I forgot to tell you, WE FOUND THE PHONE!!! It WAS in the van yesterday, she was so excited! Though this morning she threw it and it broke, but it still stays together enough to keep her happy. I am thinking Sage is going to need a matching, I can already see the fights! The cutest thing, when I sent it, I made a sticker of Mark and I to put on the phone. It is no longer sticky but it is in the bottom of the purse and she looks in there and says, Mama, Baba! LOVE that!
Oh I slept so good last night and did not wake up in pain! The breakfast buffet is just as delicious as I remember. The dumplings, the eggs, the french toast, the view of the river while we eat and the waterfall behind us. Have I mentioned how HAPPY we are to be here! Our room was so cool all night, so nice. Yes, you CAN request a western mattress here. Our guide last time let us in on that blessed secret! They bring in this thick pad type thing and put it under your sheets. Connie, our guide here in Guanghzou, said she has never heard of anyone requesting that before and did not know it could be done. She said she has done this 10 years and said thank you for sharing that so she can let all families know. It still is not my bed at home, but it really helps alot. So if you are coming to the White Swan, ask for a western mattress, or a softer mattress. They are happy to help you be more comfortable here! In fact, they actually seem honestly excited to help you in anyway they can! Maybe money CAN buy happiness! ;0)
For those of you who have been to an Opryland Hotel, that is similar to what the White Swan reminds me of in some ways. The beautiful gardens in the center. Well besides that every person here is Chinese of course, that is not the Opryland! And the rooms here are nicer, marble everywhere. I know some people are not that impressed with the WS, but maybe we have just been lucky with nice rooms & amazing service because we think it is wonderful!
It is interesting so far we have only seen one other mom here adopting at the hotel. Last time there were families EVERYWHERE. We were the majority of guests. I asked Connie our guide if this was because of the trade fair and she said adoption has been so slow now. There is another family here with our agency that has a little girl a few months younger than Mavery. They are staying at the Victory Hotel which is also here on the Island. Maybe more will be here today. Also I have seen a ton of Chinese Families here with children. Which we did not see much of last time. We know there are trade fairs going on here, but I have no idea what that means besides that I am paying a small fortune for our hotel stay. hehe!
After breakfast (and I should add that we had to wake Mavery up to go eat, that makes me happy! Not the waking her up, the she was still sleeping at 8:00AM!) we went for her medical exam. Again, last time the line was out the door of families adopting. This time we just saw 2 other families there besides our group. Just odd. So they do the medical exam and Mavery was not a happy camper when they took her from me to weigh her or measure her. I don't even know what it said because she was upset and they were speaking chinese and so I will just tell you she is chunky, how is that? They said her ears were clear and then they took us to the last station to listen to her heart. He listens, then reads her reports, then listens some more. Then writes, then listens, then measures her bump, then writes. Then says, follow me. Which I did not remember from last time so that had me nervous. He takes us to another room, which I knew was not normal, and starts rattling off to another doctor in chinese. If you have heard chinese speak to each other, they can sometimes sound, what is the word, hmm, hard to explain. Almost upset I guess. Next thing there are 2 doctors listening to her rattling off to each other and I am getting in panic mode. Thankfully our guide walked in and I asked her to please tell me what they were saying. She said they say her heart murmer is heavy on one side and that they want to make sure you understand you need to take her to a heart specialist right away when you get home.
I think this was just a reminder for me that this little girl is not a healthy infant like we were handed 2 years ago. She has had MAJOR heart surgery. Which leads me to all kinds of emotional thoughts wondering how that was for her. And while we believe she is fine, we don't really know everything that is going on inside of her little body. We had her file looked at by heart doctors, they gave us positive reports and we believe them. But until she is actually looked at by our heart doctor in St Louis, we just need to keep on praying that God would just heal that heart, and that nothing else will ever have to be done. Just like the verse above, HE heals the broken hearted! We know that He holds Mavery in the palm of His hands and that He can make that "heavy heart murmur" into nothing. I am honestly not worried, but will be happy to have her seen by our doctor just to confirm that I am right. And I would appreciate all your prayers for Maverys heart too!
