Our free day sucked.
We were up way too early and neither of the kids got enough sleep. Number #2 was probably sick of being in a wet diaper as he honestly pees every half hour.
We started off with #2's temper tantrums right away and they continued until we put him to bed at 5:30 this evening.
#2 is smitten with Ryan. It is annoying for both Ryan and me. He cries and squeals and is generally just pissed off if I try to pick him up or hold his hand.
His cries and squeals occur both when he is happy and when he is mad and to be honest they generally just piss me off either way.
It was non-stop today. I feel bad for Everest. I felt him go a bit downhill today. I feel like I am ruining him and I refuse to do so and it makes me feel a bit of animosity towards the little beaver. I can't help it. It's just the way I feel.
Oh, we got Kingston's head shaved today. He screamed like I have never heard a kid scream before. Thankfully he has a small head. Ryan and Everest got their heads shaved too. The people probably thought we all had lice. We tipped well because of the screaming, as well as the lice thoughts that they were left with.
We went to Tim's BBQ today. That was the highlight of the day. A western glimmer of sanity in a rough day. Kingston tried a brownie and ice cream and enjoyed. Ryan and I tried beer and enjoyed.
Heading to bed because today sucked and tomorrow is going to suck even worse. Headed to the notary or something like that. Official paperwork moves like molasses as nobody will likely be in any hurry to complete anything to get us out of there. Maybe our shrieking kid will hurry them up.
Love,
M, R, E, K
Monday, October 31, 2011
The Great Wall
The boys slept until 7:00 today. Amazing except I was awake at 4:00. We had to rush it to get down to meet the group by 8:30 to get to the Great Wall. Breakfast was the usual craziness, even more so since it was busy. Normally we are down there before or shortly after it opens so we were actually surprised to see pancakes and fried eggs. Apparently those who sleep in are granted additional Western options, which Everest was thrilled about. Pancakes and syrup and Chinese noodles. I love noodles. I don’t know that I can get sick of them. I think I will probably find out on this trip as we have about a shelf of them that we bought from the store and we’ve been ordering them whenever available.
Last night we went to a local Chinese restaurant near our hotel. We didn’t know of this place previously. It was awesome! Four adults and three kids and one baby ate for $50 US dollars and it was good food! This also included two huge bottles of local Chinese beer. It was great to eat locally. Normally it is quite a drive out for dinner or else we are doing pizza or the restaurant downstairs. Found out that the restaurant had a health code rating of a “B.” Quite impressive really. Kingston also broke a dish within about two seconds of being seated. Just not used to the kid thing. Really going to have to child-proof when we are home.
So, the Great Wall. It was good to be back with Everest and see him enjoy it. He was only somewhat scared of the gondolas and it was more for my attention than anything. He hiked up the entire portion of the wall from the gondola to the top without wanting to be picked up. Kingston, on the other hand, had the privilege of riding on my back in the baby carrier. So glad we bought that thing. I am going to be using it all of the time. Apparently they do not have t-shirts at the Great Wall that say, “I climbed the Great Wall with a 28 lb baby on my back.” They have about everything else though. Kingston walks really well, way better than Everest did and he runs too. I think this must have to do with his skin (more of that in a minute). The boys are loving to chase each other. Today we had our guide Joy translate, “Zhang Tao, chase your brother!” Kingston would look at Everest and just take off after him squealing his not-so-little scream.
Kingston does not appear to have any skin issues. From the pictures we had of him previously he looked to have the same nails and types of hand and feet blisters that Everest had. This is not the case any longer. His nails are growing fine and he does not appear to have a blister on him. It looks like there is scarring as though he has had blisters in the past but it looks like he will not need to be wrapped. It kind of makes me sad for Everest. We had told Everest that Kingston would have “special skin” too. Everest does not seem to be bothered that he does not though. I could always say well, Kingston is special too, he sucks his bottom lip like a beaver and he is going to have two holes from his fangs dug into his bottom lip. No worries.
Tomorrow is a “free day.” Ha! Free day to me means kids in daycare, mom sleeping in. No such luck in Beijing, China. We are taking it easy in the morning. We are going to work out, shower, hit the store to buy Kingston some drawers that fit and then we will go to a park to hang out. While it might seem like this is easy breezy this time around, it is anything but. I do not feel suicidal or homicidal but it is very hard. Love to you all!
Last night we went to a local Chinese restaurant near our hotel. We didn’t know of this place previously. It was awesome! Four adults and three kids and one baby ate for $50 US dollars and it was good food! This also included two huge bottles of local Chinese beer. It was great to eat locally. Normally it is quite a drive out for dinner or else we are doing pizza or the restaurant downstairs. Found out that the restaurant had a health code rating of a “B.” Quite impressive really. Kingston also broke a dish within about two seconds of being seated. Just not used to the kid thing. Really going to have to child-proof when we are home.
