Thursday, January 31, 2008
Britt at the airport - Best Friends
see the kids. Kelly comes home today to meet Lily
Thursday January 31
We made it -- Lily was welcomed at the airport in Chicago by Britt,
Davis and Grandpa Payne. Tears were flowing and that was OK. Lily
was good on the 13 hour flight and slept for about 6. The remainder
of the time she was still pretty good. The United flight attendants
were really nice to us and kept talking to Sue and Lily. We all
clapped when we flew into Minnesota - the end was near. The car ride
from OHare was probably the most dangerous thing we did the past two
weeks. Guangzhou traffic was probably better than 80-94.
Davis and Grandpa Payne. Tears were flowing and that was OK. Lily
was good on the 13 hour flight and slept for about 6. The remainder
of the time she was still pretty good. The United flight attendants
were really nice to us and kept talking to Sue and Lily. We all
clapped when we flew into Minnesota - the end was near. The car ride
from OHare was probably the most dangerous thing we did the past two
weeks. Guangzhou traffic was probably better than 80-94.
When we pulled in the driveway a big Welcome Home Lily was on the
front of the house. Thanks Ben and Lynndi. All the grandparents
were over and we all had fun getting together. Kelsey,Eyvonne and
Laurie - thank you so much for the food - it was so good. Chloe and
Lily have officially met. She licked her and she cried - that tongue
is scary. Bathtime and bedtime went OK - but Lily was up at 1:30
for a two hour playtime and the ready for the day at 5:00. It is
going to take so time to get on schedule.
All is good and see you at Britt's Senior night @ 7:30-
Wednesday January 30
WE are on our way - United Flight 850 is over the Sea of Okhotsk in
Russia going 548 MPH at 33,000 feet. Sue, Lily and I all clapped
when we went wheels up at Beijing. Actually the Chinese were all
very nice and our little threesome navigated the Guangzhou and
Beijing airports pretty well. If I have to fly Air China again soon
- look out though. They better be making money because every flight
is absolutely full and they do not pay for departure gates. I
thought Sue was going to finally lose it after 12 days and no
sunshine at the Guangzhou airport. Our gate for the flight to
Beijing was a "group flight" area. 20A was the gate number and 500
Chinese were all standing by the door just in case their flight was
called. When the announcement came - in Chinese - to board our
flight - no one moved out the way, so I just pushed them out and made
a hole for Sue and Lily. After boarding the bus - packed to the
maximum- standing room - no seats - we made our way around the entire
airport to our 737 aircraft. It was raining hard and Sue gave me the
"look". We are we - still in China - obviously - and she cannot get
out of her fast enough. As we went out in the rain, the only thought
in my mind was -- 2 more flights and we are back home.
Russia going 548 MPH at 33,000 feet. Sue, Lily and I all clapped
when we went wheels up at Beijing. Actually the Chinese were all
very nice and our little threesome navigated the Guangzhou and
Beijing airports pretty well. If I have to fly Air China again soon
- look out though. They better be making money because every flight
is absolutely full and they do not pay for departure gates. I
thought Sue was going to finally lose it after 12 days and no
sunshine at the Guangzhou airport. Our gate for the flight to
Beijing was a "group flight" area. 20A was the gate number and 500
Chinese were all standing by the door just in case their flight was
called. When the announcement came - in Chinese - to board our
flight - no one moved out the way, so I just pushed them out and made
a hole for Sue and Lily. After boarding the bus - packed to the
maximum- standing room - no seats - we made our way around the entire
airport to our 737 aircraft. It was raining hard and Sue gave me the
"look". We are we - still in China - obviously - and she cannot get
out of her fast enough. As we went out in the rain, the only thought
in my mind was -- 2 more flights and we are back home.
After landing in Beijing we had to retrieve our 4 suitcases and
transfer to United's International Terminal - that was not what I
expected, but now we are down to 1 more flight. After going thru 4
security checks and having Lily's passport ultra-scrutinized, we
boarded United. AHHHH - Scotch never tasted this good. Lily is
still going strong, but hopefully she will fall asleep. If not - we
will still be home in 9 hours.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Tuesday January 29
It is our last day in China. We go this afternoon to take Lily's
oath of citizenship at the US Consulate. So when we touch down in
Chicago, she is officially a US citizen. The nice thing about doing
all the paperwork over here, is that when we get home, I believe all
we have is one paper to file and we are finished. It's nice not to
have a lot of paperwork looming over your head to do when we get
home. Lily is crawling and squirmy, so tomorrow is going to be a
long day trying to keep her on our laps. We leave 4:00pm China time
from Beijing, so hopefully she will sleep part of the way. We have
been to two great restaurants the last two nights. Shiyen our guide
took the group to a Chinese restaurant just down the street, and last
night to a Thai restaurant. They were both fantastic!! It was nice
to socialize with everyone. The breakfast buffet here is great but
11 straight days of it is a lot! Greg is out buying a suitcase to
bring some things home in. I have to admit, I did not over shop. We
really need it so our other three bags won't be overweight. I
think that is it for now. We can't wait to touch down in Chicago. I
am so ready to see the kids, our families and friends, our dog, and
our house!! Coke with ice, here I come. Brit, good luck Tuesday
with your game!!
