Princess Madison

No traditional pictures on the White Swan Red Couch this trip, so we had
our own private photo shoot. She is so cooperative with picture taking.
Good thing. She may think that this is just because we are in China, but
fact is, I am never too far from my camera. Just ask my other two
princesses!

Many have asked me what I am calling her. Up until a few days ago I
have been primarily been calling her Xiaoping. On ocasion I have called
her Madi Xiaoping. She now answers to Madi, Madison and Xiaoping LOL.
My guide explained to her that she will always be Xiaoping, but we have
picked an American name for her if she liked it. She smiled when we told
her what it was, but I am not sure she understood what the heck we were
telling her. To me, she is my sweet Xiaoping. But she answers to both
(all) of her names, so she will decide. She is already making some of
the letters in her American name. She is really smart and I suspect she
will catch on very quickly once we are home.

My plan is to start her in Kindergarten once she has been home for a bit
and is adjusted. At the end of the school year we will decide whether
she will go on to 1st grade or repeat kindy. I want her English skills
focused on before we push her too hard in the academics. Only time will
tell. As each of my girls have taught me, if I follow their lead, things
have a way of working out.

This may be my last post from China. I get home on New Year's Eve at
7:15pm. Just in time to ring in the new year! Ahhhh, I have visions of
my soft, comfy bed!!!!!

Last full day in Guangzhou

Today is our last full day in China. It is bittersweet. On one hand I
am SOOO ready to hold all three of my babies. I miss my girls SOOOO
much. This is the longest that we have been apart and to say it was
easy, would be a lie. It was hard. But, so worth it. Madison was so
worth it. A dream come true. Our family is finally complete. Today,
although there were a couple of things I wanted to get that I wasn't
able to, I decided NOT to go back to Shamian Island today. I have spent
my quota and I know that if I go back, I will just buy more unnecessary
purchases lol. Today we will spend a quiet day, packing up and winding
down. I will miss China. For some reason, when I am here, I feel like I
am home. Not the hotels and the hustle and bustle of eating out
everyday. But on our quiet days where we spend just exploring the area
and having fun, it is home away from home. It is an odd feeling,
difficult to explain. Tomorrow I will take Madison away from everything
that she has known up to this point. It is a bittersweet feeling. I am
thrilled to get the opportunity to be this sweet girl's Mommy, but I
can't help but to think about her birth family today. I often think
about all of my girl's birth families. I pray that they are safe and
that they feel peace with the decisions that they have made. I pray for
them, and for Madi. That SHE will have peace with the decisions that
have been made for HER. She hasn't had any say about any of this. I
hope that I can explain things to her when she is able to understand.

She is feeling more and more comfortable with each passing day. It was
clear to me when I told her "no" about something this morning and she
walked away from me and then dropped to the floor. LOL. She will learn
quickly that doesn't fly with this Mama. I am thankful that she is
feeling comfortable enough to be a little sassy with me, but I hope that
she waits another day or two so we can get through the airports and
flights without too much drama. LOL.

Here are a couple of pictures I snapped this morning. This is the view
we see each morning when we eat breakfast. It is just beautiful. The
weather has been gorgeous. Looking forward to coming home, but not to
the frigid temperatures I hear we are having.

Chen Family Academy

Some pictures of our last tour to the Chen Family Academy. The
architecture of these buildings are just beautiful. All of the carvings
and painting, hand done.

6 Banyan Temple

After our Consulate appointment, we went to one of the oldest Temples in
China. It was very beautiful. When I went there with my other two
babies, I had the opportunity to have them blessed. I was happy to have
been given the opportunity to have Madison blessed today as well. One
can always use more blessings, right? I was very moved by the ceremony
as well as a service that we watched earlier in the day. There is
something calming about the chants of the monks. Once we are home, I
will have Madison Christened by our priest and she will be raised a
Christian, but this is a tradition in China, one I felt moved to do for
her.