So, the Great Wall. It was good to be back with Everest and see him enjoy it. He was only somewhat scared of the gondolas and it was more for my attention than anything. He hiked up the entire portion of the wall from the gondola to the top without wanting to be picked up. Kingston, on the other hand, had the privilege of riding on my back in the baby carrier. So glad we bought that thing. I am going to be using it all of the time. Apparently they do not have t-shirts at the Great Wall that say, “I climbed the Great Wall with a 28 lb baby on my back.” They have about everything else though. Kingston walks really well, way better than Everest did and he runs too. I think this must have to do with his skin (more of that in a minute). The boys are loving to chase each other. Today we had our guide Joy translate, “Zhang Tao, chase your brother!” Kingston would look at Everest and just take off after him squealing his not-so-little scream.
Kingston does not appear to have any skin issues. From the pictures we had of him previously he looked to have the same nails and types of hand and feet blisters that Everest had. This is not the case any longer. His nails are growing fine and he does not appear to have a blister on him. It looks like there is scarring as though he has had blisters in the past but it looks like he will not need to be wrapped. It kind of makes me sad for Everest. We had told Everest that Kingston would have “special skin” too. Everest does not seem to be bothered that he does not though. I could always say well, Kingston is special too, he sucks his bottom lip like a beaver and he is going to have two holes from his fangs dug into his bottom lip. No worries.
Tomorrow is a “free day.” Ha! Free day to me means kids in daycare, mom sleeping in. No such luck in Beijing, China. We are taking it easy in the morning. We are going to work out, shower, hit the store to buy Kingston some drawers that fit and then we will go to a park to hang out. While it might seem like this is easy breezy this time around, it is anything but. I do not feel suicidal or homicidal but it is very hard. Love to you all!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Full Day #1
Yesterday was an emotional day for me. I think it just comes with the territory. It is really hard to adopt a child. It is hard to bring another child into your life who can walk and talk and who you have no inkling of what to expect from one moment to the next. This child was not born to you. They do not have your genes. They are complete strangers. And Kingston is just that, a stranger. He is to us as we are to him. However, I tend to believe he is quite taken with us strangers. Luckily Ryan felt exactly the same but just didn't cry continuously about it like I did. Really though, last night really went off without a hitch. The boys ate noodles in our room and they were asleep by 6:00. Everest in bed with me and Kingston in bed (until he fell asleep and moved horizontally) with Ryan. By 6:02 Ryan and I were ordering pizza (I know, shocking). I love ordering pizza in China because you never know what you are going to get. All you say is, "meat pizza" and you will get "meat pizza." The first time it was canadian bacon (I think) this last time it was pepperoni and sausage. The sausage looked like rabbit poop so I declined to partake. Ryan said the rabbit poop was good. I was asleep before Ryan finished up the poop.
We all got up around 5:30 in the morning and went down for breakfast. Breakfast is a bit different now. Meaning simply that I don't think I sat down until everybody was almost done eating. I managed to pour myself three cups of coffee none of which I drank because as I came back I had yet another request. More potato pancakes, more orange juice, another milk please (at least there are pleases). Ryan was on Kingston feeding duty leaving me to run circles around the buffet line.
Then there was the diaper damage. We smelled it a-comin'. Ryan and I are not equipped to deal with bio-hazards of this nature. I mean, seriously. Whoah. We ran into the bathroom, kid squealing, Everest (love him) going to grab diapers without being asked. We was unleashed cannot be described. Then I have Ryan telling me, "Melissa, these wipes have to be flushed. You can't get the big clumps with the wipes!!" Excuse me but when did you become diaper-changing guru and if you have become one since our nuptials, you can gladly take said diaper-changing guru title! Kingston went straight into the bath, which he was less than pleased about.
I know I said this before but the kid is small. I cannot even put the word small into capital letters to stress how small he is because the word small would then be bigger. He has on 24 moth old pants today and they are adjusted to about the smallest waistline and cuffed. He is doing better with the shirts - a 2T or 3T will do for all those grandmas shopping.
Everest has been nothing short of amazing. I continue to be amazed by his ability to adapt all the while not losing his ability to laugh and play. Kingston did something (I don't remember what but it was naughty and annoying and Everest said to me, "Mom, it takes time." Smart words from a smart boy.
Now for the other Lentz. Wow, he is something and I am not sure what. He is a goofy looking thing with his hair cut (or not cut) the way it is. Everest came with a tail so I can't complain, however Ryan wants this new Lentz's hair cut asap so it's pretty goofy. The Beaver, as I've taken to calling him occassionally has a habit of biting his lower lip. The kid has some ginormous chompers in the front. I think it is a stress reliever for him and a way of self-soothing. He comes with the extra bonus of sucking on his bottom lip when he goes to sleep. We have also taken to calling him Teradactyl because of this (don't ask me why) and because he has a high-pitched squeal of a hyena (why we don't call him that I don't know...)
We hadn't been planning on doing the Forbidden City and Tiennamen Square tour but we decided to just for the ability to interact with others. We are happy we decided to do so. One family we met has two older boys who Everest has boy-crushes on. They have been wonderful. We got about as much out of the tour this time as we did last time, nothing, because we chased and corralled boys the whole time. We are headed to the grocery store for the second time today and are heading out for dinner with one of the families in our group. I am looking forward to that but it means changing out of my pajama pants. Yes, I am in the business center with my pajama pants on and yes I sat on the ground numerous times in Beijing and yes my second born child ate dirt, not once but twice off of the ground in the Forbidden City. He is adjusting, we are adjusting and I will get some pictures up. Just have not downloaded them yet.
