them actually in place, this is the next best thing. We are this close, it would truly be a shame to miss them.What I have (tentatively) planned for these two days:

• Tuesday: TCW and Botanic Garden (my most favorite place in all of DC)
• Wednesday: Either meet-ups/play dates or more touring - possible thoughts: Air and Space and/or Natural History

Emi is still napping (please let that last until she starts ... college!), so we would probably head back to our hotel for lunch/nap times and then venture back out. However, I am going to pretty much wing-it this trip. I've learned from past trips, just take it as it comes and don't plan for too much. That said, the ONLY thing on the must-do agenda is visiting the TCW. Anything else, gravy.

The reason I am posting this now, instead of just before or just after as I usually do is this: anyone in the area want to get together? I am still firming up dates, but I am 95% certain we will be in DC: March 9th and 10th (driving on either side). Yes, a short trip. I can (and will) add a day if there are folks out there that want to meet up and can't until 11th but I am a middle of the week travel gal - not traveling/sight-seeing on weekends means less crowds and much more accessible and fun for Emi.

So, if you are interested leave me a comment (make sure I can get to your email from there) or email me directly at: kiy (at) inbox (dot) com.

Photos found at: http://tinyurl.com/ye3s8zd

October 29, 2007

A day we will never, ever, forget. It was the day a sweet, pink, sleeping bundle was placed in our arms - a day our lives changed. Forever. That bundle has grown into the most outgoing, crazy and fun girl! Every person she meets is a friend-to-be, she lights up a room with her smile - she's contagious! While I have been a terrible blogger of late, I do want to catch up as I don't want to forget a single moment of Emi's life. We have enjoyed her, tremendously, I want to make sure that 20 years from now we have the memories, stories and photos to look back on. Even now, it's hard to remember how teeny tiny she was. She's still small for her age (well, height-wise), but it's easy to forget because her personality is H.U.G.E.

Emi's sassy side is seriously beginning to show itself. She always had an opinion, but now she's more vocal about it. She gets frustrated sometimes, as her language is still lagging, but she manages somehow. Emi is still a very busy little girl (yes, the baby and even the toddler are leaving us, she is very much a little girl these days - changing sometimes overnight!). She loves loves loves playing with her toys, and watching her pretend play with her Little People is a joy. I so wonder whats going on in that mind of hers! So much has changed for Emi in the last two years, and she's been up to the challenge. Two *big* moves in two years, but with luck this is it for awhile. She is a gal who loves adventure, who loves to travel (go figure) and new things to see and do. She also loves routine, staying home, and playing with her toys. She also loves and adores to be outside, in any weather much to my dismay sometimes.

I wish there was a way to share all of this with her birth family, her foster family, and her nannies at Fuling SWI that loved her so. She is sweet and spicy, the perfect mix (although I am already trembling in fear at the teenage years if two is any indicator!). Emi is a joy and a delight to everyone around her. And we are so very lucky to be her parents.

Happy Family Day, Sweet Girl. We love you so.

October 2007, China ~~~ October 2008, Washington


October 2009, South Carolina

P.S. More photos and details coming soon. Pictures are scattered between two computers and the BlackBerry - but I am getting more organized every day!

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

If anyone is looking for ideas for this weekend's Moon Festival, Tonggu Momma has a great post up at Grown in My Heart. Very worth the read.

We probably won't be doing much this year, with the move and still trying to get our feet under us. But we will watch the moon (probably from inside - they grow HUGE mosquitoes here, wow!) and talk about Miss Emi's birthparents with her (age appropriate and attention span leading the way), chat a bit about China and her story (I think it would also be a perfect tie-in to use her lifebook here when talking about her birthparents - that is, if I had it done - yeah, it's on my to do list, really it is). I'd love to attempt chatting about the Moon Festival, but I think we may need to give that another year (or two). Guess we will play that one by year. I wish I had remembered to keep more of our special Chinese celebrations books out of the packing, to bring with us. Specifically, Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats. It would have been great to read the chapter in there about the Moon Festival and even attempt the cookies TM talks about. Ah well, next year for sure.

We really need to get a handle on doing something on special Chinese holidays, but there is no way that whatever we do can ever take the place of what her experience would have been had she grown up in China. All we can do is to do our best. And we do, every single day.

