Our Visit to Xuzhou Orphanage

Sorry we were not able to post to the blog yesterday. It was a very long day. Lily was not feeling well on Tuesday and we vacillated as to whether or not we should make the long trip to the Xuzhou orphanage at all. She had not eaten anything on Tuesday and cried all day. But in the morning she seemed to be doing much better and ate a huge breakfast... two bottles, some pears, and juice. We really wanted to go and as you will see from the pictures and the following story, we are so glad we did!

We headed out about 7:30 am with a driver who spoke no English. The drive was very long but we got to see what we have been waiting to see in China-- miles and miles of beautiful agricultural fields with families out working in them. We saw rice paddies, huge oxen, and all the other images seen in the travel books. This was such a nice break from the dusty hustle-bustle of the cities.

We had Lily dressed very cutely for her visit. But, of course, she had a huge poopy accident on the way! Thank goodness we’d brought a change of clothes. We were still a bit worried we should have brought more as she had already gone through both bottles of milk and the juice we brought along.

After our 4 hour drive through the countryside, we arrived in Xuzhou. Our driver pulled over and made a phone call. We thought he was lost, but do not know for sure. About 15 minutes later a van pulled up and Ms. Tang (the orphanage director) and the interpreter got in and rode with us to the orphanage. After a few minutes we pulled through a gate to the main building. To our amazement a huge red banner was draped across the main entrance that read, “Welcome Fu Rong's family visit - Xuzhou SWI”. Pamela lost it. She was crying and Ms Tang was smiling knowing that she had surprised us. They invited us inside to “rest”.

We were ushered to a room with nice leather chairs and offered fruit and water. Staff began coming in to meet us and soon about 15 people had gathered in the room. Then, much to our surprise, a camera crew entered the room with the main orphanage director. We were told they were filming our visit for the evening news. OK, now Pam’s embarrassed because she had on a baggy pair of shorts and an old tank top! She hadn’t even done much with her hair and makeup thinking that we had a 12 hour day in the van holding a sweaty baby. What would it matter?

The cameraman began shooting video and the main orphanage director formally welcomed us with a prewritten speech. She then presented us with a beautiful piece of traditional Chinese art. Ms. Tang then presented us with Lily's first birthday outfit and her first pair of shoes. Lily's eyes really lit up when she saw her shoes! She was in her glory! All of her nanny's were in the room and took turns holding her. She was laughing and smiling; enjoying all the attention.

The news crew turned their attention to John and asked him to make a statement. It's hard to get John to show emotion, but by this time he was so choked up he could barely talk into the microphone. After a sip of water he told the reporter and the others in the room that he knows that Lily is very sick and needs medical attention and that we promise to give her the best care possible in the US. The reporter then asked Pam what she will tell Lily when she gets older about her birth country. Pam answered that she has been researching the China culture for the past two years while waiting to adopt and that Lily was born in her heart long before she ever met her. We promised to keep in touch with the orphanage and return someday with Lily to show her the country of her birth.

After the welcome ceremony we were brought back to see the children. It was so meaningful to be where Lily spent her first year of life. They brought us back to the baby room and showed us Lily's first crib. They then took us to the sleeping room where the toddlers sleep. Pam put Lily in what was her second crib. Lily gave her a perplexed look and immediately raised her hands to get out. It felt so good for Pam to be able to whisper in her ear that she would not have to spend another night here without her mommy and daddy.

Next we were brought into the toddler play room where a lot of the kids were rolling around in their little wheeled walkers. We recognized several children we’d seen in pictures, including some whose parents are waiting for their travel papers.

We tried hard to get pictures of as many of the babies as possible for all the waiting parents who read this blog. We apologize if we missed anyone, but this part of the day went very fast and was very emotional. We also felt an underlying suspicion of why we were so anxious to take pictures. (For some parents we know who are following the Yahoo blog, we have additional pictures of the children we will be sending to you directly.)

John took as many pictures as he could. He also tried to touch and talk to every baby in the two rooms. Pamela, in the meantime, was followed by the news crew and asked additional questions. In spite of that, she tried hard to let each nanny know how much we appreciate their loving work with the babies.