Love, The Leave it to Beaver Crew
We all got up around 5:30 in the morning and went down for breakfast. Breakfast is a bit different now. Meaning simply that I don't think I sat down until everybody was almost done eating. I managed to pour myself three cups of coffee none of which I drank because as I came back I had yet another request. More potato pancakes, more orange juice, another milk please (at least there are pleases). Ryan was on Kingston feeding duty leaving me to run circles around the buffet line.
Then there was the diaper damage. We smelled it a-comin'. Ryan and I are not equipped to deal with bio-hazards of this nature. I mean, seriously. Whoah. We ran into the bathroom, kid squealing, Everest (love him) going to grab diapers without being asked. We was unleashed cannot be described. Then I have Ryan telling me, "Melissa, these wipes have to be flushed. You can't get the big clumps with the wipes!!" Excuse me but when did you become diaper-changing guru and if you have become one since our nuptials, you can gladly take said diaper-changing guru title! Kingston went straight into the bath, which he was less than pleased about.
I know I said this before but the kid is small. I cannot even put the word small into capital letters to stress how small he is because the word small would then be bigger. He has on 24 moth old pants today and they are adjusted to about the smallest waistline and cuffed. He is doing better with the shirts - a 2T or 3T will do for all those grandmas shopping.
Everest has been nothing short of amazing. I continue to be amazed by his ability to adapt all the while not losing his ability to laugh and play. Kingston did something (I don't remember what but it was naughty and annoying and Everest said to me, "Mom, it takes time." Smart words from a smart boy.
Now for the other Lentz. Wow, he is something and I am not sure what. He is a goofy looking thing with his hair cut (or not cut) the way it is. Everest came with a tail so I can't complain, however Ryan wants this new Lentz's hair cut asap so it's pretty goofy. The Beaver, as I've taken to calling him occassionally has a habit of biting his lower lip. The kid has some ginormous chompers in the front. I think it is a stress reliever for him and a way of self-soothing. He comes with the extra bonus of sucking on his bottom lip when he goes to sleep. We have also taken to calling him Teradactyl because of this (don't ask me why) and because he has a high-pitched squeal of a hyena (why we don't call him that I don't know...)
We hadn't been planning on doing the Forbidden City and Tiennamen Square tour but we decided to just for the ability to interact with others. We are happy we decided to do so. One family we met has two older boys who Everest has boy-crushes on. They have been wonderful. We got about as much out of the tour this time as we did last time, nothing, because we chased and corralled boys the whole time. We are headed to the grocery store for the second time today and are heading out for dinner with one of the families in our group. I am looking forward to that but it means changing out of my pajama pants. Yes, I am in the business center with my pajama pants on and yes I sat on the ground numerous times in Beijing and yes my second born child ate dirt, not once but twice off of the ground in the Forbidden City. He is adjusting, we are adjusting and I will get some pictures up. Just have not downloaded them yet.
Love, The Leave it to Beaver Crew
Thursday, October 27, 2011
And we meet
It's now the 27th of Oct. For the past two days we've been out and about. Going to parks, walking around, seeing the sights. Everest is having a hard time adjusting to the jet lag. He'll do fabulously in the morning and then by 1:00ish he is fading. The first full night of being here he fell asleep around 3 in the afternoon, we managed to wake him for a half an hour and then he slept the whole night through until after 7. Of course now we are dealing with a kid whose sleep system is just all messed up. When he is supposed to be sleeping he is awake. When he is supposed to be awake he is sleeping. I think that meeting Kingston today has taken care of some of that.
Last night we managed to keep Everest up through dinner. We went to the Union Bar and Grill on Sanlitun Street. We learned last time that Sanlitun Street had a connotation of putting back a few beers. Well of couse we had to check it out. When you tell a cabbie you are headed there they giggle and make a motion with their hands like they are drinking. However, Sanlitun has some awesome surroundings. They have a big mall that has stores that we don't have at home (Super Dry Uniglo), as well as some good Western style restaurants. Ryan and I went there the night before we met Everest so we felt it fitting to do the same the night before Kingston.
We've been having issues getting cabs if we are not at our hotel. Either the cabs drive right by or they gouge us. We've figured out a workaround where I stand on the street looking desperate. I hand the cabbie the card to the hotel and while he is looking I flag over Ryan and Everest and we barrel into his cab before he has a chance to say no or $30. Ha take that!
So what you are all waiting for...the introduction of Kingston. Let's just say that it is 2:45 in the afternoon and since 4:00 this morning I honestly aged 5 years and counting. I woke up to Ryan telling Everest to go to sleep. I handed Ryan one of my earplugs and then both of them were asleep within minutes. And then I was awake. Thanks. I got up a little while later and hung out in the bathroom by myself. I thought that it would give Ryan and Everest extra time to sleep and give me time alone to think. So I stood there and thought. I thought mainly about what I was going to wear to meet my son. How stupid is that? Probably very. Actually I know very, however, there seemed to be nothing more important at 4:30 in the morning. I put on a pink shirt that I had gotten at Gap a few years ago. I always thought it was of a large feather. However, as I was looking in the mirror I noticed it was a lady with hair all over the place. I thought, mmm...she looks like a little erotic....is this appropriate to meet one's son?!? I decided it was just fine.
