Home

We've been home 12 days, now, but we've had Gabriel for 3 weeks.  It's hard to believe we've had him that long, on one hand, and on the other hand, it's starting to feel like he's always been with us.  We've had three doctor's appointments in 12 days and have surgery scheduled for July.  I'm feeling bad for him already knowing he has to be on a liquid diet for two weeks post-op.  "Welcome to America," as CJ likes to say.  :(

For the first five days or so, Gabe had his days and nights confused thanks to the 13hr time difference.  He woke up every two hours and then was wide awake at 2 or 3am every morning.  It was brutal.  We were so jet lagged ourselves we weren't sure by day four we were going to live through it. . .but we did.  He sleeps through the night, now, and takes a two hour nap.  Things in the sleep arena are definitely looking up. 

Gabriel is making good progress developmentally.  He's feeding himself, drinking from a cup, starting to pull up, starting to sit from a standing position, and walking (when in the mood).  He can also say "hi", now.  He's really laid back, happy, social, and can be very stubborn.  (I guess that last bit makes him fit right into the family, huh?)  Everyone asks how he's adjusting. . .once we got the sleep thing figured out, he's done great.  He acts like he's always lived here.  He's picking up English quickly and loves playing with the big kids.

We are humbled that God chose us for this journey.  People keep telling us we are "good" people for considering adoption.  We are not "good".  We are just sinful people that are blessed to be used by God in such a way as this.  We took this road for Him and for His glory.  We hope it reminds people that when he says he comes to those in need and comforts them that he indeed does, and sometimes he does that by prompting and sending his followers as the comforters.  At this point, all we know is that having this sweet boy in our lives has opened our eyes and hearts to things we've never considered, and in the process we have felt blessed all the more. 

As a side note, if anyone was wanting to donate money towards our adoption the deadline is the end of June.  The link to donate is:

https://www.adopttogether.org/thesears6/

Heading Home

We (except CJ) went on the riverboat cruise last night down the Pearl River.  The boat was large and very nice.  Our entire group ordered Papa John's and ate it on the cruise since our guide informed us the food was bad.  It was a really nice evening.  They love brightly colored buildings here that change colors, so it was like a light show down the river.  It was a lot of fun--definitely the highlight of Guangzhou. 

We had lunch today at a Mexican restaurant with our friends, Ryerdan, Michelle, and Zelin.  The food was okay.  It was just a nice change from rice and noodles with animal parts.  :)  CJ is feeling better and is eating again, which is awesome.  The rest of the day will be spent napping and packing.  We leave for the airport at 7am tomorrow!!!!!

Huihui is understanding more English everyday.  He's a lover and a fighter.  He loves to love, but has a fiery temper.  Hopefully, that tempers as we settle into a routine at home and he has a better idea of what to expect.  The schedule changes everyday here, so I can understand his uncertainty and frustration. 

This trip has really boosted my confidence in people and families.  You can tell all nine of the couples in our group really love each other and love their children.  All the dads are such good dads.  They are all so hands on and don't wait for their wives to tell them what to do.  They anticipate the needs of their wives and children.  It's been refreshing to see.  There's been such a feeling of community amongst our group, too.  I really want to hear how everyone is doing when we get home.  We've been a family to one another while we were here.

Next time I post we will be home!!!!  We can't wait.  :)

 Watching NBA bball with daddy.

 

Huihui and Zelin

Guangzhou

Yesterday Huihui and I had a good day together finishing up some shopping on Shamian Island with Erica and April, relaxing at Starbucks, and playing at the hotel playground.  He loves to swing and was quite a good shopper.

CJ and C went to the safari where they saw tons of animals.  CJ said it was the best animal park he'd ever been to.  They rode through the grounds on a tram to see animals in natural settings.  Unfortunately, last night, CJ started vomiting.  He missed the visa appointment this morning, but luckily only one parent was needed.  Tomorrow Huihui will receive his visa to come home and then we are free to leave!  We're really praying the rest of us stay well as we will be on a plane in less than 48 hours.