Suddenly Ms. Tang came in the room holding the hand of a beautiful young girl. It was Jia! Pamela has emailed and talked with her parents who will be traveling to pick her up very soon. Pamela lost it again. She leaned down and gave Jia a big hug. She told her that she was her mommy and daddy’s friend and that they are trying hard to come to China quickly and bring her home.

Jia told her that she misses her mommy and daddy very much and she wants to come to America and is waiting for them. She also told Pam that she loves the clothes that they sent to her and that she was wearing one the outfits today. All of this was captured by the news crew. Jia is so sweet and you could tell that she carefully prepared her speech in preparation for our visit.

We wish we could have spent more time with the children but they pulled us toward the door and told us that they had more in store for us.

We piled into the van with the news crew, Ms. Tang, and the interpreter. We were told we were headed to the police station to meet the officer that found Lily. Once there, the officer explained to us that it was his day off and that is why he was not in uniform. He showed us his badge and got in the van. We were off to the 4th General Hospital of Xuzhou, escorted by two police cars with flashing lights.

We got out and went into the emergency entrance. Along the wall was a blue gurney. The officer went over to the gurney and asked us to sit down with him. He told us that it was here that Lily was found alone on May 15, 2007. He thanked us for adopting her. Of course, Pam lost it again..... and thanked him for finding her.

After spending a few minutes in the hospital, we were taken to a wonderful restaurant where we were ushered into a private room where a group of the orphanage workers were waiting. They laid out a wonderful lunch for us. While we were eating, the nannies took turns playing with Lily one last time. She had so much fun.

Back at the orphanage we prepared to depart. The nannies and staff smothered Lily with hugs and kisses. At that moment we felt knots in our stomachs and lumps in our throats. Was Lily ready and willing to say goodbye…maybe forever? Would she scream with fear as she was taken from their arms?

Pam uncertainly held out her arms, tears rolling down her cheeks. Lily instantly reached out her tiny arms toward her mommy. She was ready to fall into them and go home with her new family.
The trip back to the hotel seemed so much shorter than the ride out. Lily was tired from all the commotion centered on her, and slept soundly much of the way. As we watched the long evening shadows stretching across the manicured fields, the oxen enjoying a rest and some green grass after a long day pulling the plough, and the farm families making their way down the dusty paths toward their homes, we felt many strong emotions.

Appreciation for the wonderful ceremony in our honor. Closure at having been able to see where Lily lived her first year. A better understanding of why she is how she is. Gratefulness to the nannies who took care of her so she now has the chance to get well and live a full life. Sadness at having to leave the other children in their cribs, waiting. But most of all, the incredible joy of having Lily in our lives.

She Is Ours....Officially

Yesterday we told you that Lily Mei was our daughter. In reality, she became our daughter officially today.

Early this morning the families were boarded back on the bus and whisked off to the Civil Affairs Bureau once more. This time it was to, first, let the Chinese government know we hadn't changed our minds and wanted to keep our children. (Well, we didn't have to think about that one very long!)

But the primary reason was to sign more official paperwork, pay fees to the government agencies administering the adoption, and to make a very large "donation" to the orphanage. The donation was to cover the costs of their taking care of Lily for her first year.

It was most interesting to see how each child was doing a short 24 hours since they'd been handed over to strangers. Each child was faring differently. Some were acting essentially as if nothing unusual had happened; that they had known these parents all their lives. Others were still withdrawn and seemingly still quite fearful. Others, such as Lily, were going with the flow one minute and then looking perplexed the next.

A big challenge for us has been that little has been shared about her sleeping/eating schedule and her eating habits. And we are discovering more and more about her being behind developmentally. That has left a lot of guesswork for us and an "out of sorts" feeling for Lily. So today was a bit of a challenge for all three of us.

But Lily does seem to be more relaxed with us today. And we are falling more in love with her by the minute!

Tomorrow we travel to visit Lily's orphanage, and hopefully to see her "finding spot", the place where she was found. It's a long ride, but we think it's important for us to see those places so we can tell Lily about them should she want to know about them some day .

Thanks for checking in.

Lily after a nice warm bottle

Playing with stacking cups

With Ms. Tang, the Orphanage Director, and one of Lily's caregivers at the Civil Affairs

Bureau

It was a long morning and Lily finally s

uc

cumbed to a nap

The Bureau of Civil Affairs office where the babies and children are handed off, and where fees are paid

We Have Her

Today was the day we've been waiting for with such great anticipation. Lily Mei came into our lives.