On the way to the Consulate Appointment

This morning, we had our last official appointment for the adoption.
This was at the American Consulate, where we handed in all of our
paperwork in order to get Madison's Visa to come to America. It went
well and my facilitator will pick the Visa up tomorrow after 2pm. Then
we are free to leave China. Most of the families are leaving late
tomorrow afternoon to take a train to Hong Kong. Cathy, the girls and I
are leaving on Saturday morning and taking a plane to Hong Kong. While
it would have been nice to start our journey home earlier, it is all for
the best. By taking the plane to Hong Kong, we are able to check our
bags all the way through to New York. That will be much easier to manage
with two little ones. We are not permitted to take pictures in the
Consulate, so here is one taken just before we left the hotel this
morning....at 7:30 am!!!

2 more sleeps, I am so anxious to get home to my other girls!!!!!!!!!!!

Shamian Island Shopping

Today was a free day, so Cathy, Gracie, Madi and I took a taxi to
Shamian Island for some shopping. We both did our fair share to boost
the economy in China. LOL. We shopped at a couple of my favorite shops,
Jordan's and A Gift from China, and a couple of others. Jordan is such
a kind man. He kept our strollers and bags for us while we ate so we
didn't have to cart everything up the stairs to the restaurant above his
store. We ate lunch above his shop, about 3 flights up. Thanks for the
tip, Melissa, it was delicious! The weather has been gorgeous. Today I
would guess that it is in the mid 70s. I always need to purchase an
extra suit case to come home, this trip is no different. I was able to
get a lot of the things that I wanted. There are a couple of more
things that I want to pick up for Madi for the future. I love
Guangzhou!! The shopping is great and the people are so nice.

Our Consulate appointment is very early tomorrow morning so we are
turning in early. After our appointment tomorrow, we are going to the 6
Banyan Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China as well as
the Folk Museum. We need to meet the group in the lobby at 7:30am. We
will spend the rest of this evening tidying up the room and figuring out
how to repack everything. Friday is another "free day" and then we leave
for the airport very early on Saturday morning. Madison has done much
better with the motion sickness so I hope that the initial days was more
as a result of nervousness and just inexperience with riding in a car.
She continues to do well, although I am beginning to see some sassiness
coming through. That is fine by me, just means that she is beginning to
trust me more. Enjoy the pictures!!!

Safari Park

Just typed a long post and lost it. Of course it was the first time I
hadn't saved it in Word. But anyway, I almost didn't go today. It was
expensive, it was going to be an all day tour (9:30 to 4) and I woke up
with a migraine. After some Aleve, a hot shower, and breakfast I was
feeling better, so off we went. I am so glad I went. Madi Xiaoping liked
it a lot and she is talking to my guide more and more. There are times
that Helen still cannot understand her due to the dialect difference,
but Madi still chat away and seems to really like and respond to Helen.

We say elephants (Madi's favorite), Giraffes (my favorite), Hippos,
Rinos, Bears, Monkeys, Red Panda, Panda, Koala bears, baby tigers (which
we got to feed and pet), Tigers and SO MANY more animals. It was
fantastic and for any families considering going....so well worth the
time and expense!!!

Here are just a few pictures. I took soooo many more!!!

Pearl and Jade Market

Yesterday was a busy day full of shopping and touring. Madi Xiaoping
goes along with everything with ease and continues to do fantastic. I
was able to purchase her some pearls for when she is older as well as
some bracelets for all of the girls. Now each one has some jewelry for
when they are older, purchased from their birth country should they want
it. I was never a "pearl loving" girl, but something about hand picking
the strand of pearls and watching them be knotted one by one is so
fascinating. They string them so quickly. From the pearl market, we
walked a short distance to a video store where our guide assured us the
DVDs would work on American DVD players. I bought a few Disney, Barbie,
and Happy Goat DVDs and when I got to the room, they ALL worked on my
lap top. I am so happy. Each movie is in both English and Chinese. Madi
watched "Barbie and the Crystal Palace" and she was glued to the screen
LOL. That is one of Alyssa's favorite movies so I think they might have
a lot in common. It was neat to hear it in Chinese. Now that I know
the movies work on my laptop, I am sorry I did not get more for Madi
Xiaoping. Maybe will will take a cab there later in the week.

