Day 3 Pics

Acrobat show. I loved the lions!
Tiennamen Square (sp?)

Geoppinger's in the Forbidden City














Traditional Chinese meal - family style














Logan and Chinese girl in Forbidden City

Friday tours in Beijing

Your prayers worked! Logan slept until 5:30 AM. Thank you! Erich was up shortly after. We all got ready and went to breakfast. It was mostly empty which was nice. We sat with other FTIA couples and met some that came in on Thursday night. We were to meet in the lobby at 9:30 AM for tours. We saw Jasmine (3) and Liam (6). We didn't get much time with them though. They have us split by province. The Guandong province has the most families with at least 2 orphanages. Approx 13 families ride in one bus with Jeanine as our guide. The other 2 provinces ride in the other with Katherine and another guide (I didn't catch her name). The guides assigned to the province will be with us for the entire trip. They split us so we can get to know the families we will spend the most time with.

Our first stop was Tinnamen Square. The guide made a comment about how we probably know more about the 1989 incident that she did. Thank God for freedom of press in the US! Logan was stopped to have his picture taken with a little girl. He shied away. She gave her a Chinese flag. He shied away. She gave him candy. OK we can now take a picture as long as Daddy is in it too. We were stopped a couple more times after that and he is getting use to it. There are other couples who are singled out. Chelgrins are because Beth has red hair and Allen is tall. Other couple, the wife has blond hair. These are not things the Chinese see on a regular basis. I've seen entire families get in the pictures with American's. During the tour, it was very difficult to hear our guide so I didn't get much history out of it. I will have to do research on my own later. I did take lots of pictures. However, I can only post 5 pictures with each blog entry.

Next we crossed the street with the under ground tunnel. To cross the street normally is taking your life into your own hands. They have tunnels that get you across that remind me of subway tunnels without the subway. Across the street was the Forbidden City. We walked all the way through. Wow! It is huge! Many layers and the buildings are of such vibrant colors. This is where the Emporer lived. Logan is amazing! He has such energy. He was bouncing all the way. He did get tired because it was a lot of walking, but what a trooper! He ate all the candy the little girl gave him. It is called White Rabbit.

As we left, we were mobbed by pan handlers/gypsies. The were selling everything from fake rolexes to hat and books. The one phrase our guide taught us before we left today was 'I don't want any'. Very useful. That and no eye contact. None. Once on the bus, we went to lunch at a 'minority restaurant'. There are 30 some different nationalites in Beijing. The Han's are the majority. Anything else is minority. It was a family style lunch. We are not brave people when it comes to food. We did try most of it, but did not eat much. We were told the basic of the dish: chicken, pork, beef, fish, and more beef. There was a lot of food. There was also a little show on the stage. We were on the 2nd floor down from the main floor. My brain is not funcitioning to know if there is better terminology to describe that. The boys are asleep again, otherwise I would ask.

After lunch we had a couple hours of down time. Logan fell asleep on the way back to the hotel and didn not wake up when we carried him inside. We had to be in the lobby at 4:20 to go to the acrobat show. We were soooo tired. We fell asleep. I did set the alarm before hand, but it didn't help. Erich woke up at 4:10. It was difficult to wake up Logan. He was fussy, cranky, and just couldn't wake up. He ended up sleeping through most of the acrobat show. It was fun to watch. We saw some of it at the circus in February, but it was way cool. After the show, Logan was wide awake. Back at the hotel, we met up with the Chelgrin's and went to Pizza Hut for dinner. We also stopped by the food market. Logan found his White Rabbit candy so we'll bring some home.

It is now 11:30 and I'm going to crash. Tomorrow we meet at 9 AM to go to the Great Wall, lunch, and Summer Palace. It will be a lot of walking again. I am looking forward to this tour. I know Logan has been waiting on it for a while. Sunday we have to have our bags packed and outside our door by 7 AM. We fly to Guanzhou about noon. It is great to hear from everyone. Keep emailing and posting comments. It is great to know that we are loved.

Peace,
Robin

Day 2 Pics

Ladies stringing pearls. Logan playing Game Boy while he waits.