And what a wonderful way she did so! After curiously looking at our faces for a few minutes, she begin to relax and behave like she knew us as her Mom and Dad. It wasn't long before she was making soft sounds and playing with the toy she found most interesting-- John's watch. Her first crying wasn't until the ride back to the hotel on the bus when she was obviously very tired. Before long she fell into a very peaceful sleep.

Lily was more beautiful and so much more tiny than her pictures had shown. She can barely sit up and has little muscle tone. With the greater freedom of movement she will now have, we are very optimistic she will catch up to a more normal state of development very quickly.

Back at the hotel she had a hearty dinner of formula, crackers, and banana and was soon asleep in her crib.

Tomorrow we all go back to the Bureau of Civil Affairs for the formal adoption ceremony. Lily
will officially be our daughter.

Lily's crib at the hotel is ready for her



Today was a “down day” for us here in Nanjing. We relaxed (or at least John did—Pamela was bouncing off the walls).

The other six families were to arrive at 9:00 this morning, but their flight was cancelled and they didn’t arrive until 3:30.

We took a walk to check out our surroundings. Nanjing is like a small town after Shanghai. Only 6 million people compared to 17 million! (For comparison, New York City has 8.2 million people. ) Fortunately there are parks and winding walkways near the hotel and so we will be able to get out for walks with Lily over the next few days.

The weather is sticky, but there’s generally a breeze. The hotel has a large pool, and so we will be able to cool off. We’re not sure how Lily will react to a pool, as we’re not sure she’s even been in a tub.

It will be a week of testing things out and baby steps, and trying not to overwhelm her.
We cannot do much planning ahead, since we know nothing of how she will handle the transition. It will be one moment at a time. We can’t wait to start those moments.

Our excitement will have to wait a bit longer we have learned. The time for our scheduled pick up of Lily was moved from 10:00 to 2:00 tomorrow.

22 hours to Lily.

Thanks for checking in.

We Arrive in Nanjing

The busy Shanghai train station










Pamela with Leon, our guide and interpreter



Today we journeyed from Shanghai to Nanjing, a two hour ride on one of China’s sleek, smooth, and fast bullet trains. This being the end of the 3 day Chinese holiday, there were throngs of people heading home on the trains. In spite of huge numbers, the train ran right on time and was very comfortable.

We are the first family to arrive in our children’s province. The other six Great Wall Adoption families will arrive tomorrow morning. On Monday (Sunday in the States) we will all pick up our children at the Nanjing Civil Affairs Bureau.

Lily is spending her last hours in the Xuzhou orphanage where she has spent the last year. It is the only home she remembers. In a very short time her life will abruptly change when she is handed to two total strangers. The shock that she will feel is unimaginable to us, and we feel a great responsibility for easing this painful time as best as we can. We are humbled by this responsibility as much as we are thankful for this opportunity.

Today when we were arriving at the Nanjing train station, we were to be met by a representative of the adoption agency. As we made our way toward the exit, our eyes searched the crowded station for a handheld sign identifying our representative. Our eyes found the sign reading “Great Wall China Adoption- the Block Family ” at the same moment. We turned to look at each other, and Pamela’s eyes immediately welled with tears. The reality of where we were and why we are here was sinking in more and more.

We arrived at our hotel and have Lily’s crib all set up in the corner of our room. Pamela scrubbed it down and made it very snug with bedding she’s brought from home. The wait is now from days down to mere hours.

40 hours to Lily and counting.

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China's Ancient Water Town

What an unbelievable day here in Shanghai. Pamela had arranged for a tour guide and driver to take us to one of China’s most famous parks, The Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou. And then on to the ancient, peaceful, quaint, idyllic city of Zhouzhuang Water Town—the Venice of the East. To our utter amazement, the entire 17 million population of Shanghai decided to join us! You can imagine how honored we felt.

The mass exodus that surrounded us made for a tremendous three hour traffic jam; the air filled with blasting car horns, exhaust fumes , and the dust stirred up off the roads by vehicles of every shape and size. Mercedes to bicycles, motor scooters to cement trucks.