After the video store, we hopped on the bus to the Government shop where
they sell high quality jade. I would have loved to purchase some, but I
did not. Perhaps when we come back as a family in several years. I did
get a very pretty tea set for us to use at home. I bought Madi a tea
set for when she is older in Fujian Province. Now each of the girls
have their own teas sets to use when they have their own homes one day.
The one I bought today is quite pretty. The girls love to have tea
parties, now we have a proper tea set fit for three Chinese Princesses.

For dinner, Cathy and Gracie and Madi and I headed out for Mexican food.
It was delicious. I wasn't sure if Madi would like it, but she loved the
nachos with all of the toppings LOL.

Enjoy the pictures!!!

Medical Clinic Done

Madison had her last medical visit. The reading of the PPD, which was
fine. She became a little nervous when we are arrived at the clinic.
Helen quickly explained to her that we are only going in to have her arm
looked at and she wouldn't get any shots. She immediately shook her
head yes and was much more relaxed. Helen gave her a lollipop when we
got back on the bus, which Madi thoroughly enjoyed!! Such a brave
girl!!!!!!

Yummy Dragon Fruit

Madison is a great eater. She is showing her preferences more and more.
She loves vegetables, rice and noodles, which were the staple foods at
the orphanage. She doesn't like many meats. She LOVES the Dragon Fruit
that can be found at the breakfast buffet most mornings. She also likes
cheerios, but the cheerios at the breakfast buffet are sweetened, more
like Honey Nut Cheerios at home. She liked the congee the first day but
has since refused that. Smart girl, she has choices now!! She is
understanding so much English. It is quite amazing. She tries to repeat
most English words, but overall, she is pretty quiet. She talks a lot
here and there, but typically only nods yes/no when my guide is asking
her questions. Helen, our guide said she is very smart and understands
everything that she tells her, but that she is just shy. That is my
sense as well. She continues to do well, incredibly so. I keep waiting
for the other shoe to drop and that has yet to happen. She likes to hold
my hand and seems to enjoy being rocked. She is leaning in for my
kisses now too.

Merry Christmas, take two

I just spent the last 60 minutes skyping with my girls at home as they openend their Christmas gifts. Isn't technology so amazing?? It was so wonderful to hear and be a part of their excitement. Santa was good to them and they both got everything on their lists. Alyssa loves her American Girl doll and Emily was playing Angry Birds on her Ipod when we hung up LOL. They were both in great spirits and it made me feel so great. I can't thank my Mom enough for following through with all of our Christmas traditions. They made Gingerbread houses this week, they sprinkled reindeer food on the walk way, they left cookies and milk for Santa and they even followed suit by waking up in the middle of the night thinking that they could open presents at 3am. I forgot to mention that one to Nana. LOL. Like their Mom usually does, she sent them back to bed. Every year my girls each write Santa a note asking him one pressing question. He always answers them. We just cannot believe that he takes the time to answer them when he has so many deliveries to make on Christmas Eve. Alyssa's question this year was, "how do you make puzzles?" Santa gave quite a lengthy explanation about the process of making puzzles and threw in a little magic. :-) Emily wanted to know how Santa's reindeer fly? Again, Santa gave a detailed reply. I am not sure if he will have the time to give quite as much information next year...LOL.


Anyway, none of this would have been possible if my amazing friend Missy hadn't loaned my Mom her lap top this week. Missy, YOU have made this week so much more tolerable. I am so very thankful to the gift you gave us this week!!!

I had a wonderful day with my Angel girl. Oh my, I am not saying that she is perfect because she is MY child. I can take *some* credit with how polite and well behaved (most of the time) my other two girls are, but Madi. I would be pretty silly to think that I had anything to do with her politeness and well mannered personality. She is so easy going. We spent the day shopping on Shamian Island and she was SO GOOD. Not a peep out of her to complian. She held my hand when she was walking, sat in the stroller when she got tired and checked out all of the different things in each shop. She did get me to buy her a few things. lol I am trying not to be too much of a push over LOL, but it isn't too easy. At one point, she kept giving me a toy car and saying "Jie Jie" as if to say, "Jie Jie would like this." I was laughing inside because every time we would go shopping at home and Alyssa would see something SHE liked, she would say, "I really think Madi would like this."

