The Bowman Family Adventure

hi from Bradley

noreply@blogger.com (Anthony) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 02:03:00 +0000

hi this is Bradley,

sorry for not up dating the blog. We have been realy lazy and sick for the last week, it has been horibble but I will be going back to school on monday. I am very tierd after staying up all night vomiting. I hated it so much.

Although she has been sick like the rest of us for the last week, Tara is doing great! She can now crawl, wave, clap hands, play peek-a-boo, and say mum and dad. She hasn't learnt to say Bradley yet, but I'm sure it won't be long!

That's about all I'm going to write today. Hello to anyone reading this...

Bradley

at last, I can blog...

noreply@blogger.com (Anthony) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:31:00 +0000

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.

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.

HK Disneyland and more shopping (Friday)

noreply@blogger.com (Anthony) — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 01:42:00 +0000

Hot and humid...

We made an early start, catching the MTR to HK Disney. $50HKD ($8AUD) for a 24 hour pass on the underground rail network which we used numerous times for late night shopping expeditions after the kids were asleep (I knew it was a good idea to bring the baby-sitter).

Arriving shortly after the opening time, there were people everywhere, but the crowds were well managed with staff to help everywhere.

The kids headed directly for Tomorrowland where there was a water park (kids got drenched, but at least they were cool). Into the Astroblaster ride to help Buzz Lightyear defeat the evil Emperor Zurg - it was great. We got to ride in carriages with laser guns and a controller to direct the carriage. Shooting Zurg targets gained you points, and the more points you got, the higher in the Space Ranger pecking order you got. Allison was a star shooter and no doubt would easily be recruited by Buzz Lightyear. As soon as the ride was over, we were lining up for another go.

Next was Pirateland and we went to see the Lion King show. Again, it was very well done like a professional stage show and the kids loved it (even worth the half hour line up in unbearable heat.

We stayed for the Disney water parade, where the parade floats and characters squirted the crowd. By mid-afternoon the kids were trashed and glad to get back on the air conditioned train. A 40 minute train ride and we were back at the hotel. The HK underground system is fast and convenient - the city would be so difficult to traverse without it.

That night we ate in the room (sandwiches made from groceries bought at the corner supermarket.

At about 7 pm we left the kids with the grandma's and headed back to Kowloon (Mong Kok) to the markets. Streets and streets of open markets and shops open until about 11 pm. Having spent all day walking HK Disney our feet were now killing but there was shopping to be had! Bought t-shirts ($5 ea), Hugo Boss business shirts ($8 ea), and laptop backpack ($25), shoes, handbags, shorts and the list goes on.

Allison bought authentic designer label prescription glasses, with the prescription lenses for $190, and a 1 hour wait. They are great.

Anyway, next post I'll finish the shopping stories (Stanley Market on Saturday) and try to catch up to now. We are currently at HK airport waiting for the flight to Nanchang. Only a few hours now and we get to meet Tara - cant wait!

arrival in Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (Anthony) — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:33:00 +0000

The day started early yesterday with the added pressure of the mini-bus arriving half an hour early. We left home at about 7:50, picked up grandma and headed off to the airport.

The first flight was a quick 1 hour to Melbourne and a 2 hour stop over.

Aboard the same plane and off we were to Hong Kong, only 9 1/2 hours away - it was actually a good flight and the kids were well behaved considering the confined space and lack of entertainment (the third time through of the same Simpsons episode or Shrek the Third started wearing thin with the kids). joel slept for a couple of hours, but Bradley (Mr Stay-Awake) resisted until about 11 pm Adelaide time, and managed 20 minutes sleep before we arrived.

Off the plane, through customs, find the bus and get to the hotel took about an hour and a half, arriving about midnight local time (1:30 am Adelaide tme). Kids still awake.

Day 1 in HK - kids awake at 7 am and rearing to go!!!

So far, we have walked into the central area of Hong Kong. It is about 32 deg and very humid.

Off to the markets this afternoon...

introducing Tara...

noreply@blogger.com (Anthony) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 05:19:00 +0000

I am finally posting a photo of Tara.

It is less than 1 week now before we travel and although very rushed with a million things to do, it is quite an amazing time. We now have confirmed travel arrangements and itinery, tickets, visas, foreign currency and most importantly, our notice to travel!

Next Wednesday we fly to Hong Kong, where we will be through to Sunday. Sightseeing, shopping and HK Disneyland are on the agenda. It will be a nice time to spend as a family and have some fun, prior to what will possibly be a quite stressful two weeks in China (we hope not).

Sunday (26th) we fly direct to Nanchang from Hong Kong, about a 1 1/2 hour flight.

Initially we were told that "gotcha day" would be Monday, but today we have been advised that we will meet and be handed Tara on Sunday late afternoon (yeehaa). Lets say that we are now all getting pretty excited and overwhelmed to think that this is just over a week away....

we have a travel date

noreply@blogger.com (Anthony) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 07:14:00 +0000

Today we were advised by the agency that we are required to be in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province by Saturday 25 August (exactly 1 month tomorrow!!!) for hand-over day on Sunday 26th or Monday 27th.

Today I confirmed to work that my leave will commence on 20th August, returning sometime late october.

At this stage, we are having some difficulties trying to get a direct flight from Hong Kong to Nanchang on the 25th and may have to go a day early or via another city in China. Here we are 1 month out and already I think think the travel agent has earned his commission. But... that's what they are there for.

Anyway, hold on to your hats, its going to be a busy month...!

tickled pink

noreply@blogger.com (Anthony) — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:49:00 +0000

Much to the excitement of Bradley and Joel, Grandma (aka 'E') is coming to China too...

It will be great to have an extra pair of hands to help out with the boys and share in the experience of meeting her latest grandchild.

By all accounts, Grandma is "tickled pink" to be coming to China!

(we cant wait)

documents delivered...

noreply@blogger.com (Anthony) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:54:00 +0000

Yesterday was the acceptance meeting for the adoption, where Allison and I met with the agency and formalised the acceptance of the allocation. This included signing official certificates, a trip to immigration, payment of fees and certification of documents such as (more) copies of birth and marriage certificates, etc.

Today the last of our documents were delivered to the agency and (fingers crossed), documents for all couples in our batch will be couriered back to China.

From here the paperwork should ease off and planning for travel will commence. We are still hopeful for a 3rd week in August departure.

We now cant wait to hold our beautiful girl - Tara Meiyang Judith

an exciting day

noreply@blogger.com (Anthony) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 04:13:00 +0000

What an exciting day... Allison and I met with the Adoption Agency and received details and photos. What can we tell you - she's beautiful! Stay tuned...

the first post

noreply@blogger.com (Anthony) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 23:24:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to the Bowman Family blogspot (bowmanfamilyadventure.blogspot.com), created to keep in touch with family and friends whilst we embark on the adventure of a lifetime - travelling to China to meet our daughter.

In coming days and weeks, we will post photos and updates.

A brief introduction to The Bowman Family:

Allison and I have two wonderful boys, Bradley (9) and Joel (4), as well as our beautiful boy Nicholas in Heaven. And as of yesterday, have learned that we also have a beautiful baby daughter waiting for us in China.

All we know at this stage is that she is in Jaingxi provence and was born late October 2006.

We are anxiously waiting for her file to be translated, which should be early next week. Hopefully we can travel to China by about week 3 in August. We are all very excitied.

Cheers,
Anthony, Allison, Bradley and Joel