Xuzhou Orphanage Visit

We had the pleasure of visiting Anna's and Lily's orphanage in Xuzhou and were blessed to be able to spend time with the other waiting children. We brought Christmas treats for all the children and the orphanage sponsored a meal for us with Anna's friends. We spent some in the children's room where Anna spent the past 2+ years of her life. We also took Lily back to the rooms where she lived as a baby.   Ms. Tang, director Chu and Lily's old nanny who speaks some English toured us around town and took us to Anna's finding spot.  Anna was found in the corner of the train station where you purchase tickets. The building has since been torn down. She was very weak and cold and scared. We were told that she has memories of being left and she was sad for a long time. It was clear to us that orphanage staff tried their best to make her safe and loved. They prepared her the best they could that we were coming to take her home.   Ms.Tang didn't let the day go unnoticed by the press. The TV station and two newspapers were there to greet us. We were given a plaque by the City of Xuzhou stating that we were "honored friends" of the city.  This is the first time that a foreigner has received this honor. We were told that the city dignitaries, the doctors and orphanage were so happy that Anna will be getting the help she deserves. They were also touched by the fact that both our adopted daughters are from Xuzhou.   It's been a long and emotional day and the girls are tired.  Anna grieved for a long time tonight and finally fell asleep in my arms.   My dear friend Trena set up a site for friends and family to view more pictures.  Please login to http://annablock.shutterfly.com/

Lily Then and Now

Being at the Nanjing Civil Affairs office this week brought back memories of when we hugged Lily for the first time. Hasn't she changed?

Anna is Ours

Five months ago today we asked the China Civil Adoption Affairs if we could adopt Chu Fang Ran. Through the support of the Chinese Government, the Xuzhou Social Welfare Institute, the United States Citizen and Immigration Services, The National Visa Center, our wonderful China Adoption Coordinator, our home study Social Worker and the other Xuzhou families; Anna Lin officially became our daughter today!  Oh, and we received TA on Christmas Day.It was waiting for us at the Nanjing office yesterday. (No comment J) The mountain of paperwork, numerous signatures and the fingerprints of John, Anna and myself solidifies that Anna Lin is our daughter forever. After the ceremony in the Civil Affairs office, we spent some time at the Nanjing orphanage with the other family in our group.  We then celebrated with lunch at Burger King. For all of you that told us Anna is a tiny little thing…we invite you carry her for awhile.  She is a solid girl!  Most of the clothes I brought her are too small and her feet are very wide so the shoes don't fit either. And this girl can eat! At breakfast she ate 6 dumplings, 2 fried eggs, 4 pieces of toast, a bowl of noodles, 3 yogurts and 2 glasses of orange juice. Our guide took me to the department store to buy her some clothes and a stroller. Anna's condition makes it very uncomfortable for her to walk and it hurts when we hold her. She likes riding in the stroller…I'm convinced she thinks she's VIP being pushed around in her special car. The smile has not left her face although we have had a few testy moments with her. She's getting to know Lily and they are working through the process of living together as sisters. She's also learning to bond with us.  Last night I crawled in bed with her to give her a hug. We spent several minutes in silence just looking into each other's eyes. Anna pushed back the covers and unzipped her PJ's and took them off.  She then reached for my top and had me remove it. She wanted to hug skin to skin. We lay in each other's arms for awhile and she slowly drifted off to sleep.  She looked so at peace with what is going on in her life. We are just amazed at how quickly she is fitting into our family. Pamela Block pamela.block@yahoo.com http://johnpamelablock.blogspot.com/

Fw: Fang Ran Is In Our Arms!