Panda bear eating outside. The boys watching the monkeys.
Beijing hotel

Thursday in Beijing

So Logan and I got up at 2 AM and stayed up. We had a snack and watched Shrek while Erich slept. Then Erich and Logan watched Superfriends while I took a little nap. The child did not go back to sleep. Yikes! We went for breakfast. It is very formal with white linens and a chef to make omelets or waffles. We drank juice and ate a lot of fruit (pineapple and mandarin oranges). The milk was scary as it is frothy. It was labeled Islam Milk so I'm not sure what that meant.

After breakfast, we walked around the hotel. We found the Darnell's who are from Germany (with US military) and are adopting from the same orphanage. They and a group of others in our travel group were going to the zoo. We took a taxi ride which wasn't too bad. It cost $1.50 a person for admission to the zoo. It was very large. We saw the panda bears and got some great pictures! There were parts run down and others that were very nice. Everywhere in Beijing, including the zoon, is under construction. They are getting ready for the 2008 Olympics. We left the zoo a little early because Logan was tired. We saw at least 3/4 of it. Logan fell asleep on the way back 'home'. We needed lunch though and went to Pizza Hut a block away. It was the nicest one we've ever seen. The menu was huge and the desserts looked awesome! We didn't get any, but I can't wait to go back. Back in the hotel room at KunTai Royal Hotel, we watched soccer and took a nap. Even Erich dozed a little. Afterwards we found the Silk Market. We heard much about this from friends. The taxi ride to and from the market were quite scary. There were many close calls. It is very overwhelming. Imagine a flee market and everyone wants your attention. You cannot make eye contact or they won't leave you alone. There are many booths that sell the same things. We made some great deals and did some souvenir shopping (pearls, jade, video games, etc). Erich says we can go back tomorrow. We were there for a couple of hours and were only on one floor that we didn't even finish. There are at least 7 floors total.

We just got back from dinner at McDonald's. We ordered milk shakes because we weren't sure of the fountain drinks. You cannot drink the water here as it can make you sick. Since fountain drinks use water, we had the shakes instead. The boys are already asleep. Pray Logan sleeps through the night.

3 days to go until Forever Family Day!
Robin

Day 1 pictures

The King family and the Chelgrin family, both from Cincinnati


Logan going for a ride and our luggage. We managed to get it down to 2 suitcases and 4 carry-on's.

Sleepless in Beijing

Logan and I are wide awake. It is 3 AM (13 hour time difference). We checked email which is l00rxl@yahoo.com (those are number zero's, not letter o). Erich is sleeping soundly for now. Hopefully, he'll at least get more sleep. Logan and I are going to watch a movie on the laptop. We have wireless internet here in our room. Otherwise, we would have go to the Buisness Center where it is $15 an hour. I also couldn't update this in our PJ's. While we do have internet access, it does block some sites. I can update this blog, but cannot see how it turns out. I also cannot see comments, yet. When we get to the White Swan on Sunday, that may change.

Logan and I are hungry. We are going to snack as breakfast isn't served until 6 AM. Some other folks went to Pizza Hut for dinner. They said it is very good.

I rechecked the packed they gave us last night. It gives the room number of everyone in our group who is here. I didn't look at it thoroughly enough. In the back was the page of questions that I sent to the ohrphanage with some answers! That is how we know about the scabies. She is not allergic to meds or food that they know of. They do put rice cereal in her bottle. She also sometimes gets water, soup, and juice. This is good that she is getting other flavors, however, she still only gets it all from a bottle. She sleeps in her own crib and likes holding a blanket (great job Grandma, Oma, and Tante!). She is attached to her caretaker and has starting to babble. They say she is realatively quiet (the referral said she was active so I'm not sure on that one). On my question if there is any other information that the adoptive family needs to know they answered: When she is cranky she likes nodding her head onto the crib. Hmm, nodding? Is that a better word for banging? More prayers please!

Robin & Logan

Now in Beijing

We made it!

We left Cincinnati without any trouble. They flight to San Francisco was good. Logan finally took a nap. He wanted constant entertainment. Thank God for Game Boy! We also met the 2 other famlies from Cincinnati. The Kings and Chelgrins. While waiting to leave Cincinnati, I ran into a co-worker who helped us with translations, Romeliza. How weird! She was on the same flight to go to an Omnicare site in CA.

