We are home

For those of you wondering - Yes, we did make it home from China. Lachlan traveled well and the trip was long but uneventful. People tell us we have been home for a while and wonder why the blog hasn't been updated. All I can say is that things have been a little hectic. Someone asked me last Saturday what day we got home and I honestly couldn't remember. It seemed like only a couple of days ago but I knew that didn't seem quite right for some reason and I had to really think about it before I realized it was more like a week and a half ago. Although we do plan to continue updating the blog with information, our sanity has taken a higher priority for the moment as we try to make the adjustment of meeting everyone's needs. Sorry to keep you waiting. We do have some fun pictures of Lachlan's big reveal at the airport and of the past week and a half and we promise not to make you wait much longer. Hang in there. We'll be back with you in no time.

Red Couch Day

Having your picture taken while sitting on the red couch is a tradition for those adopting in China that stay in the White Swan Hotel. These are all the children adopted by people using our same agency. They are all special needs adoptions and they are all beautiful. After the red couch picture, we went to the US Consulate and picked up Lachlan's visa and immigration paperwork. The last step is to get on the plane in the morning and land in San Francisico. Actually, there is a little bit more for us to do since Rose wasn't able to come on this trip but no big deal - just more paperwork.

Working off the Calories

After all that eating, Lachlan really tries to make the most of it by working on strengthening her little body. She likes to practice walking and as you can see, really loves to try and pull her self up. It won't be long before she is really moving around on her own and into everything in the house. Glue everything down Rose. Practicing for waterskiing, maybe?

Dinner by the River

We are staying at the White Swan Hotel, which is right on the edge of the Pearl river. It is an absolutely gorgeous hotel and setting. There are many places to eat along the river and we haven't had any food that we didn't like. Table at the water's edge
Lachlan orders more curry - yummy!
I'm just guessing but I think when she leans forward with her mouth open like a hungry bird, I'm supposed to put more food in it.
Yep, that was it.
Here's what it looks like from my perspective. As you can see, she is a very good eater. I think she has gained some weight since last week. It would be hard for her not to gain weight the way she eats. Keep up the good work, Lachlan!

Guangzhou Park

After visiting the pagoda, we went to a local park. It has three lakes and a nice playgroud. Lachlan was hungry of course and needed something to eat. Lachlan enjoys a snack
Chinese new year decorations going up in the park
Here we are at the park

Six Banyan Temple

Sunday morning we went to the Six Banyan Temple in Guangzhou. The pagoda has nine levels and towers above the surrounding buildings. Susie, Lachlan, and I climbed to the top and had a look around the city. The stairs got really narrow and the ceiling really low toward the top. Here are some pictures: Six Bayan Pagoda
In front of the pagoda
On the top level of the Pagoda!

14 Pounder

Saturday was the big medical examination for Lachlan's visa. They listened to her heart, looked in her throat and ears, and weighed and measured her. She weighed in at only a whopping 14 pounds! At sixteen months old, she's got a lot of catching up to do.

She passed the medical exam and was given a clean bill of health. But I think we'll still have our pediatrician take a look at her when we get home (ha, ha). The doctor seemed really surprised that Lachlan was considered a special needs adoption just because of her crooked pinky fingers. I couldn't agree more that crooked pinky fingers are a non-issue. All of the paperwork should now be in order to get Lachlan's visa. That's the next step.

Long Flight to Guangzhou

Our flight on Friday was supposed to be a short one hour hop but we ended up sitting in the airport in Nanchang for several hours waiting on our airplane. There wasn't any heat in the airport so it was like a deep freeze. We all ate a bowl of ramen noodles to try and stay warm. I would have taken some pictures but my hands were too cold to work my camera. I felt good to get on the warm airplane once it arrived.

We finally got to our hotel about 11 pm. Lachlan traveled well and I hope that bodes well for the trip home.

People's Park

We started with a big breakfast on Thursday and then visited the People's park. This park is huge! There were many people wandering the grounds but it still had a sense of solitude in this bustling city. Later tonight I have to do some more paperwork. Tomorrow we go and get Lachlan's passport and then catch a flight to Guangzhou.

A huge water and rock feature at the park. Susie wanted to climb to the top but our guide thought it might be to dangerous. Maybe we'll sneak back later tonight and give it a go. Where's Miner when you need him?

Another fun day!