Mark did paperwork today while Mavery and I looked at the "fish" and the water. Mark got big points with Connie because she said Dads never do that part, always moms! First of all, I am not sure Ms Mavery would have been happy if I left her. BUT, Mark does handle all the paperwork of the adoptions. I talk him into adopting, then stick him with all the work! ;0) But I think it is an even trade since I am the one carrying Mavery everywhere! He is amazing, there is no doubt. And Mavery is figuring that out to I think. Still won't let him carry her, but he sure is good for playtime!
We did skype with the kids today and that was a blast! No crying involved this time! Sage was sleeping but Mavery was in rare form and I think the family is all nervous now of what life is going to really be like. All along we assumed Mavery was going to have this quiet laid back personality. We thought, Sage is SO spicy, God will surely give us a calm child. Well God sure has a sense of humor and I think He gave us Sage to prepare the way for what was yet to come! Those 2 together, I am pretty sure I will NEVER leave the house again! I think there is going to be quite a bit of fighting going on with 2 strong personalities. But I also think there will be lots of giggles and sister secrets and I can't wait to see what the Father does in their hearts for each other as they grow. It is going to be a rough adjustment I am sure, but we can't wait to be together, all 7 of us!
Ok, this post turned out longer than I planned so I better end it. She is napping so I thought I better take advantage! I still have more on my mind so you will hear more soon! And will do pictures later, Mark gets annoyed with me if I download them at different times of the day. It messes up how he has them organized. I guess I can't complain since he is doing a good job getting them on!
Oh I slept so good last night and did not wake up in pain! The breakfast buffet is just as delicious as I remember. The dumplings, the eggs, the french toast, the view of the river while we eat and the waterfall behind us. Have I mentioned how HAPPY we are to be here! Our room was so cool all night, so nice. Yes, you CAN request a western mattress here. Our guide last time let us in on that blessed secret! They bring in this thick pad type thing and put it under your sheets. Connie, our guide here in Guanghzou, said she has never heard of anyone requesting that before and did not know it could be done. She said she has done this 10 years and said thank you for sharing that so she can let all families know. It still is not my bed at home, but it really helps alot. So if you are coming to the White Swan, ask for a western mattress, or a softer mattress. They are happy to help you be more comfortable here! In fact, they actually seem honestly excited to help you in anyway they can! Maybe money CAN buy happiness! ;0)
For those of you who have been to an Opryland Hotel, that is similar to what the White Swan reminds me of in some ways. The beautiful gardens in the center. Well besides that every person here is Chinese of course, that is not the Opryland! And the rooms here are nicer, marble everywhere. I know some people are not that impressed with the WS, but maybe we have just been lucky with nice rooms & amazing service because we think it is wonderful!
It is interesting so far we have only seen one other mom here adopting at the hotel. Last time there were families EVERYWHERE. We were the majority of guests. I asked Connie our guide if this was because of the trade fair and she said adoption has been so slow now. There is another family here with our agency that has a little girl a few months younger than Mavery. They are staying at the Victory Hotel which is also here on the Island. Maybe more will be here today. Also I have seen a ton of Chinese Families here with children. Which we did not see much of last time. We know there are trade fairs going on here, but I have no idea what that means besides that I am paying a small fortune for our hotel stay. hehe!
After breakfast (and I should add that we had to wake Mavery up to go eat, that makes me happy! Not the waking her up, the she was still sleeping at 8:00AM!) we went for her medical exam. Again, last time the line was out the door of families adopting. This time we just saw 2 other families there besides our group. Just odd. So they do the medical exam and Mavery was not a happy camper when they took her from me to weigh her or measure her. I don't even know what it said because she was upset and they were speaking chinese and so I will just tell you she is chunky, how is that? They said her ears were clear and then they took us to the last station to listen to her heart. He listens, then reads her reports, then listens some more. Then writes, then listens, then measures her bump, then writes. Then says, follow me. Which I did not remember from last time so that had me nervous. He takes us to another room, which I knew was not normal, and starts rattling off to another doctor in chinese. If you have heard chinese speak to each other, they can sometimes sound, what is the word, hmm, hard to explain. Almost upset I guess. Next thing there are 2 doctors listening to her rattling off to each other and I am getting in panic mode. Thankfully our guide walked in and I asked her to please tell me what they were saying. She said they say her heart murmer is heavy on one side and that they want to make sure you understand you need to take her to a heart specialist right away when you get home.