Everest and Ryan popped up this morning and Everest did not happen to notice the erotic looking lady on my shirt. Ryan did not either.
We headed to breakfast and then met Joy, our guide. It was an interesting morning because we went to the orphanage instead of meeting Kingston at our hotel as we had met Everest. It was about a 45 min. drive. I think Ryan and I were both somewhat nervous but through this whole ordeal I have been calm. Too calm. Scary calm. We took some pictures on the road in and we arrived. I blocked out all thoughts that would registrer tears and we waited. What was the most emotional for me at the time was that Everest grew up there and that I was seeing Everest's home before ours. That is a powerful thing. We started signing papers and Kingston arrived. He does not look like our pictures at all. Wondering if he is the right kid. Don't have time to register because Everest is already in his grill. Kingston is crying. Kingston stops crying once the nannies open up a chocolate bar to which Everest wonders why he does not have a chocolate bar. We promise Everest a chocolate bar. My first reaction as Kingston's size. He. is. so. small. TINY. It is like he is a little walking infant. Not sure what size clothing he will wear. We will see tomorrow when we get him in his clothes that we brought. He has some fabulous socks on though. He would not have anything to do with us at first and then the orphange director came in. We took some pictures and he handed Kingston to Ryan. Kingston didn't seem to have an issue. We took some more pictures. Joy told us it was time to go and Ryan handed Kingston to me. Apparently he said, "Momma, let's go." All mandarin speaking people laughed and away we went. We climbed in the van and with great fanfare Kingston proceeded to vomit the teddy graham crackers that we had given him all over himself and Ryan. Everest started wailing. I cleaned up. That's what moms do afterall. Ryan had puke in the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt, which I am not going to lie kinda makes me laugh. We took pictures, went to the bank and came back to the hotel. We realized that Mr. Kingston wears diapers. WHAT?!? Oh boy learning curve there.
We witnessed Everest grow up in front of our eyes. We started to see that our second born son has the tendency to be a little sh!t but then again so was Everest. We are being tested already and there have been a couple of fake spits at us. Sorry skinny you are not match for us.
Amongst all of this, I am sad. I am so sad. I think that Kingston will be great. I think he seems like he has a funny little personality but I am already sad for the threesome that we were that we are no longer.
I better get upstairs. We went and got diapers, Tsingtao and Great Wall red wine. To those of you reading who may decide or decide not to adopt from China after reading this, do not let your husband buy you red wine that simply says on the label, "China Red Wine." It will make you want to get back on a plane and head back to the US immediately.
Pictures to follow tomorrow if I can muster up the energy.
Love from China,
The Lentz Family of Four
Last night we managed to keep Everest up through dinner. We went to the Union Bar and Grill on Sanlitun Street. We learned last time that Sanlitun Street had a connotation of putting back a few beers. Well of couse we had to check it out. When you tell a cabbie you are headed there they giggle and make a motion with their hands like they are drinking. However, Sanlitun has some awesome surroundings. They have a big mall that has stores that we don't have at home (Super Dry Uniglo), as well as some good Western style restaurants. Ryan and I went there the night before we met Everest so we felt it fitting to do the same the night before Kingston.
We've been having issues getting cabs if we are not at our hotel. Either the cabs drive right by or they gouge us. We've figured out a workaround where I stand on the street looking desperate. I hand the cabbie the card to the hotel and while he is looking I flag over Ryan and Everest and we barrel into his cab before he has a chance to say no or $30. Ha take that!
So what you are all waiting for...the introduction of Kingston. Let's just say that it is 2:45 in the afternoon and since 4:00 this morning I honestly aged 5 years and counting. I woke up to Ryan telling Everest to go to sleep. I handed Ryan one of my earplugs and then both of them were asleep within minutes. And then I was awake. Thanks. I got up a little while later and hung out in the bathroom by myself. I thought that it would give Ryan and Everest extra time to sleep and give me time alone to think. So I stood there and thought. I thought mainly about what I was going to wear to meet my son. How stupid is that? Probably very. Actually I know very, however, there seemed to be nothing more important at 4:30 in the morning. I put on a pink shirt that I had gotten at Gap a few years ago. I always thought it was of a large feather. However, as I was looking in the mirror I noticed it was a lady with hair all over the place. I thought, mmm...she looks like a little erotic....is this appropriate to meet one's son?!? I decided it was just fine.
Everest and Ryan popped up this morning and Everest did not happen to notice the erotic looking lady on my shirt. Ryan did not either.