oath of citizenship at the US Consulate. So when we touch down in
Chicago, she is officially a US citizen. The nice thing about doing
all the paperwork over here, is that when we get home, I believe all
we have is one paper to file and we are finished. It's nice not to
have a lot of paperwork looming over your head to do when we get
home. Lily is crawling and squirmy, so tomorrow is going to be a
long day trying to keep her on our laps. We leave 4:00pm China time
from Beijing, so hopefully she will sleep part of the way. We have
been to two great restaurants the last two nights. Shiyen our guide
took the group to a Chinese restaurant just down the street, and last
night to a Thai restaurant. They were both fantastic!! It was nice
to socialize with everyone. The breakfast buffet here is great but
11 straight days of it is a lot! Greg is out buying a suitcase to
bring some things home in. I have to admit, I did not over shop. We
really need it so our other three bags won't be overweight. I
think that is it for now. We can't wait to touch down in Chicago. I
am so ready to see the kids, our families and friends, our dog, and
our house!! Coke with ice, here I come. Brit, good luck Tuesday
with your game!!
Sue
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Monday January 28
The countdown is on - 70 more hours at the White Swan and then it is
home to Plymouth. Suz is now in full shopping mode and stay out of
her way. A new suitcase is a must for the trip home, but that is
great by me. I want to thank everyone for helping out with the kids
while we were gone. It made these days much more peaceful knowing
everything at home is being taken care of. Mom and Dad, thanks for
returning to the cold weather and giving up your golf game for us. I
am sure the weather in Tampa is a lot better than good old Indiana.
At least you can see Britt and Davis play a few games. I saw on the
IHSAA website the girls have St. Joe in the very first game in the
sectional -- that is great-- knock them out right away and let's get
to Conseco this year.
home to Plymouth. Suz is now in full shopping mode and stay out of
her way. A new suitcase is a must for the trip home, but that is
great by me. I want to thank everyone for helping out with the kids
while we were gone. It made these days much more peaceful knowing
everything at home is being taken care of. Mom and Dad, thanks for
returning to the cold weather and giving up your golf game for us. I
am sure the weather in Tampa is a lot better than good old Indiana.
At least you can see Britt and Davis play a few games. I saw on the
IHSAA website the girls have St. Joe in the very first game in the
sectional -- that is great-- knock them out right away and let's get
to Conseco this year.
The pictures today are for the kids we have left behind. You are
very close in our hearts - half-way around the world. We miss you
all and we will be home soon -- (you too Chloe).
Dad
Britt - you can teach Lily the Pose in 3 days -
Maybe if she had those UGGS on, who knows? Nice little XMas tree.
See you soon Britt!!
Lily's first Post
jjhjjhjjh\nlnyky;hgifuyglkjkklb - Lily's first pounding on the computer
Just back from dinner - It was outstanding. The evening was really
fun with all the girls on the red couch and the entire group going to
a great dinner. She was not so happy on the couch - but that was
expected. The group picture was pretty hard to pull off and we will
get a copy of the entire Bethany Clan. My girls looked pretty good -
I think.
The Pepper Beef and beer sure tasted great. Lily liked the fried
rice (she has come a long way on her food).
Sue has Lily in the tub - she loves her bath and has no problems with
the hair shampoo. It is great seeing them have a good time. Short
post tonite - -
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Sunday January 27
OK - up to this point my posts have been positive and good natured -
but now I am returning to my old attitude. I am ready to get out of
here. The hotel is great - the group is great - Shiyan our guide is
great - Sue is great - and most importantly Lily is dong great --
that all being said - I have had it. It is raining again -- 9
straight days of this great buffet -- and the prospect of being
trapped in this room again is going to drive me crazy. If we take
Lily out in this 45 degree damp "hazy" weather and she gets sick for
the flight home, Suz and I will really regret it. How much of the
same - how much. It is Groundhog Day again. Wake up at 5:30 -
Shower at 6 - Lily up at 7 - breakfast at 7:30 - room at 8:30 - post
the blog - Nap at 9:30 -- well that's where we are now!!!!!!!!!!!!