Library Grand Re-Opening

I hustled around like a mad woman this morning to get Emi and I out the door by 8:30. It didn't happen, but we did finally leave about 9:10 - which, considering that I didn't even get INTO the shower until 8:35 is saying something (I am notoriously slow when it comes to showering).

About a year and a half ago (give or take, let's just say it feels like forEVER) our main library closed and moved most of the books and staff to a temporary location while they revamped the original one. Today was the day of the big unveiling. Yippee! I had found out there was to be a parade going from the temporary location to the new fancy location, with ribbon cutting, cookies and ... who knows what else. But I thought the parade would be fun and while the ribbon cutting and speeches were happening, Emi could just run around outside.

Best laid plans.

Come to find out, no one I asked knew about a parade. As the ribbon cutting time came closer, someone shouts out ... "here comes the parade!" Okay, it was cute, but parade? No. A bunch of kids, someone said it was a camp but I don't know for sure, about 5-6-7 years old walked from the temporary location to the new (old) one. Carrying the last books to make the move back home. Cute idea, but I got suckered into the whole parade thing. Heh. Oh well. Emi had her cookie so she was happy.

While we were waiting for the ribbon cutting I realized it was going to be awhile, and it was going to be inside. Yeah, silly me ... open a building, one would think the ribbon would be across the front door? Nope. Emi and I went inside, found seats and ate cookies (Emi had both, hahaha, no surprise there).

Some old bat (apologies to the few nice old bats that might be reading this ... Hi Mom!) sat down beside us (btw, I didn't think "old bat" at the time). I smile at her, Emi grins her cookie encrusted sweet smile at her. And the woman says "oh, are you her mama?". Yes. She then says "your husband Oriental"? My answer "No, and he's not Asian either". Confused look. At this point, it's still a nice conversation even if she doesn't know the terminology, many don't and frankly I didn't feel like getting into it. However, then she drops the bombshell. "Oh you poor little dear, you are one of those poor little orphan girls from China that no one loved."

Uh, huh.

I gather up our things, ticked beyond reason. But I just could NOT let that go. Yeah, I know. I should have.

Me: "Ma'am, actually, she was and is very much loved. We have no idea what her biological parents had to go through, but most likely is was not an easy choice to let her go. I am sure her Chinese parents grieve every day for this sweet little girl. I hope you wouldn't say something like that in front of a child who could actually understand what you just said."

Not my proudest moment, and before anyone kicks me, don't bother. I've been doing that all afternoon. I was sure she meant to be kind, meant to say something positive and didn't. It probably came out wrong and she's feeling doubly bad - she put her foot in her mouth and I slapped her about it.

I moved us to the other side of the room, red faced and embarrassed. Ready to go home, but Emi was honestly enjoying herself and really had no idea that something had just happened. However, a few moments later another woman came and sat next to us. She said she had overheard the conversation (my heart sinks) she says that that woman is known in the community for saying hurtful things all the while smiling. She called them cotton-covered barbs ... perfect term! I told her that after what I said I felt terrible, I was raised better than that. (Polite, be nice to our elders, etc.) She said not to give it another thought, many that overheard it were applauding that someone actually gave that woman back what she had coming.

Sure, it sort of made me feel better, but not really. While she is a meanie, the next person who says something like that may not be and may honestly be trying to say something nice. I need to find a way to "correct and protect" without harming. Emi is going to look to me for my responses, and I need to work on them. I think it's just that when we are out and about, we rarely get any comments except "she's darling, sweet, delightful", etc.

Moving on.

The speeches, thankfully, were kept to a minimum. Emi was a complete champ! She had, of course, plowed through those two cookies like we never fed her well before the start of the speeches. There was no way out of the building at this point, it was standing room only. But she was still doing okay, so we just sat and waited. She charmed and laughed and clapped her way through the speeches, and really did amazingly well. In fact, after, several folks came up and thanked her for sharing her smiles and enthusiasm (see? this is what we usually get!).

They finally cut the ribbon and everyone streams in. Emi and I go in, return books, find new ones, check out and leave.