We headed to breakfast and then met Joy, our guide. It was an interesting morning because we went to the orphanage instead of meeting Kingston at our hotel as we had met Everest. It was about a 45 min. drive. I think Ryan and I were both somewhat nervous but through this whole ordeal I have been calm. Too calm. Scary calm. We took some pictures on the road in and we arrived. I blocked out all thoughts that would registrer tears and we waited. What was the most emotional for me at the time was that Everest grew up there and that I was seeing Everest's home before ours. That is a powerful thing. We started signing papers and Kingston arrived. He does not look like our pictures at all. Wondering if he is the right kid. Don't have time to register because Everest is already in his grill. Kingston is crying. Kingston stops crying once the nannies open up a chocolate bar to which Everest wonders why he does not have a chocolate bar. We promise Everest a chocolate bar. My first reaction as Kingston's size. He. is. so. small. TINY. It is like he is a little walking infant. Not sure what size clothing he will wear. We will see tomorrow when we get him in his clothes that we brought. He has some fabulous socks on though. He would not have anything to do with us at first and then the orphange director came in. We took some pictures and he handed Kingston to Ryan. Kingston didn't seem to have an issue. We took some more pictures. Joy told us it was time to go and Ryan handed Kingston to me. Apparently he said, "Momma, let's go." All mandarin speaking people laughed and away we went. We climbed in the van and with great fanfare Kingston proceeded to vomit the teddy graham crackers that we had given him all over himself and Ryan. Everest started wailing. I cleaned up. That's what moms do afterall. Ryan had puke in the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt, which I am not going to lie kinda makes me laugh. We took pictures, went to the bank and came back to the hotel. We realized that Mr. Kingston wears diapers. WHAT?!? Oh boy learning curve there.
We witnessed Everest grow up in front of our eyes. We started to see that our second born son has the tendency to be a little sh!t but then again so was Everest. We are being tested already and there have been a couple of fake spits at us. Sorry skinny you are not match for us.
Amongst all of this, I am sad. I am so sad. I think that Kingston will be great. I think he seems like he has a funny little personality but I am already sad for the threesome that we were that we are no longer.
I better get upstairs. We went and got diapers, Tsingtao and Great Wall red wine. To those of you reading who may decide or decide not to adopt from China after reading this, do not let your husband buy you red wine that simply says on the label, "China Red Wine." It will make you want to get back on a plane and head back to the US immediately.
Pictures to follow tomorrow if I can muster up the energy.
Love from China,
The Lentz Family of Four
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Journey Begins
We arrived in Beijing yesterday around 3:00 in the afternoon. We started off the morning bright and early and Everest popped out of bed when the alarm went off. He said to me, "Ma, ya know the coolest thing about today?" "No Everest I don't (me still asleep and in denial about this whole China thing)." "Well Ma, the coolest thing about today is everything about today."
The flight in was actually somewhat tolerable. About two hours into the flight, wine in hand, I said to Ryan - "Hey, I am actually enjoying this a bit." I spoke way too soon. Luckily the plane was a bit empty in the back and before we took off the flight attendent (I love United flight attendents) said to the guy next to me that he could head back to a row with less people, which gave Ryan and I the fourth seat in the middle of the aisle. Everest's eyes were closed before the plane took off. VICTORY. But a short lived victory as he only slept a short time. After a few hours Everest was over the "everything is the coolest" and was ready to get off the not so cool anymore plane. Insert whining, some tears, fidgeting, etc. He was incredibly over tired and I was ready to be off. I can't blame him. He did manage to sleep again for a bit more and gave Ryan and I a much needed break.
When we landed we were met by our Bethany representative, Joy, who was like an oasis. She remembered us and of course remembered Everest. She pointed at my hair, "Ah, you cut your hair."
I think that people are disappointed that Mr. Chunhui no longer speaks Mandarin. I told Joy that Everest was too naughty to be in Chinese school. She said, "Ah yes, I read the first and 6 month reports."
We got to the hotel and Ryan went to the grocery store. We tried to make two bowls of noodles with our kettle. Everest fell asleep before his was done. You will notice that I said the word, "try." We were not too successful. Between the two of us we have five higher education degrees. One would think we could make instant noodles. Everest could have done it better. Pizza Hut was the answer.
Which brings us to the morning and when I say morning I use the word very loosely as it was 3:00 in the morning when Everest decided that he had enough sleep and was ready to explore Beijing. No amount of explaining could deter him. He managed to lay (and not lay still) until 5:30. Seriously. And I need to add that during this brief interlude of sleep he decided he needed to poop. Not once but on two separate occasions. What kid poops twice during the night?!? I mean, you seriously have to go bad to wake up once let alone twice.
This morning we were not the first down for breakfast suprisingly. There were other crazies among us. Everest in his Spiderman jammies with fried noodles and dim sum. The kid is taking full advantage of the food here.
We ran to the grocery store again and then set out to explore a bit. We went to Beihai Park, which was one of our favorites from the last go around. Everest seemed to be taken with all of the Chinese children. He wanted to play with them and seemed to be excited that they all looked like him. His excitement about being here in general has been fun for us. He wants to see "China buildings, China people...and eat noodles." He is doing all of that.
We also had our first squatty potty experience today. Everest was somewhat mortified. He does not remember them. You know it's bad when a 6 year old with no qualms about hygeine let's out a cry. This one was BAD. There was pee all over. I know it was pee because there was not a sink where any other water could have come from. As Everest got ready to pee I told him to hit the potty. In hindsight, he could have just let loose on the walls and it wouldn't have looked any different in there. I squatted like a champ.