Happy baby

Lachlan's smile and laugh are quite contagious. She really loves working on her footwork. We might have her walking in no time if she keeps up the current pace.

Sleepy baby

Lachlan got a little sleepy as we were walking around on Wednesday. She has been doing better and better each day. As she comes out of her shell, she is so much fun. She has a cute personality and likes to play and laugh. Last night I thought she was going to be sick she laughed so hard and for so long. It was music to my ears. I was having too much fun to take pictures of her cute smile but I'm sure I'll have more opportunities later.

Split Pants

Here in China the little kids don't wear diapers they wear what are called "split pants" and as you can see that is exactly what they are. I thought they were kind of a fun idea and bought some for Lachlan but she still wears a diaper and tights. It seems much easier to just change the diaper but maybe I'll catch on to the split pants idea before I come home (ha,ha).

Streets of Nanchang. We went for a walk around town today. This is a typical street as you walk around the city. Red burn day year round I think.

The walking street (Lachlan's favorite). The booths down the middle of the street are set up to sell items for Chinese New Year next week. It is the year of the pig and everyone is on Winter break getting ready for the holiday. The street is very long and no cars are allowed -making it fun social area in the town. It has been very busy both day and night and we have enjoyed walking and talking with the people.

Candy for sale.

Candy crab apples on a stick

Getting ready for the celebration

Meats of the world

As you can see, we fit right in here in Nanchang.

Gaining Weight

Jack is now 6 pounds 13 ounces...not bad for a one week gain! We went to see Dr. V earlier in the week and all is well. I had a nice conversation about how his fussiness is going to increase until the sixth week. Oh, boy. Just what I needed to hear. We have been getting along pretty well without dad, but I have been very lonely in the evenings. Nanny Nancy is back in town tonight and so I am relieved to have some conversation and a bit of free time during a few feedings throughout the day.

I have been well cared for by our neighbors and friends. I haven't cooked a meal since Jeff left and many have come by to sit with Jack while I rest in the afternoons. It has been such a relief to rely on them!

I am anxious for everyone to come home from China. Jeff has been calling nearly every day and it sounds like everyone is making small adjustments to each other. I can't wait to get Lachlan home and get her on a major weight gaining regime. I find it ironic that I have spent half of my life trying to lose weight and now all I can think about is how to fatten up my children!

Jeff sent a short video clip of Lachlan taking her bath. She loves to splash in the water. Of course, I watched it a million times...there really aren't words to describe how special it is to see your husband taking good care of your baby girl. Only one more week left....thank goodness.

Teng Pagoda

Today we visited a local pagoda from the Teng dynasty (about 1200 years old). Lachlan has done well today. She seems happiest when we are out walking around the bustling city in the evening. She claps her hands and sings to herself as we walk. I think she likes all the people and the lights. You can see from the pictures below that she sure knows how to draw a crowd. Merrilee doesn't do to bad herself ethier.

Lachlan is opening up a little more each day and has been eating very well. Every time I feed her I am amazed that she can eat so much for such a tiny little girl.

Merrilee brings us luck

Pagoda Gardens

Lachlan the Rockstar!

Merrilee exchanging email addresses
with her new friends

The people we have met have been extremely friendly. I think they are still somewhat curious about Westerners and our funny looks. Susie likes it when the shopkeepers yell "Come shop here. We have big size for you!"

Superbowl Monday

My flight arrived in Guangzhou late after 11:00 p.m. last night. I made it to the hotel after midnight and had to get up again at 5:30 a.m. to catch an early flight to Nanchang. I arrived in Nanchang about 10:00 and met our guide. She told me that Lachlan was at the hotel and had spent the night with Bill, Merrilee, and Susie. I only got to see the pictures but it looks like she may have cried a little - at least that's what I've been told.

Merrilee and the Little Empress

Orphanage Director and Caretaker
with Susie, Merrilee, and Lachlan

Still mad?

Thinking it over

Relaxing with Grandpa Judd

After I arrived this morning, we quickly got all our paperwork ready and went to the Adoption center for a 2:00 p.m. appointment. Lachlan used the baby carrier and seemed to really like it.

At the Adoption office, we signed paperwork and talked with other adoptive parents. There was a big group of parents from Canada right behind me. Lachlan's orphange caretaker and director also stopped by and I got to meet them and exchange contact information so we can send them updates on Lachlan. Lachlan seemed to enjoy the outing.