Last night we went out for a group dinner.  The two other families we sat with all went to Nazarene colleges so that was kind of fun.  It's a small world, I guess.  Good dessert is hard to come by here, so we all ended up at McDonald's for ice cream.  Huihui is not a fan, but don't worry, I'm sure I can change his mind.  He's just not used to anything cold.  Nothing is cold here--drinks, buildings, refrigerators. . .

We've pretty much gone swimming every day, so C's been happy with that.  And, there are quite a few kids around his age to play with.  We are going on a riverboat cruise tonight with the entire group.  CJ's feeling better, but not great, so he's going to stay at the hotel. 

I've been pretty sad the last two days missing my girls and missing my cherub's bday today.  I can't wait to love on them when I get home.  (Dad's been pretty sad, too.)  We'll be packing up to come home to you tomorrow, my sweet girlies.

 My first donut.  Getting ready for the church donut shuttle.

Giraffes stampeding

I grabbed a fork and started using it.  I'm quite smug about it.

Brothers dressed up for the visa appointment.

 

Sunday on Shamian Island

We attended church today on Shamian Island with three other families.  The service included both English and Chinese songs and the pastor's sermon was translated into English.  It was awesome to be in China at a Christian church.  It's always moving hearing God being worshiped in another language.  I remember feeling the same way while in Spain.  Our God is a God without boundaries that transcends all languages.  It was great to be recentered and refocused simply by being in God's house around other believers. 

After the service we did a little souvenir shopping on the island.  The island consists mostly of western architecture because there used to be 19 western consulates there at one time.  The island reminds me of the southern U.S. with its palm tree lined streets and wrought iron gated buildings.  It is hot and humid here.  The heat isn't so bad, but the humidity is awful.  My hair is crazy!   We've tried to eat western food twice now since we've been in Guangzhou (since we really miss it) and both times it's been bad.  They put ketchup on my club sandwich for heaven's sake.  We're going back to Chinese food, though we've heard there is a good Mexican restaurant.  :)

Huihui is doing great today!  He looked me in the eyes and said "mama" to me for the first time, is blowing us kisses, and just a minute ago turned to his English name for the first time.  He also figured out the sign for "more" today.  He needs to be reminded to do the sign, but we'll take it.  He's been very active, but happy.

We went to the pool and out to dinner with our new friends this evening, and tomorrow CJ and C are supposed to go on a safari.  Hopefully, it doesn't rain!  I'd love to go, but we've been warned it's too hot for the little ones to be outside all day.

Huihui in church.

Shamian Island church

 

Shopping (and sleeping)

 

 

 

Catnapping again after dinner.

Carter's souvenir

 

Our Last Stop

Yesterday was a really rough day.  CJ and I just about reached our breaking point.  Huihui only got a 45min nap before we had to leave for the  airport, so to say the least, he was a wreck.  There were a lot of temper tantrums, yelling, and body flailing at the airport, which was super fun with all of our luggage.  Thankfully, he slept our entire flight to Guangzhou, and today has gone much better.  Please keep us in your prayers.

Today we were able to sleep in before we headed to a government office for Huihui's medical check and visa photo.  He did great and it was very uneventful.  There are a ton of adoptive families staying at our hotel--nine just in our group and many from other agencies.  It's been really good to swap stories, share snacks, and have English speaking support.  We went out to dinner with two other families this evening who both adopted children Huihui's age.  We had a great time with them.

You can tell Huihui is starting to understand a few English words.  He only responds to his Chinese name, so we're trying to say his full name so he gets the association.  He already knew how to wave and clap, so we've taught him how to high five and we're working on blowing kisses.  He attempted to say "hi" today, but he mainly vocalizes vowel sounds and makes grunting noises, which is common with kids with a cleft palate.  We are beginning to understand that no one has ever told him "no" in his life, so that's been challenging.  We've talked to a few other families whose kids were in foster care and they are having the same experience with their kids.  I think it may just be another cultural difference in child rearing.  Huihui has already given up Chinese food for breakfast.  We kept trying to feed him congee (rice gruel) and eggs in the morning because we were told that what his usual, but after trying french toast and bacon, he's given it up all together.  It's been funny.  This kid can put away the food.  We feel like he's eating constantly, but when he's done, he's done.  He'll let you know it.