In San Fran, we had over 3 hours of lay over. Logan got to check out the cockpit of the plane. He was nervous and didn't want to sit in the pilot's seat. We waited in line to check in and get seat assignments. I'm glad we did that first. We were there early and only waited about 40 minutes. Again, Logan played the Game Boy and was great. We sat in the front of the plane next to our new friends from Cincy. Next we ate a leisurely lunch and went to the gate.

The flight to Beijing was crowded and long. We left San Fran over an hour late, but still arrived on time. Erich, Logan, and I all got naps on the plane. It was not like the plane we took to Italty. On that one, we all had our own TV screens in front of each seat and could choose our own movie, music, and TV from a selection. Customs and check in's went fine. We found our guide. She says it is very safe in China, no guns allowed. There are still pick pocters, but safe. Logan got a ride on the luggage cart.

We are in a beautiful hotel. Logan got a bath in the biggest bath tub! He was practically swimming in it. There are 2 twin beds (well somewhere between twin and full) and a pull out bed for Logan. He still has his Kitty, but is shy with anyone who talks with him. There is staff at our beck and call. We needed an adapter because I brought the wrong one. They brought us one and entire power surg protector. They are very nice. Tomorrow is a free day while we wait for other families to arrive. Friday we tour.

Packing, Packing, Packing

2 days to departure and counting. Yesterday was spent packing. It looks like we'll fit into 2 suitcases and 3 carry-on's. It is a tedious process. My 'to do' list keeps getting longer, not shorter. Ugh! We also have to make sure we file our taxes now and not wait until we get back. One less thing to worry about. I'm working in a methodical pace so far and have not gone off half crazed. But then again, I've not asked anyone else's opinion on that.

Logan has been really good with all the changes. He's had a good time with both sets of grandparents lately. The dogs however don't have a clue what is going on. They look worried, but are behaving very good. Just wait until we rock their world in 3 weeks by bringing home Maelynn! Oh and the poor cats! We have 2 of each.

My mom is getting the house ready for refinishing the floors. She is the greatest! This is the one great chance that we'll be out of the house and can get the floors in tip top shape. Thank you Opa, Chip, and Paul for agreeing to help move furniture and 'stuff'. Joanne and Aunt Phyl - thanks for being my mom's support and helping her too. We love all of you and truly know how much you love us by doing so much.

Travel Itinerary

Wednesday, March 29 -arrive in Beijing 6:15 PM (China time approx 12 hours ahead)
Thursday, March 30 - spend time with other FTIA families traveling with us. (Hopefully we'll get to go to the market place for shopping!)
Friday, March 31 - Tour Great Wall of China, Summer Place, and Forbidden City
Saturday, April 1 - Acrobat show
Sunday, April 2 - fly to Guangzhou
Monday, April 3 - fill out papers in the AM; go to Civil Affairs Bureau to receive Maelynn!!!!!
Tuesday, April 4 - go back to Civil Affairs Bureau to complete adoption registration and notarization procedures. Also go to Public Security Bureau and apply for Maelynn's passport.
Wednesday, April 5-Sunday, April 9 - go on optional tours and free time. We hope to go to the zoo for Logan and also visit Maelynn's orphanage. We are not sure if this is possible yet.
Monday, April 10 - Have visa picture taken and medical exam (AM); obtain all notarized paperwork and Maelynn's passport (PM)
Tuesday, April 11 - Free time in the (AM); prepare paperwork (PM)
Wednesday, April 12 - Visa application documents submitted to US Consulate
Thursday, April 13 - Group oath at US Consulate; receive Maelynn's passport
Friday, April 14 - leave for USA 2:20 PM
Saturday, April 15 - land at Cincinnati airport approx 7 AM

Change in Flight Plans

With some quick manuvering, we were able to change our flight schedule. We now fly out of Cincinnati on Tuesday 3/28 on Delta and then switch to China Air. Lets pray for no strikes! Here is the schedule:

DL1720 28MAR TU Cincinnati/San Francisco 810A 1016A
CA 986 28MAR TU San Francisco/Beijing 155P 615P + 1 day (arrival on 29 Mar)

CA1340 14APR FR Guangzhou/Beijing 220P 515P
CA 983 14APR FR Beijing/Los angeles 800P 515P
DL 216 14APR FR Los angeles/Cincinnati 1159P 702A + 1 day (arrival on 15 Apr)

No major layovers and we take off and land so much closer to home. Yeah!