I have to admit there was a certain amount of denial that came with coming on this trip. Everything about the last trip was hard. So, so hard. However, this time Ryan and I both feel a certain sense of calm. I don't know what it is. Familiarity? I woudn't think so. Beijing is anything but familiar. I feel somewhat that it is a trip of redemption for us. Look at us, we did it. Look at our son, he is incredible. I have personally never been more proud of Everest in my life as I have been thus far on our trip.
The stares started as soon as we were at our gate at O'Hare and continued obviously when we arrived in Beijing. It is hard to read the stares. I know that a lot of the stares are because he is cute, regardless of the nationality of his parents. Other stares are of a curious sort. Why is that boy with those parents? I also can't help thinking that there could be animosity. I did not feel this way when we were here before but now I feel it. Maybe it is my imagination. Maybe I am tired. No wait, I am totally tired.
The stares just make me more proud. Look a us, we did it. Look at our son, he is incredible.
Tomorrow is another day of roaming around the city. Thursday morning we are getting up early (suprise, suprise) and heading to the orphanage to meet Kingston. After seeing Everest interact today with the children, I look even more forward to bringing Kingston into our lives. I know we made the right decision. However, I will likely need to be reminded of this as the trip continues.
The flight in was actually somewhat tolerable. About two hours into the flight, wine in hand, I said to Ryan - "Hey, I am actually enjoying this a bit." I spoke way too soon. Luckily the plane was a bit empty in the back and before we took off the flight attendent (I love United flight attendents) said to the guy next to me that he could head back to a row with less people, which gave Ryan and I the fourth seat in the middle of the aisle. Everest's eyes were closed before the plane took off. VICTORY. But a short lived victory as he only slept a short time. After a few hours Everest was over the "everything is the coolest" and was ready to get off the not so cool anymore plane. Insert whining, some tears, fidgeting, etc. He was incredibly over tired and I was ready to be off. I can't blame him. He did manage to sleep again for a bit more and gave Ryan and I a much needed break.
When we landed we were met by our Bethany representative, Joy, who was like an oasis. She remembered us and of course remembered Everest. She pointed at my hair, "Ah, you cut your hair."
I think that people are disappointed that Mr. Chunhui no longer speaks Mandarin. I told Joy that Everest was too naughty to be in Chinese school. She said, "Ah yes, I read the first and 6 month reports."
We got to the hotel and Ryan went to the grocery store. We tried to make two bowls of noodles with our kettle. Everest fell asleep before his was done. You will notice that I said the word, "try." We were not too successful. Between the two of us we have five higher education degrees. One would think we could make instant noodles. Everest could have done it better. Pizza Hut was the answer.
Which brings us to the morning and when I say morning I use the word very loosely as it was 3:00 in the morning when Everest decided that he had enough sleep and was ready to explore Beijing. No amount of explaining could deter him. He managed to lay (and not lay still) until 5:30. Seriously. And I need to add that during this brief interlude of sleep he decided he needed to poop. Not once but on two separate occasions. What kid poops twice during the night?!? I mean, you seriously have to go bad to wake up once let alone twice.
This morning we were not the first down for breakfast suprisingly. There were other crazies among us. Everest in his Spiderman jammies with fried noodles and dim sum. The kid is taking full advantage of the food here.
We ran to the grocery store again and then set out to explore a bit. We went to Beihai Park, which was one of our favorites from the last go around. Everest seemed to be taken with all of the Chinese children. He wanted to play with them and seemed to be excited that they all looked like him. His excitement about being here in general has been fun for us. He wants to see "China buildings, China people...and eat noodles." He is doing all of that.
We also had our first squatty potty experience today. Everest was somewhat mortified. He does not remember them. You know it's bad when a 6 year old with no qualms about hygeine let's out a cry. This one was BAD. There was pee all over. I know it was pee because there was not a sink where any other water could have come from. As Everest got ready to pee I told him to hit the potty. In hindsight, he could have just let loose on the walls and it wouldn't have looked any different in there. I squatted like a champ.
I have to admit there was a certain amount of denial that came with coming on this trip. Everything about the last trip was hard. So, so hard. However, this time Ryan and I both feel a certain sense of calm. I don't know what it is. Familiarity? I woudn't think so. Beijing is anything but familiar. I feel somewhat that it is a trip of redemption for us. Look at us, we did it. Look at our son, he is incredible. I have personally never been more proud of Everest in my life as I have been thus far on our trip.
The stares started as soon as we were at our gate at O'Hare and continued obviously when we arrived in Beijing. It is hard to read the stares. I know that a lot of the stares are because he is cute, regardless of the nationality of his parents. Other stares are of a curious sort. Why is that boy with those parents? I also can't help thinking that there could be animosity. I did not feel this way when we were here before but now I feel it. Maybe it is my imagination. Maybe I am tired. No wait, I am totally tired.
The stares just make me more proud. Look a us, we did it. Look at our son, he is incredible.
Tomorrow is another day of roaming around the city. Thursday morning we are getting up early (suprise, suprise) and heading to the orphanage to meet Kingston. After seeing Everest interact today with the children, I look even more forward to bringing Kingston into our lives. I know we made the right decision. However, I will likely need to be reminded of this as the trip continues.
We're Here
We're Here
We arrived in Beijing yesterday around 3:00 in the afternoon. We started off the morning bright and early and Everest popped out of bed when the alarm went off. He said to me, "Ma, ya know the coolest thing about today?" "No Everest I don't (me still asleep and in denial about this whole China thing)." "Well Ma, the coolest thing about today is everything about today."