I ordered my stone etchings with the girls pictures on them. Unfortunately I gave my SD card to the owner of the shop so he could download a picture of Madi, and I forgot to get it back from him. ALL of my pictures for the trip are on the card so I am hoping to get it back tomorrow. Luckily I have downloaded pictures to my computer every night, so if I don't get it back, I haven't lost the pictures. I will back them up to a flash drive now so I have that as a back up too.

Tomorrow we go back to the clinic for the PPD results. I am hoping we don't have any issues with that. Once that is done, our guide is taking us to the Pearl and Jade market.

Hope everyone is having or had a joyous Christmas. I got to spend it with Madi this morning and then again with my girls this evening. Not too shabby!!!!

off to Christmas breakfast

Merry Christmas from China

Hi Everyone,

Madi is sleeping a little later each day and today she made it until
6:20 am. Yeah!! She was surprised to see that Santa dropped off a
couple of little gifts for her. She may be a bit overwhelmed to see
what he has brought to her in NY, but she definitely has her favorite
things and it will be fun to watch her play skills and likes develop.
The play dough has kept her occupied for quite some time. She has
little stamps for the play doh and she just sorted all of the numbers
and letters and she put the numbers in numerical order. A smart little
cookie!! She has benefited so much by being part of the LWB BIM school
and it is so very obvious by her behavior, her reactions to things, and
her skills. The children who do not have an opportunity to go to any
type of school program are typically much more delayed. That is a
generalization, however and many of the kids are not. However, living
in an orphanage is often times not very stimulating. Madi certainly has
a lot to learn and is not up to par in comparison to our American 6 year
olds, but she is learning like crazy already and I am sure she will
catch up in no time. I am amazed with how much English she is already
saying. She does clam up outside of the hotel room, but that is okay
and a very typical reaction.

Today we will have a nice breakfast (the food has been great) and then
we are going witht he Lamy family to do some shopping on Shamian Island.
I will order some of the things that I want made for Madison such as
Chops, a stone etching as well as the "painting in the bottle." There
are several other things that I want, but those are the things I need to
order so toady is the day to do it so I can pick them up later in the
week. I am not sure what the plan is for dinner, but there are a lot of
great options by the Garden Hotel. Last night we had Italian for dinner
and it was delicious. Madison loved her noodles and sauce. Nana will
be thrilled. I am not sure she will like our style sauce, but I am
happy to see that she is starting to turn some foods away that she does
not like. Things she has eaten early in the week she now refuses and
that is a good sign. She knows there is always enough and more food and
she doesn't have to eat simply because it is offered.

Tomorrow we go back to the clinic for the PPD results and then we are
going to the Pearl and Jade market. Like I did for Emily and Alyssa, I
will get Madison a pretty strand of pearls for when she is older and a
piece of jade, which is "good luck" in China.

At this moment in America my family and all of my cousins are gathered
at my cousin Mike and Karen's house for Christmas eve. It is a family
tradition and one I will miss being a part of. this year has been one
of fantastic celebrations (Jackie's wedding, a new baby girl in the
family to love, and Madi's adoption). There have also been some hard
times with some medical issues for some I love so dearly. I know that
both of the people I love will enter 2012 with some challenges, but I am
confident that it will be a wonderful year with nothing but positive
responses to the medical treatments that lie ahead. This year we
decided to do things a bit differently on Xmas Eve and instead of
getting all dressed up, which we usually do, everyone is wearing
Christmas pajamas. It should be fun for everyone and I hear that there
is a contest for the best holiday PJs. I am sure there will be a couple
of "interesting" pajamas and I can't wait to see pictures LOL. I am
sure that my cousin's Ed and Jeff will not disappoint us.

