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.