Travel Dates

Here is our international travel schedule. We fly on Northwest airlines.
To China
28MAR TU Louisville/Minneapolis 700A 803A
28MAR TU Minneapolis/Tokyo 100P 430P(arrival on 29 Mar)
29MAR WE Tokyo/Beijing 605P 915P
To USA
14APR FR Guangzhou/Tokyo 820A 150P
14APR FR Tokyo/Detroit 355P 240P
14APR FR Detroit/Lousville 458P 612P

This is going to be a rough trip! There are a couple of serious layovers. Yikes!

Coming home will be interesting. Once we land, we have to put Maelynn into a car seat for the first time in her life. We'll see if she struggles being restained or if the car will lul her to sleep. Just one of the many things that will be so very different for her.
Robin

Good Monday!

It is a soggy wet Monday, but it is GOOD!
Friday we still did not have TA. I was bummed and frustrated. My mom (Thank God for Mom's!) stayed with Logan and I for the weekend. Erich was away on youth group retreat. She kept me distracted. I got some more shopping done and started the packing process.

Friday in the mail we received our new I-171H. This is for BCIS (current name of immigration dept) that gives us permission to adopt. We've been waiting since 2/14.

Then today, soggy, wet, Monday, we received TA! Woohoo! We should have CA by the end of the week and from there, we'll know travel dates. I'll post again as soon as I know anything!

We also finally got the package sent out to the orphanage on Thursday. Trust me, I've learned my procrastination lesson! It costs a lot to ship UPS to China. We didn't have enough time to send it ground. When I tracked it last, it was in Guangzhou, China. We sent blankets, a small photo album of us, a small teddy bear, a disposable camera, and a letter. Thank you to my friends at work (Romeliza's husband and Louisa) for translating the letter! We are told the cribs do not have mattresses. The bottom is a board and the children are given a towel to cuddle with. The blankets we are sending were hand-made with love by Oma, Grandma, and Tante.
Robin

Still waiting for TA

It's been a week and we are still waiting for Travel Approval! Ugh! I have heard through the grape vine that it is on its way. Actually, did you know if you know where a package is coming from and its destination, you can track it?!! Way cool! Our package of TA's left from China on Thursday 3/9. It is still Wednesday 3/8 in the US. The time difference is so weird. It makes my head hurt if I try to understand it. We expect the package to arrive here on Friday. Then we still need the CA (Consulate Appointment) to have a better knowledge of when we travel. We are now estimating that the group will leave on 3/22. However, the Geoppinger clan is hoping to leave a day or two prior to that. So in less than 2 weeks, we hope to be in Beijing and shortly after that travel to Guangzhou where we will see and hold and love on our little girl!

Waiting for Travel Approval

We are still playing the waiting game. We sent off our passports for visas at the Chinese consulate in Chicago. They arrived back yesterday. Now we are waiting for China to give us travel approval. Our agency requests this for our entire group at one time. There are 23 families in our travel group. This means 23 adoptive parents from the same agency that received referrals on the same day. Now remember, there are hundreds of adoption agencies out there in the world. When I 'chat' with my on-line friends from the Yahoo groups, there are many located in the US, but also in Australia, Spain, Netherlands, etc.

I am hoping by next week to have the TA (Travel Approval) and the CA (Consulate Appointment) should arrive very quickly after that (approx a few days). Once those are in place, travel arrangements can finally be made. My hopes are to be traveling within 3 weeks. In the meantime, we are in packing frenzy mode. There is lots of shopping to do.

Our wonderful friends and family wanted to throw us a 'baby celebration'. That is Friday evening. I know we are very loved and have a wonderful support system. Thank you Paul, Nicole, & baby Ryan! We love you!

Robin