Tomorrow we get to go to a bilingual church service with some of the other families, so we're really looking forward to that.  We're also getting some laundry done.  There were no laundry services in Wuhan, so we've been washing a few things in the bathtub.  I'm ready for some clean clothes! 

As a side note, I don't mean for this post to seem negative.  Huihui is still a doll.  He loves snuggles and kisses and smiles a lot.  I love the way he puts his hands on his head when he's tired.  It's the sweetest thing.  I love that ornery gleam in his eye.  (Though I might be seeing it a little too often lately. :) )  Adoption is just hard sometimes.  It'll get better.  We'll figure each other out and settle into life soon.

 

Sharing snacks with Zelin

Checking each other out.

Medical Check

Getting tickles from daddy and brother.

 

Just Waiting

Huihui has been struggling a little the last 24 hours.  He's not crying a lot, just fussy and unsettled.  We're not sure what he exactly wants and I'm pretty sure he doesn't either (other than the obvious of surroundings he is used to).  He is upset when either CJ or I leave the room, even to go to the bathroom, and even when the either of us remains with him.  I know this whole thing is hard on him, so I pray this period of transition and fear passes quickly. 

Last night, we went to a Hot Pot restaurant that our guide had recommended.  What she didn't tell us was that no one there spoke English and there were no English menus.  Hot pot is a traditional Mongolian food.  They put a hot pot of boiling broth in the middle of the table and then you (or in our case, the staff) cook raw food in the broth, place it in a peanut flavored soup, and add a number of spices and fresh cilantro to your own taste.  It was delicious.  Huihui loved it, but let's just say we had no idea what meat we ordered or even what one of the vegetables was.  Oh well, I guess.  It was good.  Oh, and by the way, I think I finally figured out chopsticks.  :)

We had another lazy day of going to the pool, working out, and napping.  We are just waiting--ready to come home at this point and see our girls.  Tomorrow we fly to Guangzhou, so I probably won't have time to update the blog.  (So, mom, we're fine!)

Hot Pot

Wuhan

We are currently in Wuhan and will be here waiting for Huihui's passport until Friday.  Wuhan is a city of 9 million.  It is an industrial city and a business hub.  We have not seen any children in our hotel--only business men and women.  There is no touristy places to visit, souvenir shops to buy things in, or western food to eat.  We've eaten a lot of Chinese food.  We tried Pizza Hut a couple nights ago and I almost vomited.  I'm pretty sure they added fish sauce or oyster sauce to the pizza sauce.  It was terrible.  Our guide took us to one of her favorite restaurants yesterday and though the menu scared me--tripe, chicken feet, knee cartilage, seahorse (it went on for pages)--it was the best meal we've had here.  I've never enjoyed tofu, but she ordered some for us and it was excellent.  Spicy tofu is what she called it.  It was thinly sliced and cooked in onions, jalapenos, and a spicy sauce.  We also had a pork and a beef dish.  We fed our guide, driver, and our family for just $20.  If you eat outside of the hotel, food is very cheap here.  You can see from our pictures that Wuhan also has a major pollution problem.  We did see a little hazy blue sky and a few clouds on the first day we were here though, so better than Beijing. 

Wuhan is situated on a major river, which is right across the street from the hotel.  There is also a park on the river's edge.  The next two days are free days for us--the first since we've been in China.  We went to the park this morning and walked around.  Unfortunately, there was not a playground, but they did have these little "work out" areas in a couple places.  They also play traditional Chinese music throughout the park through speakers on the ground made to look like rocks.  It was pretty funny.  Staring is not rude in China like it is in the states.  Many people blocked our path to stop, point, and talk about us.  Between CJ's height and our little man, we were a spectacle, I guess. 

Huihui took his first independent steps last night and today took as many as ten steps on his own.  The pictures I took of him walking are blurry, but you can see how proud he is of himself.  :)  He's so close to just taking off.  He's just a chicken and doesn't want to fall.  We've convinced him to hold his own bottle and feed himself, too.  He was pretty fussy this morning, but nothing terrible.  He seems to be cheering up this afternoon.  He LOVES snuggles, kisses and being held.  He reaches for CJ and I often and does his version of babbling pretty constantly.  He's very easy to make smile.  He's also a good sleeper and eater.  Drinking has been an issue.  We are a little scared to buy milk here due to lack of appropriate refrigeration and our guide said he's never had it anyway.  He doesn't like the formula we bought and they don't sell the kind he was used to.  He also doesn't like juice or water.  Luckily, his foster mom sent him with two giant bags of snacks and a package of this "yogurt sugar milk".  It's all he'll drink.  It's nothing I'd choose to give my kids, but it's what we've got right now that he'll drink.  We bought a ton of it today.  It's not refrigerated and it smells like pure sugar. 