The flight in was actually somewhat tolerable. About two hours into the flight, wine in hand, I said to Ryan - "Hey, I am actually enjoying this a bit." I spoke way too soon. Luckily the plane was a bit empty in the back and before we took off the flight attendent (I love United flight attendents) said to the guy next to me that he could head back to a row with less people, which gave Ryan and I the fourth seat in the middle of the aisle. Everest's eyes were closed before the plane took off. VICTORY. But a short lived victory as he only slept a short time. After a few hours Everest was over the "everything is the coolest" and was ready to get off the not so cool anymore plane. Insert whining, some tears, fidgeting, etc. He was incredibly over tired and I was ready to be off. I can't blame him. He did manage to sleep again for a bit more and gave Ryan and I a much needed break.
When we landed we were met by our Bethany representative, Joy, who was like an oasis. She remembered us and of course remembered Everest. She pointed at my hair, "Ah, you cut your hair."
I think that people are disappointed that Mr. Chunhui no longer speaks Mandarin. I told Joy that Everest was too naughty to be in Chinese school. She said, "Ah yes, I read the first and 6 month reports."
We got to the hotel and Ryan went to the grocery store. We tried to make two bowls of noodles with our kettle. Everest fell asleep before his was done. You will notice that I said the word, "try." We were not too successful. Between the two of us we have five higher education degrees. One would think we could make instant noodles. Everest could have done it better. Pizza Hut was the answer.
Which brings us to the morning and when I say morning I use the word very loosely as it was 3:00 in the morning when Everest decided that he had enough sleep and was ready to explore Beijing. No amount of explaining could deter him. He managed to lay (and not lay still) until 5:30. Seriously. And I need to add that during this brief interlude of sleep he decided he needed to poop. Not once but on two separate occasions. What kid poops twice during the night?!? I mean, you seriously have to go bad to wake up once let alone twice.
This morning we were not the first down for breakfast suprisingly. There were other crazies among us. Everest in his Spiderman jammies with fried noodles and dim sum. The kid is taking full advantage of the food here.
We ran to the grocery store again and then set out to explore a bit. We went to Beihai Park, which was one of our favorites from the last go around. Everest seemed to be taken with all of the Chinese children. He wanted to play with them and seemed to be excited that they all looked like him. His excitement about being here in general has been fun for us. He wants to see "China buildings, China people...and eat noodles." He is doing all of that.
We also had our first squatty potty experience today. Everest was somewhat mortified. He does not remember them. You know it's bad when a 6 year old with no qualms about hygeine let's out a cry. This one was BAD. There was pee all over. I know it was pee because there was not a sink where any other water could have come from. As Everest got ready to pee I told him to hit the potty. In hindsight, he could have just let loose on the walls and it wouldn't have looked any different in there. I squatted like a champ.
I have to admit there was a certain amount of denial that came with coming on this trip. Everything about the last trip was hard. So, so hard. However, this time Ryan and I both feel a certain sense of calm. I don't know what it is. Familiarity? I woudn't think so. Beijing is anything but familiar. I feel somewhat that it is a trip of redemption for us. Look at us, we did it. Look at our son, he is incredible. I have personally never been more proud of Everest in my life as I have been thus far on our trip.
The stares started as soon as we were at our gate at O'Hare and continued obviously when we arrived in Beijing. It is hard to read the stares. I know that a lot of the stares are because he is cute, regardless of the nationality of his parents. Other stares are of a curious sort. Why is that boy with those parents? I also can't help thinking that there could be animosity. I did not feel this way when we were here before but now I feel it. Maybe it is my imagination. Maybe I am tired. No wait, I am totally tired.
The stares just make me more proud. Look a us, we did it. Look at our son, he is incredible.
Tomorrow is another day of roaming around the city. Thursday morning we are getting up early (suprise, suprise) and heading to the orphanage to meet Kingston. After seeing Everest interact today with the children, I look even more forward to bringing Kingston into our lives. I know we made the right decision. However, I will likely need to be reminded of this as the trip continues.
We arrived in Beijing yesterday around 3:00 in the afternoon. We started off the morning bright and early and Everest popped out of bed when the alarm went off. He said to me, "Ma, ya know the coolest thing about today?" "No Everest I don't (me still asleep and in denial about this whole China thing)." "Well Ma, the coolest thing about today is everything about today."
The flight in was actually somewhat tolerable. About two hours into the flight, wine in hand, I said to Ryan - "Hey, I am actually enjoying this a bit." I spoke way too soon. Luckily the plane was a bit empty in the back and before we took off the flight attendent (I love United flight attendents) said to the guy next to me that he could head back to a row with less people, which gave Ryan and I the fourth seat in the middle of the aisle. Everest's eyes were closed before the plane took off. VICTORY. But a short lived victory as he only slept a short time. After a few hours Everest was over the "everything is the coolest" and was ready to get off the not so cool anymore plane. Insert whining, some tears, fidgeting, etc. He was incredibly over tired and I was ready to be off. I can't blame him. He did manage to sleep again for a bit more and gave Ryan and I a much needed break.