The girls are getting excited for Christmas but they are having a rough
time without Mama. One in particular is having a lot of trouble and I
knew this length of time being apart would be hard for her. We are
deciding whether or not to skype as much as we have been. I don't know
if it is making it worse of better for her. I know that my Mom is
taking such good care of them and she is loving and patient and
comforting to both of my chick-a-dees. I am glad that I signed them up
for Youth Camp at our youth center for next week. It is only 3 hours
per day, but it will break the days up for them.

Merry Christmas!!! I am sorry that I am missing all of the festivities,
but it is fun being her with Madi too. I think it is harder for my Mom
and my girls than it is for me at this point.

I hear sleigh bells!!!

It is 9:39 pm in China and I just tucked my sweet girl into bed. She
actually let me rock her to sleep tonight and there was no better
feeling in the world. We had a great day and ended it with a nice
dinner with our guide Helen and the 4 other families. I cannot say
enough about how wonderful the guides have been. I never have to ask for
a thing, they think ahead, and they are always one step ahead of me.
Helen is so sweet. She realized on her own that I probably don't have
many pictures with Madi and asked me to meet her a little early before
dinner so she can take some pictures of the two of us together. I
didn't even have to ask her. She kept moving me to different spots in
the lobby and telling me where to stand. LOL

I hear sleigh bells in the wind, which must mean that Santa is on his
way. He is sure to make a pit stop here in China to drop off something
small for Madi, but I hear that he is leaving all of her Christmas
presents in New York. We will celebrate Christmas in NY on January 1st.
Santa is dropping off gifts for Emily and Alyssa as well and there are a
few gifts for them from me too. They will get more when I get back. I
am afraid that they will figure out that this whole situation with Mom
being away for Christmas much just be quite the lucrative deal. Just
how many times can you celebrate Christmas???

Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah to all of my friends and family.

Love,

Michele and Madison

medical appointment done

Our guide Helen took Madi and I along with the 4 other families from my
agency to Shamian Island this morning for Visa pictures and the medical
examination. This examination is necessary in order for Madi to be
issued clearance for her Visa to come to the US. Madi had her medical
exam this morning. After a few moments of "consultation" the doctor
signed off on her medical and sent us on our way. She had the PPD
planted and we go back on Monday for the results of that. I have no
doubt that it will be fine and then we are one more huge step closer to
coming home. Madi did so well, up until the "medical exam." She went
to the "ent" room where the doctor examined her mouth and checked her
hearing. Quite comical as she just squeezed a squeeze toy on either side
and jotted down some notes. The place was so noisy but she passed
nonetheless. LOL. I can feel confident that after that thorough exam we
don't need to follow up with audiology at home. She had a vision
screening and her height and weight was done. I didn't even ask her
measurements. LOL Once we got to the "physical exam" portion, I
recognized the doctor as the same doctor that did both Emily and
Alyssa's exam. That is so neat. I now have pictures of all three of my
girls with this same doctor. Madi became upset at this point and wasn't
too happy about getting the TB test either. Poor baby. She just cried
and cried. But she melted into my arms and allowed me to comfort her.
She is such a brave girl. My guide Helen is amazing and she is winning
Madi over. A piece of candy after the medical appointment was a welcomed
treat. After the medical exam, we went walking on the Island and I felt
"at home." I love this area and it was nice to see some familiar
places. Jordan was out handing our flyers for his shop and he said to
me...."I see you before." LOL. I will be sure to visit his shop
tomorrow and help his economy. The shops on Shamian Island are
struggling to stay afloat since the American Embassy was moved. It is
very sad to see that so many of the shops have closed. There are still
many open, but many have closed as a result of decreased sales. On the
agenda for the rest of today, is some rest time and a paperwork meeting
with Helen and the rest of the families. All of the children are doing
great!! Madi is the oldest and I believe Gracie (also from Fuzhou) is
the youngest at 19 months. The other children are around 2 1/2. We
have 3 girls and 2 boys being adopted in our group.