We were sitting outside on one of the benches, Emi running around being well, Emi. She'd come by for fly-by hugs and/or kisses. Then, she crawled onto the bench, into my arms, grabbed my cheeks between those sweet, sticky fingers and pulled my face to her for a kiss. Then, pulled it down so we could rub noses (pretty much typical for Emi). She smiles, laughs, claps and runs off. I love this little gal so much my heart just bursts. I still can't believe how lucky we are, to parent this sweet (mischievous) little (imp) girl.

A nice old man (see, I don't call all old(er) folks old bats!) sat down next to me and said "What a delight she must be. I have been enjoying watching her play and stop long enough to give her mama kisses."

Yeah, he ended our outing on a positive note.

P.S. Had the camera. Took no pictures. Typical. I did include some of the library that I 'lifted' off their blog. It is a pretty spiffy building. Nice to see tax dollars going to good use.

Grace Notes - March

Small Graces: March

Grace Notes is again having one of her auctions (begins March 9th) for the above. After last month's auction I realized there is no possible way we can afford these right now (cry!) but I love them so. My way of seeing them is to post about them here! Also, for those that want to bid here's your reminder!

BTW, I forgot to post February's Small Graces. Opps, but this link will take you to the site talking about her auctions. What an awesome thing she's doing. And one of my fav new authors!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl

Emi turns TWO today!

461 days ago (ignoring such silly things as International Date lines) our darling girl was placed in our arms. I've been trying to think of something special to do, to commemorate such a cool birthday. Turning two on the second day of the second month. 2 - 2 - 2. For some reason I just think that rocks.

