May 18, 2010
Our first night with Benjamin went very well for the most part. He woke up crying at 3:00, looking around and seeminly not knowing where he was. I spoke to him and rubbed his back for a moment and he was back to sleep. Then at 4:00 he awoke again. After a moment or two he was back to sleep until 7:00. Not bad for a first night, I'd say.
Today was another busy busy day with lots of paperwork. First we went back to the Civil Affairs office to deliver paperwork we filled out yesterday afternoon. We were there for several hours due to the size of our group. The registration offical made a speech to all of us and called us up one by one for a photo with our families and our adoption certificate. We thought that was it. Nope. After keeping 15 little ones occupied and relatively our of trouble for two hours we loaded back up on the bus to go to the Notary for more paperwork. The room was very crowded as we have 15 families and many of them have travel companions and children in tow. After an hour of filling out more paperwork admid the crying or laughing babes and siblings we finally were able to walk back down the 6 flights of unairconditioned, cigarette smoke-filled stairway to the "fresh air" outside.
Benjamin was a trooper. He is just a very happy little boy. We found a few toy cars for him at the local Walmart and he loves to play with them and drive them all over us. His laugh is contagious and he has the most beautiful smile. Just wait until you see him. The pictures really do no justice.
Abigail and Olivia have been wonderful sisters so far, but the green-eyed monster is alive and well, living currently at the Zhengzhou Crown Plaza, room 320. But she's working on it. Tomorrow we're hoping to have some one-on-one time with her to reassure her that she's still our special girl whom we love more than ever when we see what a great big-sister she's turned out to be.
This afternoon I left Dale and all three little angels napping while I hopped a bus with many of the rest of our group to take a shopping trip to the Lotus Market. (Olivia and I had attempted to go to Walmart by taxi on Monday afternoon, but our driver didn't understand at first where I wanted to go and drove us 20 minutes across town. The local Walmart is about a 15 minute walk down the street and we would have walked it, but we didn't have time since I had to be back to the hotel for paperwork in an hour. When the driver pulled up at some remote market I pointed to the hotel card I had with me and asked her to take us back to the hotel. She turned around and took us to the Walmart I had originally asked for. But by then I just wanted to get back to the hotel so we wouldn't be late for the meeting. She refused to take us back! By then I had about 20 minutes to make it back to the hotel, but I was so turned around I didn't know which way that was. Livy and I started praying. A taxi appeared out of no where and we were able to get back just in time. A taxi ride in China is like Mr. Toad's wild ride anyway, but there was a point during this one when I actually began to wonder if we were being kidnapped and started planning mine and Livy's escape. No kidding!) Well, back to the Lotus Market...
It was quite an experience. Three floors of everything you can imagine for sale...and then some. I was overwhelmed trying to navigate my way around and find the small list of items I was searching for. I had decided to travel VERY light this trip and buy any baby items once I knew what Benjamin needed rather than overpack things we wouldn't need. Therefore, I didn't have any bottles, sippy cups, spoons, or toys, except for a ball, etc. During our past adoptions we've had time to go to the local market for staple items such as juice, water, snacks, baby food, etc. Not this time. So it was a relief to get to the store today to pick up these items, especially a sippy cup. Thank goodness the orphanage staff had so generously brought along diapers and wipes (no Ben's not potty-trained as we were first told. They were probably afraid that would be a deal-breaker :o) with him being so mischievous and all). In addition to baby snacks, sippy cups, etc. I found Crocs in Benjamin's size for under $3. They even have the Mickey Mouse cut-outs, which cost more at home. I went ahead and bought the next size up, too. He had fat little feet just like Olivia and they will be very forgiving shoes for him. When he's able to wear them, that is. Along with the baby supplies and photo albums came a pair of corrective shoes/braces. Not that he needs them to move around, mind you, and they certainly don't slow him down any. He's supposed to wear them during the day according to the staff and he knows just how to put them on and helped me get them fastened up. Another thing he has in common with Olivia: his head is rock-hard, and you WILL see stars when he head-butts you.
Well, it's time to hit the hay. We have a free day tomorrow so hopefully we'll be able to get out and sight-see on our own a bit. Several adoptive families have asked about Angel House. No, we will not be able to visit there or Pingdingshan SWI since they are too far away, at least 3 hours one way. I'm disappointed about that, but there's no way we can make that trip with Benjamin and I wouldn't want to go it alone. For me it's enough to see how well-cared for Benjamin is. I know he was in a great place.
Comments From Friends and Family:
*Oh my, the pic of the little shoes made me tear up. Can't wait to see you all, I'll pass on the head butting part but am all about a high energy fun little boy. I'm sure you can release a big breath now that the Ts are all crossed. Hurry on back to the Tow! On second thought, enjoy your tourist time - this is, of course, Livy's first time to China! Hugs to all!
Posted by: Cynthia Kuhlman on May 18, 2010 at 08:04 A.M.
*Do not forget to skip next door to the Holiday Inn and try their bowl of noodles. It will transform your life! Benjamin is absolutely handsome as all get out. I am going to have great difficulty keeping my hands off him :-) Tell your girls that my girls are so jealous that they can't see straight. They want me to have a baby- a boy- so that they can have a little brother. Can you hear David's scream in China??? Love and miss you all...
Posted by: Teresa on May 18, 2010 at 10:20 A.M.
*We miss ya'll...fried chicken isn't the same without you!
We can't wait to see you all home with Benjamin.I'm trying to get my legs in shape to keep up after him :)
*Tell Dale to bring a bag of ice when he comes ! ha ha
I love ya favorite son-in-law !
*Tell Livi , Grandpa is still grumpy :) Look forward to seeing you all when you get home.
We love you ~ Momma, Daddy & Kevin
Posted by: Momma & Daddy on May 18, 2010 at 12:13 P.M.
*so much fun living vicarously thru you :) i love your posts and your pictures. thanks for sharing. benjamin is just adorable. so glad to hear he's doing so well. and the girls sound to be having normal reactions. brothers can be a pain. just ask deanna. but she loves them (most of the time).
Posted by: Shelle M. on May 18, 2010 at 06:24 P.M.
*He is so cute. I love the picture of all three asleep. You all make such a sweet family. Can't wait to have Abigail back in Sunday School. Tell her we missed her. Love to you all.
Posted by: Susan Evans on May 18, 2010 at 06:58 P.M.
*Carmen, remember when we ventured out on our own with Ava in a stroller? We tried to cross this crazy busy street, laughing hillariously from stress, as we watched the locals take it all in stride and walk right into the traffic. Thankfully, a local young woman took pity on us and guided us across the street. I will never forget that. Rule # 1: never verture out in a busy city in China without a guide at your side!!
Posted by: Elisa Criden on May 27, 2010 at 11:02 A.M.
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