Today at 2:15 PM Xuzhou time at the Nanjing Civil Affairs Office, Fang Ran was put in our arms.  She handled the transition so well.  She took in everything happening around her while babies from several other orphanages were joining their new families.  Most were crying loudly as their whole world was changing.  Fang Ran took it all in with measured curiosity and calm.  But it wasn't long before she cracked a wide smile and cuddled in our arms.   It was very clear that Ms. Tang and the orphanage staff had prepared her so well for this moment.  Through our guide we learned that she was very well informed on what was about to happen in her life.  We learned that she understood clearly that she would not return to the orphanage, and was very happy about that.  During the transition today it was so fascinating to see her accept her new Mom and Dad so quickly and say goodbye to her caregivers of the last 2 years and two months since she was left cold and alone in a dirty and crowded train station.   It was very clear to us that Fang Ran was loved by the orphanage directors and staff.  This was made especially clear when the deputy director traveled to Nanjing for her transition, which was not the norm.  We learned that she had been a favorite of his and he was very concerned that, due to her rare condition, she would never be adopted.   As Pamela described to the orphanage directors how the surgeons in Seattle would be able to help Fang Ran live a normal life, tears streamed down their cheeks.  They knew we would take care of her, but hadn't realized how we could help her live a normal life; help her look normal, and even have her own children. They were grateful and elated.  The orphanage directors were overcome with emotion, embracing Pamela several times as tears rolled down everyone's cheeks.   Lily handled the situation so very well too.  She wasn't sure at first about sharing Mommy's lap with her new sister, and seemed perplexed about what was happening around her.  But she took it in stride without crying or being fussy at all.    This evening Lily is still a bit perplexed, but seemed to understand that her new sister really needed her help.  She introduced Fang Ran to Little Bear videos and to bath toys.  Fang Ran come to life.  She was zipping about the hotel room touching everything she could reach.  She was fascinated with each new thing she saw for the first time.  She found her voice; and we discovered she loves to giggle.  Sometimes she giggles for no obvious reason.  Sometimes she just lets go with a scream. It seems to be an expression of pure joy.    She was so wound up that she resisted going to bed well after her bedtime.  She wanted to just sit in Mommy's lap and sing her songs.  When we finally decided she needed to rest, she was very unhappy about going to bed until Mommy laid down and held her tight.  It wasn't long before she fell into a peaceful sleep, knowing she was with part of a family that would care for her and love her forever.   Tomorrow Fang Ran will become Anna Lin, and will officially become our daughter and Lily's sister.   PS- Scratch the peacetul sleep part.....Welcome to reality... Daddy's been trying to calm her down for the past 2 hours while I try to get a post up!   We'll set up shutterbug tomorrow and post more pictures.  We really need some sleep!

A twelve hour flight… a missed connection….an unexpected night in Beijing without a guide….a crazy taxi ride through the crowded city….getting through the train station with 4 duffle bags, 3 back packs, and a tired 2 year old...2 economy seats in a completely full train with Lily on our lap for 8 hours was all worth it! In a couple of hours we will walk into the Civil Affairs office in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China to bring our 4 year old daughter home. We are beyond exhausted but so happy that this day is finally here.

Lily Rides the Santa Train

Lily met Santa for the first time last Saturday.  She didn't quite know what to think about that!  But she complied with our urging to sit on his lap, and smiled for a picture.  She had fun riding on the Snoqualmie Railroad Museum train and drinking her first cup of hot cocoa.  It was a very cold day which added to the Christmas spirit.

We’re Coming Anna!

We've been so busy trying to push our paperwork through that we haven’t had a chance to provide an update for awhile. On November 30th, four days after we learned Anna had been hospitalized, our official “Letter of Acceptance” arrived from china. This is the document that we sign and return letting China know that we would like to move forward with the final phase of adopting Anna. Our FedEx driver joined in the celebration. We signed the document and turned it around that same day.

Next comes a flurry of more paperwork that will eventually grant us the approval to board a plane and head to China. Anna's surgeon and pediatrician have both advocated our behalf based on some new medical information that we've been given. Our agency is doing their part and the CCAA is cooperating to help us get Anna home ASAP. Everything is being processed via "soft copy" allowing us to work through the paperwork in days instead of weeks.