However, we had no huge party or even a small one. Jeff and I decided to celebrate it yesterday so we could make a day of it. I made a spice cake (with pink frosting and sprinkles, haha!), and we gave her her present after her nap (Fisher Price's Little People Castle - oh, and trust me - I got a *much* better deal that that!).

~~~~~~~~~~

(She played with it ALL afternoon!)

Today, Emi and I will spend the day as we typically do. A pretty quiet day, playing and snuggling and reading and playing some more. I cherish days like this, as I realize they will be coming to an end sooner rather than later.

Some Amazing Things About Emi! (I gave up on trying to make a list of 461, thank me now.)

1. Emi was placed in our arms on October 29, 2007
2. She was sleeping!
3. At nine months she could sit up, but if she fell over she was stuck
4. At 10 months she was crawling, backwards (not forward)
5. At eleven months she was cruising, then taking some steps
6. At twelve months - walking
7. At thirteen months - walking well, then running
8. Has never looked back!
9. Now loves to run, jump and climb on anything and everything
10. Yes, she’s still called Danger Girl
11. Loves loves loves to be outside
12. Loves the park, hates swings
13. Knows many of her body parts, but prefers to point them out on mama or daddy
14. Loves TV & Movies (yes, it’s true). Her fav’s: TV: Little Bear, Oswald, Kai-lan, Little Einsteins, My Friends Tigger and Pooh. DvDs: Kipper, Tinker Bell, Winnie the Pooh and just recently, Cinderella (oh, not for Cinderella herself, Emi likes the mice and birds!)
15. Loves music and loves to dance
16. Loves water – faucets, the tub, swimming anything with water in it or running out of it
17. Except, hates having her hair washed, we even do that first on the bathroom counter so that water doesn't get into her eyes and ears (but it's okay if that happens when she is in the tub or pool!)
18. Is really into animals. Anytime she sees one she points it out and demands whoever is with her to tell her what it is
19. Loves to look at books, still not big on being read to yet
20. Loves puzzles
21. Loves to color, however, Emi likes to sit on the floor and feed Max (the 13 year old Yorkie) crayons, so now we used colored pencils (dulled, not sharp)
22. Loves her stuffed animals, especially Brutus the penguin (be careful when naming, things tend to stick!)
23. Is finally getting into dolls. She carries MeiMei everywhere.
24. Brutus and MeiMei go everywhere with us
25. Loves making us tea in her little kitchen
26. On January 21^st at her 2 year checkup up (yes early, for once, she was 31.5” and 25 pounds 9 oz) (only two shots!)
27. Is extremely healthy with only the cold she had when we received her, little fever thing the first Christmas, the croup and of course the wonderful seizure episode – but nothing else (of course, now that I’ve said that …)
28. Understands pretty much everything we say, we have had to resort to spelling words but thankfully she hasn’t caught onto that. Yet.
29. Has (we think) most of her teeth, with a set near the front that are fused and came in that way
30. Is finally letting us brush her teeth. First, she does it then one of us can do it.
31. Loves her little bike, which we have had to hide now that it is seriously too cold to ride (well, too cold for Mama).
32. Loves to take walks
33. Gets seriously ticked off that Max (the doglet) gets to go outside when she doesn’t.
34. Finally has a word (uh-oh), and some of others. Da (daddy), og and doo for dog, hi and bye are sort of there, loves to says oops (but drops the ‘p’), brrrr, woof. She sort of has mama – but has yet to say it to me, usually uses it when chattering to herself. Just recently picked up ah-choo (without the ch) from watching Little Bear.
35. Signing has *finally* sunk in after all the time we have been signing with her. Words like more, drink, milk, hungry, and just recently ... thank you! We also seem to have what Jeff and I are calling ESL (Emi Sign Language) as she is making up signs for what she wants. Hungry is not only the ASL sign, but also rubbing her tummy. Cold is crossing her arms and rubbing (like in Tinker Bell), all done or she doesn’t want something she will wave her hands, etc. So very cute.
36. Mimics everything (we need to start being more careful of what we are doing!)
37. We think Emi knows her many of colors, as I will ask her where the yellow circle is (for her puzzle) and she can pick up about 7 of them. She isn’t there yet if we just ask for the shape, but if it’s the color or color/shape she’s got many of them.
38. She loves to watch Mama cook/bake, and adores helping. Her fav thing to make is muffins!
39. Wears some 9 month but mainly 12-18 month clothes, size 4 and 5 size shoes
40. Loves to go bye-bye. In fact, if anyone gets their shoes/jacket on and she sees it, you better be prepared to take Emi with. As long as Mama goes too, and it’s not first thing in the morning (which helps as poor ol’ daddy would not get a whole lot of work down in his office with Danger Girl around!)
41. Is not really a morning person until she’s had her first cup of milk (although still likes to wake us at the crack of dawn)
42. Sleeps and naps great in her crib (but rarely straight through the night still), prefers Mama’s bed with Daddy’s pillow (smile).
43. Still lets mama pick out all her clothes, which I love.
44. Is finally feeding herself more and more. I think I was the one holding that back, I didn't realize she should be and she didn't demand it.
45. Is very upbeat and happy.
46. Has never met a stranger. Loves people and kids. Although she doesn’t let just anyone pick her up any more. We don’t think it’s a bonding thing; it’s a personality/people thing. Outgoing, to say the least! (Someone in this household should be.)