Once the paperwork and interviews were done, I was handed Lachlan's redbook that officially shows we are her family. Until her passport is ready in a few days, this is the document that I must carry in case anyone has any questions about what I am doing with such a cute little Chinese baby. She does get a lot of attention as we walk around town.

After the Adoption office, we traveled to the local notary and had some final documents processed. We also had a quick stop at the local Walmart to buy a few things for Lachlan. The clothes I brought are a little big - she's such a tiny little thing. Busy, crowded, chaos - yep it's a Walmart that covers two floors. Clothing upstairs and food down. But they also include blarring music to jangle your nerves. Maybe they are just trying to get people to clear out quicker. I know it was working on me. Maybe no one else noticed and it was just my lack of sleep that had me a little on edge. We found some clothes that might fit Lachlan and grab a few food items and took off for the hotel.

Lachlan is a good eater so far. She seems to like whatever we feed her and I hope those eating habits continue so she can put on a little weight. She has been so good today. We went on a long walk this evening up through the walking/shopping streets and she sang to herself and played with a piece of paper (seems to be her favorite toy right now) the whole time. I know the transition will not be easy for her but I hope she can feel how much we love her and just want to make sure she is healthy and happy.

Groundhog Day

Rise and shine .. It's Groundhog Day!

Luckily, I didn't hear those words this morning. The terrible day we had yesterday is over. I arrived at the airport extra early this morning and I am currently waiting in the boarding area with a couple hours to spare. So far things have been very smooth and I hope that continues through the rest of the trip. I feel relaxed and ready to go. Lachlan will be waiting and anxious to meet me so let's get this show on the road!

The Amazing Race

The only thing missing this morning for our "amazing race" was the cameraman in the backseat of the car to catch all the action.

We left with plenty of time to catch an 8:20 a.m. flight to win the million dollars or so we thought. The left front tire was a little low on air so I stopped at the Maverick to fill it up. The more I tried to fill it with air the lower it got. I couldn't figure out what was going on. I drove to the next station and put my quarter in the air pump and again the tire pressure just kept getting lower and lower. What in the world was going on with this tire, me, or these air pumps! The tire was definitely too low to make the drive to SLC now so I drove from station to station just to get some air and finally got a clue to the problem. The Cheveron on 4th and main had a sign on their air pump that said "Due to the cold weather our air pump has frozen. Sorry for the inconvenience."

Ahhah! My tire wasn't the problem. It really was the air pumps. When I thought I was putting air in the tire all I had been doing was letting air out! Last ditch effort was to see about the pump at Mooch's before trying to find another car. Luckily it was still functioning so I was able to fill the tire. Crisis adverted and we are on our way. We still had time to catch the flight. Although, the stress level in the car had definitely started to climb.

Ogden. Only one lane open and traffic at a standstill. I'm getting more concerned but I should be able to get to the airport with time to spare - besides what else could go wrong? As we get closer to Farmington the radio reports heavy traffic in Davis county and two accidents in Bountiful that have lanes blocked and traffic at a standstill. The radio says to plan on 30 minutes to one hour delays getting through bountiful. I think it was at this point that I really started worrying. I was finally able to get off the freeway standstill in Bountiful and make my way to Redwood road and what I hoped was a quick connection to I-215 and a short hop to the airport. Unfortunately, everyone else must have had that idea because Redwood road was bumper to bumper and stop and go. I probably should have just stayed on the freeway.

I made the airport just before 8:00 a.m. but it was not meant to be. I was told the gate had been closed and they could not issue my boarding pass. After much begging and pleading, calls to the gate or somewhere, etc. I was told definitively that there was nothing they could do. Besides, "Don't you know you are supposed to check in an hour before your flight?"

Our travel agent got really busy finding alternate plans and we will be indebted to her for a long time for her efforts. I'm sitting in the airport in SLC right now. I am re-booked on a flight tomorrow morning. I will be arriving a day later than expected so I will have to get off the plane in Nanchang and go immediately to the Civil Affairs office where everyone will be impatiently waiting for me. It's not ideal but the finish line is still in sight and the race is not over. I think I am going to sleep here next to the Northwest ticket counter tonight because missing my flight tomorrow morning is just not an option. Once the flying begins tomorrow (fingers crossed), I might not be able to report again until Monday night in China. Hope for the best and a little good luck with flights tomorrow and I'll be able to tell you all about what a great time I am having with Lachlan on Monday.