Helen is arranging for us to all go out to dinner for Christmas. That
should be nice. On Monday we are going to the Pearl and Jade Market.
Tuesday we are going to the Safari Park. Wednesday is a "free day"
where you will find me on Shamian Island. Thursday is our Consulate
Appointment and then we are going to the 6 Banyan Temple and another
famous museum. Friday is another free day to shop and then on
Saturday.....we are homeward bound. This week is sure to fly by. I am
so thankful for an easy trip so far. Madi is VERY easy going. She is
settling in more and more each day and I cannot believe how much I lover
her already. Actually, I do believe it, because I have done this gig
twice before. My girls are going to LOVE her. They already get a kick
out of all of the mischief she gets into when we are skyping. I miss my
family at home like crazy, but I am enjoying this much needed alone time
bonding with my little girl. She is a dream come true. How lucky am I to
have 3 such perfect little girls!!!

we have power

My amazing guide Helen was able to get a converter for me to use. It
isn't as compact as the little plug in the wall converter that I left in
the last hotel, but we have power and that is all I care about. LOL

we have arrived

We arrived at the hotel just after midnight last night. The flights
were delayed, but Miss Angel Face did fantastic. She is such a good
girl. She has a liking for older Chinese gentlemen so it didn't hurt
that the man beside us in the plane let her play with his ipod for much
of the flight LOL. She did not get air sick but I will still get more
patches or the sea band for the flight back just in case.

The hotel lobby is gorgeous. We are at the Garden Hotel. The
room....well, it is okay. Not like the Lakeview by a long shot. Tiny
bathroom, no soaker tub, etc. But, it meets our needs fine.

Today is the medical exam and pre-visa paperwork. That should all go
smoothly. I forgot my adapter in the last hotel (I am not having much
luck with computers this trip, am I?), but that will likely get resolved
once I go down to the main desk and ask for one here in the hotel. The
floor attendant did not know what I wanted.

Off to breakfast, going to the clinic and dropping off laundry. Just
like a typical day in America!!

Happy Christmas Eve, everyone. Santa is getting ready to make all of
his special deliveries. I already got my present, this year....and she
is perfect in every way!!!!!

Love, Michele and Madi

Last day in Fuzhou

It is our last day in Fuzhou. I have enjoyed my time here tremendously.
The area is beautiful. It is bittersweet leaving the birth province of
my daughter. I watch families walking around the Lake and enjoying each
other and I wonder what her life might had been had her circumstances
been different. She is leaving everything that is familiar to her. Her
caregivers, her friends, her language, her culture. As much as I try to
provide my girls with a Chinese rich environment, it will never measure
up to what they have lost. Yes, they have gained a lot by joining our
big, crazy family, but it would be unfair to them not to recognize the
huge losses they have had to endure. For Xiaoping, those losses are
immense. I am so thankful to her birth family. They kept her safe until
they could no longer care for her. I will never know the circumstances
of her being placed in the orphanage, but what I do know is that from
this day forward she will never have to wonder if she is loved and
cherished. She is one of the three lights in my life. It is my duty as
her mother to make sure she knows that every day of her life!

This is the last post until tomorrow, when we arrive in Guangzhou. As
much as I have loved Fuzhou, the familiarity of Guangazhou will be
welcomed. I am not staying at the hotel where I stayed for my last two
adoptions, so new adventures await us!! I am excited to buy some
treasures and keepsakes for Madi. Emily and Alyssa may get a surprise
or two if they behave ;-)
The week in Guangzhou usually goes very quickly I am much more
comfortable venturing out on my own. There are some shops that I want
to visit for specific keepsakes. There are great play areas on the
Island and in the hotel for Madi and we will have a lot of fun.

Here are a couple of shot of our last morning in Fuzhou. Thanks for
following along. Please pray that my sweet girl does not get air sick
too. It doesn't help that we need to drive about an hour to get to the
airport. Once we land in Guangzhou I will be on the lookout for some
sea bands. I am hoping I can find a child size wrist band for her for
the flights home.

Have a nice night/day.