The gardens and ancient tiled roof buildings were beautiful and awe-inspiring… we think. We were huddled so tightly amongst the adoring locals that we weren’t able to see very much.

After a quick lunch and tour of the local silk factory (factory tours are a requirement as part of any tour in China) we were off for the quaint idyllic Water Town. The 17 million charged after us, reveling in a day off from school and work.

The Water Town certainly reminds one of Venice, as it was built hundreds of years ago on a web of canals. Gorgeous arched bridges connect the walkways and narrow roads, and singing boat woman skillfully guide wooden boats through the winding waterways. Unfortunately, today the bridges were filled with tour buses and the canals were so jammed with boats that the promise of peacefulness and quaintness somehow got away from us.

Anticipating our visit, hundreds of merchants filled their tiny stalls with every imaginable piece of junk tourists could buy. And cute old wrinkled ladies spread their dried fish, shrimp, and other unidentifiable creatures in woven baskets for us to purchase, if we wished, and munch on the way home in the three hour traffic jam back to the hotel.

Tomorrow we are off on the train to Nanjing. Three days to Lily and counting.

Thanks for checking in.

The breezes in old Shanghai

Our journey to pick up Lily started yesterday, 10 hours to Tokyo and 3 hours to Shanghai. The flights were very crowded and uncomfortable, but we made it safely. We arrived in Shanghai late in the evening and endured a long and harried taxi ride to our hotel. In China, there don't seem to be traffic laws and there are no seat belts, a scary combination.

Today we wandered to the famous shopping district only to discover that today was a national holiday. The streets were jammed with seemingly millions of people celebrating the equivalant of our Memorial Day by visiting the shops and enjoying the warm day. But it was a people-watching paradise. As one can imagine, we received a lot of stares-- two blonds and one taller than almost everyone. And the Chinese can really stare! A little intimidating.

After doing some shopping for Lily, we made it back to our hotel and decided to try out a well-known Russion restaurant called The Flying Elephant. As with all dining experiences we've had in China in our two trips here, we were surprised. Do they really eat that much tongue in Russia? Fortunately the stroganof was tasty.

Tomorrow is off for site-seeing to China's historic water cities built on canals much like Venice.

Lily is four days and counting.




Poultry selections at a traditional food store.

Hisoric hutongs (old neighborhoods) in among the skyscrapers.

We leave for Shanghai today

The time is finally here for us to board our plane and head halfway around the world to meet our daughter.


Nana arrived late Sunday night from Florida with Snowball (her cat) to watch Trooper and Misha and hold down the fort. Eric came over last night for dinner and to get his last minute instructions on doing his part while we're away. Our bags are packed...and within our weight allowance of 44lbs! For all of you other May adopting travelers, our purple ribbon is proudly displayed on Lily's back pack. Our good friend Kelly is on her way to pick us up and see us off to what will be the journey of a lifetime.

We'll see you all in China! ~Pamela and John

I Couldn't Resist

With less than two weeks before we leave you would think I could resist asking (begging) for updates and pictures but I gave into temptation...again. Lily is 13 months old in this picture and is playing with a toy we sent her in our latest care package. I have it posted on my office wall and John comes in about every 15 minutes to give her a kiss. I wonder who is going to spoil her the most?

Where We Will Be in China

We leave for China in Two Weeks!

Last Thursday our agency confirmed our Consulate Appointment with the American Embassy and we are now cleared to make our travel arrangements. We will be leaving on April 29th and returning on May 17th. We will have our final itinerary by next week, but a few key dates are confirmed. We will be flying into Shanghai and spending a few days learning about the culture before traveling to Nanjing in the Jiangsu Province where will be united with Lily. Our ‘gotcha day” is planned for May 4th. We have been given permission to visit the orphanage in Xuzhou City which is about a five hour drive from Nanjing. After spending about a week in Lily’s province we will fly to Guangzhou for our consulate appointment on May 14th. After we receive Lily’s visa we will travel to Hong Kong and fly home. We are counting down the days until we leave!

Lily's Latest Pictures

Lily is 12.5 months old, weighs 18 pounds. and is 29 inches tall!

"Oops!! I just blurped! He he!"

"I'm just a little Arctic fashion princess!"

Happy 1st Birthday Lily

Dearest Lily,

Today is your first birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lily Mei!!