47. Loves to snuggle, cuddle, and give/get kisses! Loves giving wrap around the neck hugs.
48. Likes to watch her movies standing next to me on the sofa, with her cheek pressed against mine. (Funny, only with movies, her TV shows she likes to play during, sort of listening to them and watching now and then.)
49. Loves to be held, and if we are working in the kitchen, folding clothes, etc. will come up behind us and hug our leg. Oh gosh, this little girl has SO much love in her to share!
50. And lastly, she adores Max. Almost too much. Sadly, we are still keeping them apart. Max is a grumpy old man who likes to sleep all day long. Emi is a whirling tornado that thinks Max should get up and play. Max tolerates her well, especially when it’s dinnertime.

For those who might have missed it, here is a better montage of Emi 2008!
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I've had a request to put our trip all in one place linked on the side-bar. I have no idea how to do that neatly (sorry, it's my OCD showing through) so here it is. Anyone have any tips for me on how to do that (did I mention neatly?)? :)

Referral (Sept 4, 2007)
Paula Deen (pre-travel)
Halloween
November 1st
November 4th
November 8th
November 15th (home)

There are many more posts September through December (2007) about our early days with Miss Emi. Of course I had to reread most of this. Wow, where does the time go? I can't believe she's already two! Our sweet little baby is getting to be a big girl, and I am so very proud of her. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't look at her in wonder and amazement with something she's done, figured out for herself or learned. We are so in love with this tiny little gal.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year!

On the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on Monday, January 26, 2009 which is The Year of the Ox. Loosely, if you were born in 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 or 1997, you were born under the sign of the ox. I say loosely because following the Western calendar Emi (born 2007) would a pig (if memory serves) but because she was born on February 2, 2007 she is a dog if following the Lunar calendar. It's really only confusing if someone is born in January or February, then you need to look at the date.
(Oh, and most of this is going on memory. I am by NO means an authority on this subject.)

Here is something that explains it better: Most people’s understanding of the Chinese Zodiac Calendar doesn't extend beyond what they see on the paper placemats that cover the tables of their favorite Chinese restaurants. But there really is much more to know about this doctrine that dates back more than 2,000 years. Something else that people don’t understand from most Chinese Zodiac overviews is that it is based on the Chinese New Year which does not begin on January 1. The date varies but typically is towards the end of January. Therefore, when determining the correct animal, most people born during the month of January should be included as part of the previous year. Also, the 12 phases that make up the Chinese year are lunar months, coinciding with the appearance of each New Moon.

The above information was taken from Chinese Zodiac. There is a link at the top of the page for folks to find their 'real' animal.

We don't have big plans again this year. We had hoped to head on over to the big celebration on Bainbridge Island, but we are going to save that for another year. We are attending a dinner on Friday with our local Chinese adoption group but so far that's all we have planned. I keep researching, hoping to find something else. I think Emi would love to see a lion dance or a parade, just need to find one within reasonable driving distance.

Grace Notes

It's rare for me to point out a new blog that I've found, but this is a great find! I am excited to find a new author, her paintings look amazing, and I expect to learn a lot too.

Grace Lin is an author and illustrator of children's book, seems to be mainly on China and Chinese adoption (which, of course, hits me right in my heart!). Her auction idea is very cool and such a wonderful thing, I really want to share this. She is auctioning (through ebay) a small painting a month for a year! Here is the direct link to that post. Worth looking into, if you are into this kind of thing (which I am). Here is the direct link to the blog that she set up for this project with all the details. Oh, this is going to be a fun year ... and potentially pricey, eek!

Above is the artwork that she will be auctioning off for the month of January (week of January 12 - 16). Oh my, does it just call out to me. I wonder what our checkbook looks like? :)

Fu Le Wen, One Year

Today, one year ago, at 2:00 pm local time (Chongqing, China), darling Emi was placed in our arms. While the wait was so hard (so very hard), nothing prepared me for the feelings that just swamped me when we walked into the room at the Civil Affairs building and saw her sweet sleeping face. And then, when her nanny gave her to me, the first time to hold my baby girl I just could not hold back the tears of joy. Thank goodness she was sleeping, because I seriously could not hold them back. Even now, writing this, the tears come. I could not believe this perfect little person was ours. Ours to love, ours to care for, ours to raise. Forever. I looked at her in awe, and just could not stop watching her sleep. It was so hard to hand her to Jeff to hold, I am sure I finally did but much of that time is a blur. I remember the nanny waking Emi while I held her and Emi just looking at both Jeff and I with huge eyes. No tears, and didn't really seem to be upset. Just absorbing all around her. She still pretty much likes to do that, look around first and then run head-long into what new experience is there waiting for her.

