Thanks so much for visiting us during our journey, Danny, Sally, Daniel and Carmen!
February 24, 2009 IT’S OFFICIAL!
Ni hao everyone! As I mentioned in the last post, Carmen slept well last night and Danny not so much. She did wake up much calmer and had a good breakfast of mostly fruit. She loves, loves oranges just like her big brother, Daniel. We’ve had her for 24 hours now and I haven’t been able to get her to have a bottle but it’s still early.
This morning we went to the Notary office where we sat before the officer and verified how long we’ve been married, that we have Daniel at home and that we indeed want to adopt little Miss Carmen and that we will not abuse her in any way. From there we went back to the Civil Affairs Office for the official meeting with the officers and director. Here, they asked us many questions about why we wanted to adopt her and other questions to make sure we love and treat her well. I am impressed with their care for these children. I was also able to talk to one of the nannies who could give me information about Carmen. Then there was an official swearing in ceremony of sorts. The bad part about all of this was that this is the same room and building where we got her yesterday and this brought back memories…again…and then more sadness and crying. Thankfully, I don’t think we’ll have to return there.
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at WALMART (in China!) for water, diapers, etc. Quite interesting. By the way, it was three levels!
The remainder of today we are trying to just stay in our room and bond as much as possible.
A couple of China observations that I don’t think I’ve posted thus far. Beijing was gorgeous! The high rises were endless and everything was beautiful and immaculate. A LOT of that had to do with Olympic preparation. The airport itself was unbelievable. We learned it was built especially for the Olympics and was it ever impressive! We did get a chuckle walking through the airport when we saw they had a ‘Kenny Rogers’ Roasters’ restaurant. Funny that it didn’t exactly make it in the states but thrives in Beijing China! On the flight to Nanning we could see snow-capped mountains and the unique way of farming here. This entire culture is amazing and honestly, the U.S. would do well to learn a few things. Nanning City is almost tropical looking with palm trees and hibiscus bushes. It has more bicycles, motorcycles and mopeds than we’ve ever seen in one place. It is not as modern as Beijing and very different but again, beautiful.
The water --- this is so hard to deal with. You have to be careful not to get any tap water in your mouth under any circumstances. Otherwise, you will pay dearly the next day or so. We turn our backs to the water in the shower, use bottled water for brushing teeth, etc. and put a towel over the faucet as a reminder not to use. There’s also a hot pot in every room so that you can boil tap water for use. Of course, I’m not doing that – matter of fact, I have actually boiled bottled water! :o) No surprise there, huh?
The Chinese people have no concept of personal space and there’s no order as in waiting in line or waiting your turn for something. We were told about this in our orientation meeting and it took a little getting used to but we’ve learned to push right in there and I’ve even thrown a body block or two…especially waiting in the restroom. Speaking of restrooms, the traditional toilet here is a “squat pot”. Yes, it’s a hole in the ground and you squat! Sometimes there are doors and sometimes not. Seldom is there toilet paper and hardly ever soap. In the hotels and other newer facilities, they have the “western” toilets but you definitely have to think ahead based on where you’re going for the day. And yes, I did have to “experience” this at The Forbidden City. I will post a picture of one of these sometime before we leave.
The employees here take a lot of pride in their jobs and are so efficient it will blow your mind. Danny laughs that the few times he’s had to call the front desk for something, there’s almost an immediate knock at the door because they are already fulfilling that request. He says they have someone hidden on each floor just waiting – ha! They are a wonderful people and very friendly. There is the communication issue at times though. For example, tonight he called to get extra towels. We immediately had someone knock with a newspaper, then a girl came and completely cleaned the bath again, then a guy came to the door with food! I guess they weren’t sure what we wanted and decided to provide it all??
Also today I received a translation of answers to questions I had written to the foster parents in a care package a couple of months ago. Some interesting Carmen info: Her Chinese name of Fu Yi means happiness and friendship. She is somehow potty-trained except for nighttime (haven’t figured out how to know that yet…). She is used to sleeping with adults and “needs” to be carried before sleep ---- yikes, neither of these is good! When asked to describe her personality they said “She’s determined. If she wants something and can’t have it right away, she will keep asking and keep the adults around her doing nothing other than helping her to get what she wants.” OH MY!! About what makes her angry, they said “when she wants something and is not able to have it, she is upset”. They also said she likes balloons, playing in sand, stuffed animals, playing with other children, being outdoors, car rides and hearing stories. There’s more but I thought I’d just throw those few things out there for now. Also, much of what I relayed above is for my dear friends who have secretly (or not so secretly) hoped I would have a handful because Daniel has been so easy. I think you got your wish!
I’ll close for today. We’re going to concentrate on bonding. Carmen has not had much to do with Danny and he is working hard right now on that. Matter of fact, he just got her to take some formula for the first time – hooray!
