Finally, access to the Blogspot site and I can update our blog…
Much has occurred in the past week and a half, and to all those whom I promised to keep updated and have kept checking for updates, my sincere apologies. Not sure why, but in Nanchang, I was not able to access blogspot.com, so rather than boring you all (not even sure if anyone is still checking to see if I have updated), here goes, a quick synopsis and some photos to fill in the blanks.
Last I left you, we were in Honk Kong, which was fantastic. We had such a great time and the kids loved it – we all did. I can’t really express how much we loved HK, but all was quickly fading as we whirl-winded into Nanchang, Jianxi Province PRC to meet Tara.
Not sure how much detail I provided previously, but we are travelling with 6 other couples and their families to meet our adopted daughters in China. All the families except for us and our close friends, the Niedzwiedz family, had arrived in Nanchang on Saturday 25 Aug. like us, the Niedzwiedz’ had with them their 2 boys (pretty much the same age as ours, and Bradley plays in the same soccer team as their eldest, Dante), and the mum-in-laws.
The flight to Nanchang left HK late morning on Sunday (26 Aug) and (thankfully) was uneventful. We arrived safely and were met by Betty, our local Nanchang guide. Betty was a great help all week and such a lovely girl. Quickly we were herded into the mini-bus at the airport and were on our way to the city – staying at the Jin Feng Hotel.
In a future blog, I will tell all about Nanchang, its road rules (or lack thereof), the driving skills of the inhabitants, the local hygiene, public toilets, smog, food and anything else that comes to mind.
With great anticipation we arrived at the hotel at about 2 pm, knowing that in 1 hour we would be boarding the bus again to meet our daughter and keep her with us. Just enough time to drop off the bags to our rooms and give the kids some food, then we were off.
We arrived about 20 minutes later at the Jianxi Office of Adoption, where we waited with even greater anticipation, then without warning down the corridor came the orphanage director and carers carrying the babies – instantly I spotted Tara, recognising her from her photos. After a few minutes of official chatter in language we know nothing of, they called Allison, Bradley, Joel and I to come forward and collect Tara. Before handing her over, they inspected our passports and when the all clear was given, passed Tara to me.
Of all the babies (as far as I can recollect), Tara was the only not to be crying or screaming – she was happy!!! She looked at me a gurgled, making all those common baby noises and sucked me in instantly – my heart melted and I knew instantly that she was as much ours and our other children.
The next day was filled with official paperwork and meetings with the authorities, notary and police to get the initial paperwork completed. When this was completed, the official work in Nanchang (for us) was done and the remainder of the week was sight-seeing – Wal-Mart, the happy peasant’s house, amusement park, pavilions, porcelain and many trips to the local supermarket to stock up on bottled water.
The most important thing is that Tara was settling into our family, was happy and healthy – although she is tiny, at about the size of a 3 month old Australian baby. But otherwise very alert and bonding with us – especially me which was awesome. Allison was a bit put out as Tara seemed to always want to be with me, but at least she was bonding, and the attachment only to me was short lived.
Saturday, 1 Set we all flew to Shanghai. I cant say that I was disappointed to be leaving Nanchang, and fortunately Shanghai was as expected, a big modern city with everything we needed – western food, cheaper bottled water and less pollution, much less.
Sunday was the medical for Tara and the other babies. All seemed to go pretty well we think, even with Tara (and the others) being so small. The doctor commented on the small size for her age, and suggested we give her plenty of nutrition, which we were already doing, as well as suggesting we consult with doctors when we get home about an appropriate diet, etc. This was already the plan.
Now, only 3 days until we depart and I think everyone can’t wait to get their new daughters home and settled into their own family life. I know we can’t.
Much has occurred in the past week and a half, and to all those whom I promised to keep updated and have kept checking for updates, my sincere apologies. Not sure why, but in Nanchang, I was not able to access blogspot.com, so rather than boring you all (not even sure if anyone is still checking to see if I have updated), here goes, a quick synopsis and some photos to fill in the blanks.
Last I left you, we were in Honk Kong, which was fantastic. We had such a great time and the kids loved it – we all did. I can’t really express how much we loved HK, but all was quickly fading as we whirl-winded into Nanchang, Jianxi Province PRC to meet Tara.
Not sure how much detail I provided previously, but we are travelling with 6 other couples and their families to meet our adopted daughters in China. All the families except for us and our close friends, the Niedzwiedz family, had arrived in Nanchang on Saturday 25 Aug. like us, the Niedzwiedz’ had with them their 2 boys (pretty much the same age as ours, and Bradley plays in the same soccer team as their eldest, Dante), and the mum-in-laws.
The flight to Nanchang left HK late morning on Sunday (26 Aug) and (thankfully) was uneventful. We arrived safely and were met by Betty, our local Nanchang guide. Betty was a great help all week and such a lovely girl. Quickly we were herded into the mini-bus at the airport and were on our way to the city – staying at the Jin Feng Hotel.
In a future blog, I will tell all about Nanchang, its road rules (or lack thereof), the driving skills of the inhabitants, the local hygiene, public toilets, smog, food and anything else that comes to mind.
With great anticipation we arrived at the hotel at about 2 pm, knowing that in 1 hour we would be boarding the bus again to meet our daughter and keep her with us. Just enough time to drop off the bags to our rooms and give the kids some food, then we were off.
We arrived about 20 minutes later at the Jianxi Office of Adoption, where we waited with even greater anticipation, then without warning down the corridor came the orphanage director and carers carrying the babies – instantly I spotted Tara, recognising her from her photos. After a few minutes of official chatter in language we know nothing of, they called Allison, Bradley, Joel and I to come forward and collect Tara. Before handing her over, they inspected our passports and when the all clear was given, passed Tara to me.
Of all the babies (as far as I can recollect), Tara was the only not to be crying or screaming – she was happy!!! She looked at me a gurgled, making all those common baby noises and sucked me in instantly – my heart melted and I knew instantly that she was as much ours and our other children.
The next day was filled with official paperwork and meetings with the authorities, notary and police to get the initial paperwork completed. When this was completed, the official work in Nanchang (for us) was done and the remainder of the week was sight-seeing – Wal-Mart, the happy peasant’s house, amusement park, pavilions, porcelain and many trips to the local supermarket to stock up on bottled water.
The most important thing is that Tara was settling into our family, was happy and healthy – although she is tiny, at about the size of a 3 month old Australian baby. But otherwise very alert and bonding with us – especially me which was awesome. Allison was a bit put out as Tara seemed to always want to be with me, but at least she was bonding, and the attachment only to me was short lived.
Saturday, 1 Set we all flew to Shanghai. I cant say that I was disappointed to be leaving Nanchang, and fortunately Shanghai was as expected, a big modern city with everything we needed – western food, cheaper bottled water and less pollution, much less.
Sunday was the medical for Tara and the other babies. All seemed to go pretty well we think, even with Tara (and the others) being so small. The doctor commented on the small size for her age, and suggested we give her plenty of nutrition, which we were already doing, as well as suggesting we consult with doctors when we get home about an appropriate diet, etc. This was already the plan.
Now, only 3 days until we depart and I think everyone can’t wait to get their new daughters home and settled into their own family life. I know we can’t.
I’ll leave you now with some pictures and promise to fill in all the gaps in the coming days and when we get home.
1 comments:
Yay! Have been waiting with baited breath for you to have access to your blog again.
Thanks so much for the update - Tara is gorgeous and by the photos looks to have settled into Bowman family life just beautifully.
Can't wait to meet her!
Safe travels home, and hugs to all!
**Rach n Rod (& Boo)
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