It's been a year of changes for this sweet little girl. From a baby who could barely sit, and who would topple over and not be able to right herself to a child who runs full tilt at the world. Very little scares her (although scares me all the time!), climbing to new heights almost daily. Emi still isn't talking, something that we have some concerns about but in all other areas she is either right on track or a bit ahead. She was and still is a very happy child, ready with a smile and a laugh. Her full belly laughs are contagious! She eats like a truck driver, has the energy of a locomotive and can brighten the room like a little fairy sprite. Think I am a bit in love with this little gal?

We couldn't be happier, and we are now a family complete.

P.S. For those new to our blog who might be interested in our trip to China:
October 29, October 31, November 1, November 4, November 8. And of course, there's more in the archives. :)

November 2007 ~~~~~~~~~~~ October 2008
Oh, and she has a bit more hair. ;)

A Year Ago

This time last year, Jeff and I were on an airplane/sitting in an airport/in our hotel room in Beijing (with travel time and time zones who knows exactly what time it was then!). We were on our way to the sweetest little girl in the world. I was excited, and scared to death. I still was sure up until the moment Sweet Emi was placed in our arms that something would happen, and everything would go up in smoke. I wonder, is this a normal feeling for other parents who have gone through this process (and those still waiting)? One of the reasons we chose China was because it was stable (and really, still is even with the huge slow down). We had read too many horror stories about other countries to want to jump out of line when the slow down happened to change countries. By the time we had submitted our paperwork, it was China or nothing.

Thank goodness.

October 2008

Olympics

I haven't really posted on the Olympics yet. Thought I'd take the time now, after watching more with Emi yesterday. First, the Opening Ceremonies. Yes, we watched them. Well, Emi and I did. Jeff watched about ten minutes. That's a lot of TV for Jeff. But he said if I bought the dvd, he'd watch it at some point. I will buy it, but I bet Emi and I watch it again before he does!

I dvr'd it, so Emi and I watched a bit at a time throughout that first weekend. She was entranced, bored, and a bit unsettled at varying times during the show. The drummers she wasn't fond of, at all. The children carrying in the flag, we watched three times. She couldn't get enough of them, patting the TV where they were, chattering to me (I am guessing, about them). She was delighted. She liked any of the dancing, the Tai Chi, quick movement kinds of things. The athletes walking in, she wanted no part of (not surprising) but I always make a point of watching every moment of that. For so many, this is their shinning moment. I guess I feel I owe them that much, even though they have no idea who I am. :)

I've watched quite a bit without Emi (naps/bedtime) and some with her around. She has seemed to really like the beach volley ball (go figure), the rowing (another, huh?), any swimming at all and yesterday she couldn't get enough of the springboard diving. She'd watch so intently, like she knew what they were doing. And, the moment they'd hit the water, she'd clap. I am not sure how she picked it up, but she did. She'd turn around to look at me, to make sure I was clapping too. She's an interesting kid, our Emi.


I have varying views on the fact that the Olympics are being held in China. I was so excited when I heard that China would be hosting the Olympics. I am happy that we will have more to tell/show Emi about her birth country. But also saddened. The human rights that is sadly lacking for the people of China still bothers me, bothers many I am sure. Until a fellow mom pointed out some exact numbers, I was clueless as to just how bad. I loved our time in China, I'd go again tomorrow (or rather, once the Olympics are over). I can't wait to take Emi back for a visit (or ten!). But teaching her about China will be a tightrope walk. We will teach her to take pride in being Chinese American. That the people are warm and wonderful. The country is vast and beautiful. And that all governments have problems. While I don't agree with so many decisions that the Chinese government makes, I feel the same way about much here in the US. Granted, vastly different decisions. So yes, she should be proud of her heritage but realize the problems surrounding China also. In time.

So yes, I am watching and not boycotting. I honestly do not feel they should be boycotted. But that's my opinion. I am enjoying them, and cheering on all athletes, US, Chinese, and everyone else. I am one of those people who thinks the medal should go to the person/group who performed the best THAT DAY. Not two weeks ago or at the last Olympics, right then. I also am not one of those people that when one of 'our' athletes falter, hope that the others do too, so 'our' athlete wins. It bothers me to hear people talk that way. That is not, in my mind, good sportsmanship. And really, isn't that what the Olympics are all about?

Good sportsmanship and bringing the people of the world together.

Yes, I guess I am just that naive.

Love and Giving

A roomful of toys, her favorite show on and what is Emi doing? Sitting in my lap, staring into my eyes, gently playing with my hair and cupping my face in her tiny chubby hands. Does life really get any better than this? It really is true love.