but now I am returning to my old attitude. I am ready to get out of
here. The hotel is great - the group is great - Shiyan our guide is
great - Sue is great - and most importantly Lily is dong great --
that all being said - I have had it. It is raining again -- 9
straight days of this great buffet -- and the prospect of being
trapped in this room again is going to drive me crazy. If we take
Lily out in this 45 degree damp "hazy" weather and she gets sick for
the flight home, Suz and I will really regret it. How much of the
same - how much. It is Groundhog Day again. Wake up at 5:30 -
Shower at 6 - Lily up at 7 - breakfast at 7:30 - room at 8:30 - post
the blog - Nap at 9:30 -- well that's where we are now!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well I guess I feel better for the rant -- Suz is giving Lily her
bottle and then it is naptine. Time to go back in the adult cave.
Sue will post later. 3 more day - thank god is is getting close.
Greg
Sunday colors - Tiger Woods Red and Black
start the red and black on Sunday too ---
Saturday January 26
Well - we finally had some pictures to post today. All the Bethany
families have now arrived at the WSH and boy am I glad we just had to
come here. The families that adopted from provinces in middle China
had very cold weather and snow and ice to battle. They arrived in
Guangzhou 4 hours late at 11:00 PM. What an ordeal - and they had to
be down in the lobby this morning by 9 AM.
families have now arrived at the WSH and boy am I glad we just had to
come here. The families that adopted from provinces in middle China
had very cold weather and snow and ice to battle. They arrived in
Guangzhou 4 hours late at 11:00 PM. What an ordeal - and they had to
be down in the lobby this morning by 9 AM.
I left for breakfast early today and gave Sue and Lily some time.
Lily has dramatically changed and has become a real daddy's girl.
Suz went to a cultural tour yesterday with the group, but I stayed
back in the room with Lily. It was rainy and cold, so I fell on the
sword and stayed with "pork chop". My prayers were answered. Lily
had not even touched the floor yet and it was getting frustrating.
Her "spirit" will serve her well - but boy oh boy it can be
frustrating. By the end of the afternoon, we were playing on the
floor with cups -- and within an hour I was sitting on the couch and
she was playing by herself. I used the video cam to record the
miracle, as Suz would never believe me. The bad thing was when Mom
returned - Lily was even more glued to daddy - OOPS - bad parenting.
Bed time could not come soon enough, but she did get more
independent. when Mom and Lily came down to breakfast this morning,
I was relieved to see they were buddies again. She was alone in her
high chair and eating great. Maybe we have turned the corner a
little bit.
The Chinese Medical Appointment was different -----. Socialized
medicine just as I thought it would be. Let's hope our system does
not become this! The photos of all our group waiting in this hallway
is really something. 3 stations later - Lily was all stamped and
approved by the Chinese doctors as ready to go home. Now everything
is up to the US Government. Our VISA applications are going in today
and should everything go according to plan, we take Lily's oath on
Tuesday (go red, white and blue). We miss Kelly, Britt and
Davis!!!!!!!!
Well enough for now -- Lily should be up from her nap soon and it
will be Papa John's pizza time again with the group.
Greg, Suz and Lily
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Friday, January 25
Friday morning, Wednesday is coming. Lily is doing much better. She
had her last breathing treatment yesterday and they sure helped her.
A little more medicine to finish and hopefully we'll be over this
bronchitis. I cannot believe how much she has changed in 5 days.
She has gone from looking at both of us and starting to cry to
sitting by herself on the couch and playing with us, imitating our
faces and noises that we make, playing patty cake, sitting in the
high chair at breakfast today, etc. Today, she did her first
crawling - on our bed over to Greg and pulled herself up to stand.
These are major steps for one who wanted to be held vertically all
the time. And I mean all the time. Yesterday, I called home and
realized I was talking with my hands and I looked at her to see her
imitating me and talking with her hands. What a riot. Shiyen our
guide suggested we not encourage walking yet as that could make for a
longer plane ride home since she would want to get down all the
time. She said we can start that back in the states. I agree. We
had fun last night, our first socializing with our group. Not by
choice, we've stayed in because Lily's been sick.