Lily is coming to the realization that she will be sharing mommy and daddy soon. This weekend we were running around preparing to make room in our hearts and our home for another special daughter. We bought some matching "sister" clothes as well some things that are just for Anna. Lily was a great sport except for one pair of "horsey" PJs that we bought for Anna. She wants them too. So, Pamela will be going back to the mall to purchase a 2nd pair. We'll put them under the tree. We hope we can maintain the balance of making Lily feel special and helping Anna discover what it's like to be a part of a family.

We hope that we can enjoy the next 2 to 3 weeks of being a family of three before we welcome our beautiful little Anna into our lives. I asked our agency on Friday when they thought we'd be traveling and was told with a miracle we could be hugging Anna the first week of January. We believe in Christmas miracles! Do you??

Counting down the days until we travel!

Giving Thanks for Lily Mei and Anna Lin

We learned that Anna Lin was admitted to a Xuzhou hospital this week, which caused us great concern for a few hours.  After quickly sending inquiries to our agency we learned that it was only a minor infection.  We were very relieved, but this latest occurance increased our desire to get her home as soon as possible.

We later recieved pictures of Anna in the hospital, and it was clear she wasn't in distress. These pictures along with the several others we've  received from other families who've recently traveled to Xuzhou have put our mind at ease. It was a Thanksgiving gift to know she was doing well.

Our other gifts were to have Eric join us for dinner and, of course, having our second wonderful Thanksgiving with Lily.

Anna's 4th birthday was October 30th.  We sent her a box with gifts, pictures, and party favors, and the orphanage had a very nice party for her.  The picture of Anna holding up her birthday card and a picture of Lily and her mom in the pumpkin patch is really special for us.  What a wonderful smile she has!!  We can't wait to hold her in our arms!

Halloween Fairy and her Ladybug

Lily Discovers That Boys are Different

Lily has had her share of challenges with potty training, the only area of development that was a bit slow for her. But recently she has made great progress and rarely has "accidents" any more. And she has taken an active role at school in supporting younger children in their use of the potty.

She came home this week and exclaimed..."boys have peanuts". When asked what girls have, she didn't hesitate..."Girls have bagines".

A Message to Anna

This past week has been filled with excitement for Xuzhou families. Three families are currently in China with their new Xuzhou daughters and son and many more are preparing to take the trip in early November and the coming months. For the families waiting it means we get updates of our precious children with whom we are getting to know and love through pictures and stories of the families who have just hugged them half way around the world.

When we traveled to bring home Lily in May 2008 we had a list of waiting families and were able to talk to and hug the children at their families request. It’s become a tradition that when a family travels to Xuzhou, we try to meet with all the children and send “special messages” to let the children know their families will be coming for them shortly. Many of these kids are home now and we’ve had the pleasure of watching them blossom and flourish. Now that I am once again waiting, I understand how special the orphanage visits are to the waiting parents.

Our Anna has been at the SWI for the past two years and has witnessed many of her friends become united with their forever families, including Lily who was her Xuzhou sister before we even knew it! Anna’s best friend April and her family visited the orphanage last week to say “goodbye”. The girls hugged and Mark promised Anna we would soon be coming to take her home too. You can read the story on Lisa’s blog.

http://ourmishpacha.blogspot.com/2009/10/day-6-nanjing-trip-to-xuzhou-orphanage.html

John teases me that I when I want something, I put my whole heart and soul into it. And I want to get this little girl home with all my heart.

10 weeks ago today, we were told by the China Center of Adoption Affairs that we were pre-approved to move forward with the adoption of Fang Ran. I moved mountains and raced through the paperchase in record time. As of today, we are DTC!!! - our paperwork is in China. Our paperchase is over and now the wait to travel begins!

It's Pumpkin Time, Lily!

During Lily's second annual trek to the pumpkin patch, she helped us pick pumpkins that represented Daddy, Mommy, Nanny, Grandma, Eric, Anna, herself, and Misha. She helped us arrange all these pumpkin characters on the front porch next to our straw-filled scarecrow. Every morning, as Dad backs out of the driveway to take Lily to school, she waves goodbye to all the pumpkins and to the "silly scarecrow".