{Of course, one should note that what Emi was really trying to do was to distract me so that she could get to my diet Dr. Pepper that I wasn't sharing. Silly mama, not wanting Danger Girl with caffeine running through her bloodstream!}

The last few days I have had quite a few folks tell me how lucky Emi is that we adopted her. I try to explain that no, we are the lucky ones. I cannot even begin to imagine our life without this little gal in it. Actually, that's not right, I can. I can remember waiting and wondering, with empty arms. Looking at a spare bedroom wondering if we'd ever make it into a room for a baby girl. I am so very thankful that Emi is ours, and we are hers. She brightens our days, and makes our life happy.

All of this is a lead up to what is going on in China. Of course, we have been reading and watching the news about the earthquakes in China. Emi's SWI, Fuling in Chongqing, was spared although there is some concern over the new building that is being worked on. We are hopeful that there is no structural damage and that construction can continue. We are so worried about other areas of China, there is so much need. I have a couple of friends who have also blogged about this and they have wonderful links to ways to help, should anyone be looking for ways to do so and KNOW that it is really going for those in need. Our choice is Love Without Boundaries, but there are others doing good also. Check them out:

Louanne
Magi

Kung Hei Fat Choi

Happy Chinese New Year! We have now officially started the Year of the Rat.

We had a great day yesterday, the official day of Chinese New Year. We attended a pot luck luncheon at daddy's work ... got all dolled up in the cutest little outfit (that I forgot to take a picture of, drat it all!). She charmed the whole room and had a grand time. Then, she and I went to get the car washed, to Target and then the dollar store. Quite a day!

After all our shopping it was time to pick up daddy and head to dinner. A new P.F. Chang's has opened here and we had heard great things, so we decided to go there instead of our fav Chinese restaurant, which is so far away. I have to say, it was "okay". What I didn't get was ... give us wonderfully beautiful chopsticks ... without sticky rice?! Give that up and use a fork. What a bummer. I had Orange Peel Chicken (that Emi and I shared) and Jeff had a lamb dish that he said was quite good. Mine was fine, but I was expecting it to be fabulous. Also, could they possibly pack any more people into that place? We think next time, we will go there for lunch. I am going to go on their web site to see if there is a comments area. I realize living in Japan made me spoiled, but we now only eat sticky rice - even at home! (After writing this, it got me to wondering. Maybe sticky rice is a Japanese thing and not a Chinese thing? More research!)

But, it was a nice evening and we were happy we did something special. Especially as we have had to cancel our trip to Bainbridge Island this weekend. With both mountain passes (and I-90!) closed between here and there due to snow and avalanche worries, guess we are going to stay home and hang out here. Maybe next year.

Hope this year is prosperous, healthy and filled with good luck.

8 November

I have not been good about updating, terrible in fact! Once we hit Guangzhou, it seemed like time sped up super fast. We only had three full days here, so lots of official stuff to do, along with the (dreaded) shopping and some sightseeing.

Tuesday was our first full day here, after arriving late the night before. We had baby's visa photos (and the guy that took Emi's is AWFUL! no one will ever see the horrible picture he took of my beautiful baby!). We also had the physical, which was basically weighing and measuring, taking temps, looking in ears and throats, and general prodding. Needless to say, Emi was less than impressed and wasn't afraid to tell everyone in a 10-block radius. Gotta love our gal. :)

After that, we had a free afternoon. Jeff, Emi and I spent much of the afternoon (before and after nap) just strolling the park and the shops. We seriously lucked out on the weather here, it is gorgeous! Perfect slacks and a short-sleeved top weather, my absolute fav. Emi got more used to her stroller (we are working on it for the airports) but unless the thing was moving, she wasn't happy. She hates hates hates the Ergo we brought along, I am seriously bummed about that. Maybe once we are home we can play around a bit with it, but for now we are just carrying her and using the stroller.

Wednesday we had a basically free morning except for needing to stay in our rooms from 1030-1130. That was the time that our guides (Rose and Connie) had our Consulate appointments. They took all of our paperwork over and met with the Consulate folks, we just needed to stand by in case they needed to call with any questions. After that we were free to do anything until later that afternoon when we went to the Pearl Market. I have pictures, but they are on the other camera so will have to add them once we are home (running out of time!). But it was an amazing place. Six (I think) stories of glorious shopping, most of all pearls but other jewelry and gift types things too. I took pity on Jeff, bought my wish list of goodies at ONE store. Boy, he sure lucked out! We finished all of our shopping yesterday, which we were happy to do as today went flying past!