I think this was just a reminder for me that this little girl is not a healthy infant like we were handed 2 years ago. She has had MAJOR heart surgery. Which leads me to all kinds of emotional thoughts wondering how that was for her. And while we believe she is fine, we don't really know everything that is going on inside of her little body. We had her file looked at by heart doctors, they gave us positive reports and we believe them. But until she is actually looked at by our heart doctor in St Louis, we just need to keep on praying that God would just heal that heart, and that nothing else will ever have to be done. Just like the verse above, HE heals the broken hearted! We know that He holds Mavery in the palm of His hands and that He can make that "heavy heart murmur" into nothing. I am honestly not worried, but will be happy to have her seen by our doctor just to confirm that I am right. And I would appreciate all your prayers for Maverys heart too!
Mark did paperwork today while Mavery and I looked at the "fish" and the water. Mark got big points with Connie because she said Dads never do that part, always moms! First of all, I am not sure Ms Mavery would have been happy if I left her. BUT, Mark does handle all the paperwork of the adoptions. I talk him into adopting, then stick him with all the work! ;0) But I think it is an even trade since I am the one carrying Mavery everywhere! He is amazing, there is no doubt. And Mavery is figuring that out to I think. Still won't let him carry her, but he sure is good for playtime!
We did skype with the kids today and that was a blast! No crying involved this time! Sage was sleeping but Mavery was in rare form and I think the family is all nervous now of what life is going to really be like. All along we assumed Mavery was going to have this quiet laid back personality. We thought, Sage is SO spicy, God will surely give us a calm child. Well God sure has a sense of humor and I think He gave us Sage to prepare the way for what was yet to come! Those 2 together, I am pretty sure I will NEVER leave the house again! I think there is going to be quite a bit of fighting going on with 2 strong personalities. But I also think there will be lots of giggles and sister secrets and I can't wait to see what the Father does in their hearts for each other as they grow. It is going to be a rough adjustment I am sure, but we can't wait to be together, all 7 of us!
Ok, this post turned out longer than I planned so I better end it. She is napping so I thought I better take advantage! I still have more on my mind so you will hear more soon! And will do pictures later, Mark gets annoyed with me if I download them at different times of the day. It messes up how he has them organized. I guess I can't complain since he is doing a good job getting them on!
4 comments:
HA! Charley always gets stuck with all the adoption paperwork while we are in China! In fact, our first trip had five families total and ALL the husbands were dragged away kicking and screaming to do the paperwork, because our guide was like, "No - the mamas have the babies... you, babas, come and do the paperwork! Come on!"
I think it's totally fair. I get our butts there, the least he can do is sign some papers.
:-)
Cynthia
Waiting for Jin Pei...
underthemistymountain.blogspot.com
Oh the daunting paperwork....you owe Mark for that one! Oh wait...you carried Mavery 4 miles the other day didn't you...hmm...never mind. :) Oh man...I am ordering a WESTERN mattress for sure!!! Now the secret is out and the White Swan will wonder what is going on and will be stocking up on pads. I'm sure the medical exam was a bit scary. Like you said, once she gets home to YOUR doctor you will feel much more relieved. Yes, your girlies will be keeping you busy but thankfully you have big helpers. My kids are big helpers too! Okay...its almost 2:30am...I'm off to bed. Enjoy the rest of your day while I sleep on my NICE SOFT BED! heehee
Well, I have to say that Doug did all the paperwork in China, but i did all the paperwork to get to China. We all know how much paperwork is involved in that process.
The pictures and post are still wonderful. Just think, you are almost homeward bound. I think Mavery is looking more and more happy, comfortable and content. Enjoy your last week in China. Oh, say "hello" to Cocoa for Doug and I, she works in the "House of Love" that is the store right next to the White Swan. She is so sweet and beautiful.
Sounds like things have sure turned around. mavery looks so happy. You eat some French toast for me, you hear.
Hey, is it fact or rumor that the White swan isn't giving the barbie anymore?
Still prayign for you. Your on the down hill slope now.
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