Mommy and Daddy celebrated your special day, but we missed so much being able to hold you in our arms. We are counting down the days until we travel to China to meet you, wrap our arms around you, and take you into our hearts.

Many other people are waiting to love you too, Lily. Grandma Ethel sent you a very special birthday card and Nana Barbara booked her flight today so she can be here when you arrive. Auntie Sara and Uncle Howard from next door bought you your first swim suit, hat, and towel so that you can take a boat ride this summer!

Mommy has been very busy getting your nursery ready so that you will have a warm, special place for your very own. Daddy is looking forward to bath time and has some bath toys for you to play with.

In China there are many people that love you, too. Your aunties at the orphanage gave you a very special birthday and had a beautiful cake for you. Our Chinese friend Angela was able to send you a package from us that included some toys and a couple of outfits – one that you are wearing in your birthday picture. They sent us pictures and told us that you are very happy on your special day- your 1st birthday.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Your Room is Ready, Lily

Misha waits for Lily

We'll soon be hearing the pitter-patter of little feet

The view from Lily's window. The bird feeder and the ducks.

Introducing Our Precious Daughter!

It's official! We're the very proud parents of Chu Fu Rong, born March 15, 2007 in Jiangsu Province, China.

We will name her Lily Mei Block. She is waiting for us in XuZhou City SWI and we hope to travel in May to bring her home.


Lily Mei - 11 months old

Pamela Signs Letter of Acceptence for Lily

Lily Mei Block is waiting for us

As many of you already know, we received a call from our adoption agency several weeks ago. This came as a great surprise, as we had started a concurrent adoption process with Vietnam several months ago. Although we had left our Chinese adoption request active, we had no expectation of getting a call.

But the call came! A little 10 month old baby girl was waiting for us. We were told that there were some health issues we would need to address when she got to America.

After talking to several doctors we decided we very much wanted this little girl, and that we could take care of her health issues. We said "Yes!" and immediately accepted her into our hearts.

We are now waiting for her official paperwork from China, in adoption terms it's called the LOA or Letter of Acceptance. We will tell you more when we can, and post a picture. When we travel to China we plan to add posts to our blog each day we are there.

We can't wait to introduce you to Lily!

Chinese New Year 2008

The oldest and most important festival in China is called the Spring Festival. Many people call it the Chinese New Year. No matter what you call it, it is a time of celebration for millions of Chinese people all over the world.
The Spring Festival celebrates the Earth coming back to life and the beginning of plowing and planting. Because the Chinese use a lunar calendar, the date of the Spring Festival changes each year. It takes place at some time during the end of January or the beginning of February.
The Chinese calendar has a 12 year cycle and each year is named after an animal. People born in each of these years are said to have certain characteristics. The year 2008 (year 4706 on the Chinese calendar) is the Year of the Rat. People born in the Year of the Rat are said to be charming, hard-working, passionate, and practical.
Families make great preparations for this special celebration. Before the new year, families settle debts and buy new clothes. The house is cleaned and food is prepared. Homes are filled with flowers and fruit. Oranges, tangerines, and pomeloes are picked and displayed . The colors symbolize good luck and joy.
Blossoms symbolize longevity and courage. Some Chinese believe that if flowers blossom on New Years Day good fortune will be theirs for the next year. Candy trays of candied melon, coconut, lotus seed and watermelon seed are offered. They signify growth, good health, abundance and togetherness.
Scrolls or couplets are hung on walls or doorways to carry messages of good health, luck, long life, prosperity, and happiness. A popular one reads “May everything be according to your wishes.”
Children behave impeccably because they are warned that what happens the first day of the year may decide events for the coming year. Everyone takes care to say and do the right things and think good thoughts. If only every day was Chinese New Year, eh?
Gung Hay Fat Choy (May prosperity be with you)!

Trooper Has Surgery

Trooper had eye surgery this week. A sudden onset of glaucoma caused the loss of sight in his left eye, and he almost lost sight in his right eye. Fortunately we caught it in time to save some sight in the right. Thursday the dog eye specialist removed the contents of Trooper's left eye and replaced it with a prosthesis.

He is doing well, with the exception of having to deal with the "lampshade" on his head!





Trooper with his
"lampshade"