Today was our visit to the Six Banyon Temple. What an amazing experience. The babies were blessed by a monk, we lite incense to send our good wishes to heaven. While I am not an overly religious person, I loved the sentiment. Jeff did the blessing with Emi, and I did the incense lighting with her. It was a very moving experience for both of us, and one we hope Emi enjoys hearing about later. We also were able to wander the grounds and learn a bit about the history of this temple. That was right up my and Jeff's alley ... we love that kind of thing. It was a pleasant day, weather-wise, so we really enjoyed ourselves.

This afternoon was our Consulate appointment. Sadly, they allow no cameras, so we were unable to take any photos of the visit. We were matched with our paperwork and then all waited together in a large room. One little boy was celebrating his first birthday, so the gentleman officiating lead the whole group (maybe a hundred of us) in a rousing rendition of 'Happy Birthday'. It was a very nice touch, and Emi loved it (we have found she LOVES music, and I can remember very few baby songs ... poor Jeff has heard 'Itsy Bitsy Spider' countless times but it rarely fails to get smiles and laughs from our Emi).

After the song, he had us all stand for the Oath. It was short, basically swearing that we gave factual information but I was surprisingly struck with tears at what it meant for our little girl. When we touch land in Portland, our Emi will be an American citizen. I was quite embarrassed to have the tears until I saw another fellow mom (in our travel group) with the same reaction.

Our last group activity (expect for the bus ride to the airport tomorrow) was the group photo and the 'red couch photo' for the children. The photo above is the best one we were able to get of the group, Miss Emi is fourth from the right, sitting with her bud's Maggie Grace and Sarah whom she spent most of her time with as they are all within 3 days of birth and us mom's shoved them together a lot (good thing the girls got along!). This photo here is Miss Emi with our National Guide, Rose. We met Rose the very first night in Beijing as she waited for our (quite late) flight to arrive. She has been with us every step of the way, flying with us to Chongqing and Guangzhou. She and Emi became quite close, and it will be so hard to say goodbye to Rose. She will always have a very special place in our hearts. BTW, we have been trying to teach Miss Emi kisses and she has been giving the typical 'open mouth' kisses for a couple of days but Rose got the FIRST kiss where Emi tried to close her lips after slobbering all over Rose's cheek. Gave both Rose and I quite the sniffles when I told her she received the first kiss. We even got it on film! It might have been an accident, but we all were loving it!

Well, we are packing like crazy as we leave China tomorrow. We are both ready to head home, but sad to leave China. We had said, non-stop, that we are coming back. I am betting it will be sooner rather than later. There were so many things we wanted to see and do that we didn't have time to. We will share them with Emi.

Love from Guangzhou

4 November

Time to catch everyone up! It's been a busy couple of days, but we haven't really done all that much. I think it's more just Jeff and I getting used to a certain little bundle of E.N.E.R.G.Y. Wow, she's non-stop! She eats well, any- and everything we try her on, she will eat. Loves yogurt and bananas, sweet potatoes, tissues (yes, I realize not a major food group), rice cereal flavored with fish and veges (YUCK! but baby loves it and of course, daddy thought it sounded good). She is still going through 5-6 bottles a day but loves to have some table food too.

We did go visit Fuling SWI on the 2nd. Very long trip with a baby who was unimpressed with the whole car/bus ride thing. Harder yet as there are no car seats so we hold her the entire time. I do think she'd do better in a car seat ... if nothing else to keep her contained! Constant motion, awake and asleep! While making the trip was hard, it was so worth it. To see the nanny's faces light up to see our Emi, it made my heart feel so good. We were able to get some more photos of her nanny's with Emi ... all smiles. One of the ladies that we met, who was holding Emi at our first meeting we found out is the Orphanage doctor. Her face LIT up to see Emi, and Emi was beyond thrilled to see this lady. Considering that she was probably the chief needle bearer, to see Emi happy to see her was wonderful. We have a couple of great pictures of them loving on each other. It is a special treat for Jeff and I (and Emi, someday) to know how much her nannies loved her. We were told that she was a happy baby and that they all enjoyed her so much. (This lady is the doctor. We could just see the loving pouring out for Emi. They are happy for the children getting their forever families, but you can see it's hard to let them go too.)

Yesterday (the 3rd) we went to a local park. Eling Park, the highest point in Chongqing city. It was very beautiful, and we really enjoyed it. also, in the middle of the park there is a Tea House so we all stopped and had a wonderful tea ceremony. We learned how to correctly make and drink tea. I have to say, if I could drink tea made this way all the time I would be a huge tea drinker. But I just don't have the patience to fuss that much. It was a very good memory to bring home from Emi's province (not to mention the tea set we bought for Emi!).

Will leave you all with a picture of a smiling Emi. Such a happy girl, charming and a flirt .... can work a room like nobody. Even charmed a very grumpy man in the elevator yesterday. We got on, and he got even more grumpy. By the time we got from floor 3 to floor 12 ... he was smiling, waving and cooing at the pretty baby. But then, we are pretty smitten ourselves.

Love from Chongqing