Lily and the Moon Festival

Lily continues to amaze us. Today is a good example. As Lily and her mom were heading to the bathroom, her dad said jokingly, "Say hello to the potty for me Lily." Lily stopped, turned around, and responded, "The potty can't wave hello daddy, it doesn't have hands."

Last weekend we celebrated the Chinese Moon Festival with Lily. After Chinese New Years, it's the biggest holiday for the Chinese. We went to Chinatown in Seattle and had a wonderful Chinese dinner. Lily is especially fond of noodles. She tried chopsticks, but decided she could get more noodles with a fork.

On the way home, Lily saw the festival moon rising over Seattle. We thought about Anna who hopefully saw the same moon halfway across the world. And on the next Moon Festival she will be looking at it here with us!

At home Lily helped her mom make a moon cake, which is one of the traditions for the Chinese at Moon Festival. It was different from the traditional Chinese moon cake, but it was delicious. Yellow cake, buttercream frosting, and decorated with the moon and stars.

Lily constantly surprises us with her joy for life, her curiosity, and her intelligence. But Lily has also developed an incredible sense of humor. One way she expresses that humor is by making faces. She goes from being a serious (and very cute) young lady to a major pucker mouth to whatever silly face she can think of...and then she cracks herself up!

A Special Name with Many Red Thread Connections

John and I have settled on what we believe to be the perfect name for Fang Ran. When John first saw her picture, the name that came to mind was Anna. John’s Grandmother on his Father’s side was named Anna and my Great-grandmother (who I adored) on my Mother’s side was also Anna. And John loves the name. We’ve gone down many lists and Anna keeps coming back to us. Also, when I look at Fang Ran's beautiful face it fits the classic name.

Now onto the middle name. My mother's middle name is Lynne and John's sister's name is Linda (although everyone calls her Lin). Lin in Chinese means forest and Fang means nature so we feel like we’re honoring her Chinese name.

I was struggling with finding the meaning of Ran and my friend Erin, who lead us to Fang Ran, learned that Ran is a Japanese girl name. The meaning of the name is `Lily, Purity’. I later realized that Erin’s daughter from Xuzhou whose picture has been on my mantle since Lily’s first birthday and who is also pictured with Fang Ran in several pictures also has been given the middle name Lin.

So many Red Thread connections….. this is meant to be. It’s official. We’ll be calling our 2nd Xuzhou daughter Anna Lin.

Fun with Family & Friends

We had a great weekend with family and friends. Lily had the opportunity to meet Pamela's brother and sister-in-law. Jeff and Cindy fell in love with Lily and she really enjoyed all the attention. On Saturday, we met our friends for lunch and then took a boat ride on Lake Washington. Lily had fun riding in the dingy with our close friend Tim and Aunt Cindy. Uncle Jeff played with her in the back yard. She took to him immediately and loved showing off. This afternoon, Lily attended her first birthday party for a little neighbor girl. She was a little shy at first, but after a while joined in all the fun.

Jeff & Cindy with Pamela and Lily

Tim takes Cindy and Lily for a dingy ride

Heading to the birthday party

That's My Sister!!

Lily is so excited about sharing her life with her new sister. She looks at her pictures often and when anyone asks "Who is this?" Lily promptly replies, "That's my sister!"

I wanted to share some pictures of Fang Ran that have been shared with us from other Xuzhou mommies. Some of the pictures were taken during their wait to bring their beautiful little ones home. Others were taken during the family visit to the orphanage to say their "good bye's" to the friends they leave behind as they begin their new life with their families. We will be counting the months and days until we are able to wrap our arms around Fang Ran and bring her home.

Kathleen's sister meets Fang Ran when visting the SWI with Marika

At Maia-Cai's birthday party

Trena gives Chu Fang Ran a hug and LilaLee says goodbye to her friend

Fang Ran riding her trike