Everyone came to our room with their babies and we had Papa John's
pizza. It was so good!! It was fun to see all the girls and one
boy in our group together. We had them all on the floor (except Lily
who still thinks the floor is too scary so she would only sit on
Greg's leg). No major fighting or toy stealing occurred. The
highlight was a little girl named Cassie who ate everything offered
to her including Papa John's pizza, with only 4 teeth. It was fun to
talk with everyone. I've been shopping with Cindy, from Tennessee,
but we still have more to do. I bought Lily a beautiful Chinese
outfit for when she is a little older, and yes, her first pair of
squeaky shoes. I can't wait to hear them. We used the "home of
love" Chinese laundry service. 37 items laundered for $10. All
folded and bagged when I picked them up. I enjoyed that!! We are
going to a Chinese folk art museum this afternoon. Hopefully, I can
take some pictures and we will post them tomorrow. Miss everybody
had her last breathing treatment yesterday and they sure helped her.
A little more medicine to finish and hopefully we'll be over this
bronchitis. I cannot believe how much she has changed in 5 days.
She has gone from looking at both of us and starting to cry to
sitting by herself on the couch and playing with us, imitating our
faces and noises that we make, playing patty cake, sitting in the
high chair at breakfast today, etc. Today, she did her first
crawling - on our bed over to Greg and pulled herself up to stand.
These are major steps for one who wanted to be held vertically all
the time. And I mean all the time. Yesterday, I called home and
realized I was talking with my hands and I looked at her to see her
imitating me and talking with her hands. What a riot. Shiyen our
guide suggested we not encourage walking yet as that could make for a
longer plane ride home since she would want to get down all the
time. She said we can start that back in the states. I agree. We
had fun last night, our first socializing with our group. Not by
choice, we've stayed in because Lily's been sick.
Everyone came to our room with their babies and we had Papa John's
pizza. It was so good!! It was fun to see all the girls and one
boy in our group together. We had them all on the floor (except Lily
who still thinks the floor is too scary so she would only sit on
Greg's leg). No major fighting or toy stealing occurred. The
highlight was a little girl named Cassie who ate everything offered
to her including Papa John's pizza, with only 4 teeth. It was fun to
talk with everyone. I've been shopping with Cindy, from Tennessee,
but we still have more to do. I bought Lily a beautiful Chinese
outfit for when she is a little older, and yes, her first pair of
squeaky shoes. I can't wait to hear them. We used the "home of
love" Chinese laundry service. 37 items laundered for $10. All
folded and bagged when I picked them up. I enjoyed that!! We are
going to a Chinese folk art museum this afternoon. Hopefully, I can
take some pictures and we will post them tomorrow. Miss everybody
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Thursday January 24
Hi Everyone - i want to thank everyone for all the text messages - it
sure makes us not as lonely. The Cingular bill is going to be a
whopper, but that is OK.
sure makes us not as lonely. The Cingular bill is going to be a
whopper, but that is OK.
Sue has posted the last couple of days and our lives seem to be that
of living in a cantonment. We are staying on an island that was the
cantonment for the British - my guess is it was for security. There
is a small creek that separates this area from the rest of Guangzhou,
with two small bridges - on the other side of our hotel is the large
Pearl River. There are still foreign consulates here, but the US has
built a larger facility in downtown. The buildings are very colonial
- but now are converted to 7 Elevens, hotels and even a Starbucks.
Lily is improving rapidly and is done with her doctoring. The
healthcare here at the hotel was outstanding. I cannot say enough
good things about Shiyan and how she helps the families. Almost all
the Xuwen babies have come down with bronchitis, but in the
orphanage's defense, they traveled with the babies for 8 hours in
cold and damp conditions. I am surprised on just how well the babies
held up the first day considering all they went thru. Last night was
a huge improvement and Lily started to show her true personality.
The first couple of days all we did was hold her - vertically. The
47 and 46 year old spines were not ready for that - for sure. We
looked at each other, did not have to say a word (being with each
other for 30 years) and just smiled. Lily has gone from being held,
to the turtle on me, to sitting up and now imitating all our sounds
and facial expressions. Sue taught her to stick out her tongue and
twirl it around - it was not me! i did the scary face though. Lily
was characterized by the caregivers in a word that Shiyan says does
not translate into english. She said that it is not exactly bossy,
show-offy, actressy --- i think she is just perfect -- i say she has
spirit. She will need that spirit to keep up with Kelly, Britt and
Davis -- oh and also Chloe.
Sue has ventured out with Cindy from Tennessee. I am babysitting
thru naptime. Sue will be home soon and I am sure she was happy to
go shopping and get out of the room. Tomorrow Lily gets her Chinese
passport and her medical appointment is Saturday. Home in less than
a week.
Greg
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