Wuhan City

Walking on my own!

In the river park

Carter "working out" in the park.

                                         Morning nap on mom while dad watches the Spurs.

Loading up on "milk".

 

Adoption Day

Yesterday we signed papers making us our little guy's 24 hr guardians, but today we became his parents.  We signed a few papers, put our fingerprint over each signature and then had our son place his footprint on the last document.  We took a picture together as a new family and that was that.

After finalizing the adoption, we drove to the orphanage for a tour.  It was actually pretty nice.  We were told it is one of the best facilities in the country.  (Also, what our adoption agency told us.)  The assistant director said they try to find foster parents for all "adoptable" children.  According to our guide, that means that older children and children with developmental delays are left in the orphanage.  Every orphanage is different.  These are just the particulars in this city.  Huihui was very fond of the assistant director and spent most of the tour in her arms.  I'm sure it was nice to see a familiar face.  The director stated that all the foster children come back to the orphanage on a monthly basis for a health screen, so she's seen him often.

Huihui doesn't crawl, prefers to be fed rather than feed himself, and doesn't know how to use a cup or bottle.  (His foster mom spoon fed him liquids.)  All of these things seemed strange to us since he was in foster care, so I questioned our guide.  She cleared a few things up for us.  She said the majority of Chinese babies do not crawl because they do not put babies on the floor.  She also said that parents feed their children with small spoons.   Children do not feed themselves.   So, I guess it's just a cultural thing.  He's begrudgingly fed himself the last two meals and though he doesn't use the Haberman bottle correctly, he is using it, drinking, and I'm not having to spoon feed him liquids.  We've introduced a cup, but that's going to take some work.  :0

Huihui loves Carter.  Carter helps him walk, plays with him, and helps with snacktime.  He's a great big brother!  We are getting a few "Who are you?" looks today, but everything is still going really well.

                                                    Footprinting our adoption papers

Family photo at the Civil Affairs Office

 

 

 

Our boys playing at the orphanage

Wuhan's Orphanage

In front of the orphanage with the assistant director, Zhao

What a Blessing

Today could not have gone better.  We woke up at 6:30am to be at the Civil Affairs Office by 9:30am to be united with Huihui.  We walked into a room and he was already there with two orphanage workers.  He was happily playing.  We just got down on the floor and started to play with him.  He responded to Carter first and then played with the whole family.  He was smiling and laughing.  He is so good natured and happy.  Eventually, we took turns holding him and then left to drive to the police station to get his passport picture taken.  There were no tears.  While we waited in line, he fell asleep in my arms.  After getting his passport picture taken, we went to the grocery store to buy formula and some food items and then headed back to the hotel.  I gave him a bath.  We ordered room service and he ate some noodles, fried egg, and cooked carrots.  Then, he peacefully fell asleep in his crib within 5 minutes.  Totally not what I expected, but in a really good way.  :)

From what we've seen so far of our little guy, he is very active and busy.  His body is always moving until he is tired and then he just relaxes into your arms, puts his hands on his head, and falls asleep.  He's easy to make smile.  He appears to be a good eater.  He's eaten everything we've offered him and just turned his head away when he was full.  He apparently has been held a lot!  He reaches for us and wants us to hold him.  He also doesn't appear to like to sit on the floor and play.  He wants to sit on your lap and play.  I think because of this, he is not a very strong walker.  He walks if you hold one hand, but doesn't have much stamina for long distances.  He looks well nourished and healthy, but his cleft palate looks really wide. 

We feel very blessed to have him and very blessed the day went as it did.  (Because it wasn't going as well for the other two families in the room with us today.)  Thank you all for your prayers.  The trip has gone so smoothly thus far.  Enjoy our new family pics!  (And girlies at home, you're going to love your new brother!)