When we landed we were met by our Bethany representative, Joy, who was like an oasis. She remembered us and of course remembered Everest. She pointed at my hair, "Ah, you cut your hair."
I think that people are disappointed that Mr. Chunhui no longer speaks Mandarin. I told Joy that Everest was too naughty to be in Chinese school. She said, "Ah yes, I read the first and 6 month reports."
We got to the hotel and Ryan went to the grocery store. We tried to make two bowls of noodles with our kettle. Everest fell asleep before his was done. You will notice that I said the word, "try." We were not too successful. Between the two of us we have five higher education degrees. One would think we could make instant noodles. Everest could have done it better. Pizza Hut was the answer.
Which brings us to the morning and when I say morning I use the word very loosely as it was 3:00 in the morning when Everest decided that he had enough sleep and was ready to explore Beijing. No amount of explaining could deter him. He managed to lay (and not lay still) until 5:30. Seriously. And I need to add that during this brief interlude of sleep he decided he needed to poop. Not once but on two separate occasions. What kid poops twice during the night?!? I mean, you seriously have to go bad to wake up once let alone twice.
This morning we were not the first down for breakfast suprisingly. There were other crazies among us. Everest in his Spiderman jammies with fried noodles and dim sum. The kid is taking full advantage of the food here.
We ran to the grocery store again and then set out to explore a bit. We went to Beihai Park, which was one of our favorites from the last go around. Everest seemed to be taken with all of the Chinese children. He wanted to play with them and seemed to be excited that they all looked like him. His excitement about being here in general has been fun for us. He wants to see "China buildings, China people...and eat noodles." He is doing all of that.
We also had our first squatty potty experience today. Everest was somewhat mortified. He does not remember them. You know it's bad when a 6 year old with no qualms about hygeine let's out a cry. This one was BAD. There was pee all over. I know it was pee because there was not a sink where any other water could have come from. As Everest got ready to pee I told him to hit the potty. In hindsight, he could have just let loose on the walls and it wouldn't have looked any different in there. I squatted like a champ.
I have to admit there was a certain amount of denial that came with coming on this trip. Everything about the last trip was hard. So, so hard. However, this time Ryan and I both feel a certain sense of calm. I don't know what it is. Familiarity? I woudn't think so. Beijing is anything but familiar. I feel somewhat that it is a trip of redemption for us. Look at us, we did it. Look at our son, he is incredible. I have personally never been more proud of Everest in my life as I have been thus far on our trip.
The stares started as soon as we were at our gate at O'Hare and continued obviously when we arrived in Beijing. It is hard to read the stares. I know that a lot of the stares are because he is cute, regardless of the nationality of his parents. Other stares are of a curious sort. Why is that boy with those parents? I also can't help thinking that there could be animosity. I did not feel this way when we were here before but now I feel it. Maybe it is my imagination. Maybe I am tired. No wait, I am totally tired.
The stares just make me more proud. Look a us, we did it. Look at our son, he is incredible.
Tomorrow is another day of roaming around the city. Thursday morning we are getting up early (suprise, suprise) and heading to the orphanage to meet Kingston. After seeing Everest interact today with the children, I look even more forward to bringing Kingston into our lives. I know we made the right decision. However, I will likely need to be reminded of this as the trip continues.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Packing Up
We started to pack for China just as we were getting close to nearing some sort of organization in our new house. We are trying to contain the chaos to one room.
Kingston does not yet have a bed. However, he is now the proud owner of superhero undies.
At what point does a boy decide he shouldn’t wear superhero undies anymore? Sad.
However, if Ryan wore superhero undies we probably wouldn’t be married.
I started to get emotional about everything this weekend. I am more scared this time around. Last time it was just Ryan and I and now the magnitude of what we are doing is intensified because it isn’t just us anymore. We have the most amazing little person with us whose life is going to be forever changed along with ours. He is going to have to share his mom, his dad and his toys. His grandparents. Our friends. I don’t want to lose the closeness that Everest and I now share by bringing another child into the mix. How do I balance? It was a long road to getting to where we are today. He is a momma’s boy and I forever want him to sit on my lap. I hurt for Everest. And maybe I don’t even have to. Maybe he will be just fine. Maybe it is more me that I hurt for. And maybe I don’t even have to. Maybe I will be just fine.
Kingston does not yet have a bed. However, he is now the proud owner of superhero undies.
At what point does a boy decide he shouldn’t wear superhero undies anymore? Sad.
However, if Ryan wore superhero undies we probably wouldn’t be married.
I started to get emotional about everything this weekend. I am more scared this time around. Last time it was just Ryan and I and now the magnitude of what we are doing is intensified because it isn’t just us anymore. We have the most amazing little person with us whose life is going to be forever changed along with ours. He is going to have to share his mom, his dad and his toys. His grandparents. Our friends. I don’t want to lose the closeness that Everest and I now share by bringing another child into the mix. How do I balance? It was a long road to getting to where we are today. He is a momma’s boy and I forever want him to sit on my lap. I hurt for Everest. And maybe I don’t even have to. Maybe he will be just fine. Maybe it is more me that I hurt for. And maybe I don’t even have to. Maybe I will be just fine.
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