Special Girl, Special Day

On December 13th, Savannah was baptized. She was awesome, but cried her eyes out when the priest poured tons of water onto her head. She kept looking back at him, and whimpering, but guess she caught onto the essence of it all by putting her head against his chest later, forgiving him for the 'dunking'! As you can see, Savannah looked fabulous in her custom-made Chinese silk gown. It was great to celebrate with family and close friends.

Special thanks to the two 'marraines', Elaine and Josee, and to Patti-razzi and Photo-Denic Vezina for the outstanding photography (including the above).

Sled Heads

Ahhhh! Winter's here in its full glory (almost - need more ice to get onto the lake). Yes!!! Of course, Savannah goes outside with me every day. As you can see, I'm initiating her to the splendour of sledding (don't worry, she won't be on a moving sled for a few years yet). I think she realizes the beautiful smell of sled exhaust is one of the hallmarks of the season, that trails are made to be broken, or more accurately, broken to be made, and that there's nothing nicer than a pine tree full of snow, especially if we can shake the branches while Dad stands underneath. Oh! Yeah!

As always, Savannah's thriving, trying all kinds of new food. She loves cheerio-like nuggets, and is not a big fan of cottage cheese. And we've learned that prunes should definitely be a controlled substance, doled out in small amounts only!

2 Cool Cats

It seems the Kitten and the Cat are getting along just fine!

Race ya!

10 months!

Well! Savannah's 10 months of age already. And she's made tons of progress in the short 3 weeks we've known her. She now crawls on any floor, not just carpet, said Maman which I think it was intentional as she was crawling towards me, eats textured solids, which I'm starting to make as I can't lie and tell her the canned stuff is yummy - all the combinations smell like barf, look like it too, despite their fancy titles, and she is starting to know what to do with toys, especially if they're musical. She loves being read to every morning- thanks to my HR buddies for the very full and excellent library of children's books! And she thoroughly enjoys stroller rides. Today's a big day: we're going to see our Hospital buddies to introduce them to her. Can't wait! Janis, bet we'll catch you there!

Tracey, worry not. We totally understand. I'll be heading to Sudbury in the next couple of weeks, so we'll plan to catch up then! Hope your sister and babe are well!

Snow Day!

Love that snow! Hope Savannah will too. To that end, I brought her outside twice today, once in her stroller (which we all LOVE!), and once in her carrier. She love stroller rides while bundled up in the soft orange blanked Cindy gave her, and covered in the beautiful rainbow blanket from her Grandmaman.

Of course, Neptune loves Savannah. She gave her face a big lick - yuck! Savannah is intrigued by Neptune, and tried to poke her eyes. She made up for that by petting her ear. And Vanessah, the cat, is actually coming around just fine. All is well in LeBeauville.

Home!

We're home! On arriving to North Bay on November 15th, we had a huge contingent of Savannah fans waiting at the airport, complete with a bright "welcome home Savannah" sign, balloons and tons of friends and family. Savannah took it all in without crying or seeming too out of sorts. A delicious dinner for all followed at Joanne's and Franco's, and then we drove home, exhausted.

After a couple of middle of the night wake-ups, Savannah finally slept right through last night, as she'd done all along in China. Hope that continues! She's sprouted 2 teeth within 3 days of each other, has had her nights and days completely reversed, and has had a nasty cough and runny nose in the past few days. All that, and still she's in good spirits. Like, wow!

Went to work for a few short moments yesterday, and will go back in the next week or so, to see more of the gang. I have to say going there felt a little like going home, something that's only otherwised happened work-wise with Laurentian U and U of Ottawa. Nice!

Hi to DCP team, and to SANE team! And Jackie, you did just fine with blogging! Cheers!

Countdown to Home

Last full day in China, already! Feels like a lifetime ago since we've left, and yet not so long ago. Life certainly will be different though, and all for the good (just making the great even better!). We'll probably go for one last bout of shopping today, at the Silk Market. The wheeling and dealing is just irresistably fun! We've already packed our very full suitcases, and will fly out tomorrow at 1730 (0430 your time), to arrive in Toronto at around 2300, and likely a little later by the time we clear customs. Then we spend the night at the Sheraton on Terminal 3, to fly home on the Saturday 1410 flight, arriving in the Bay by 1530 (assuming all's on time!).

We've so appreciated all your comments on our blog! It was nice to have you along this journey with us!

Jenna, the answer to your last question is yes, you can (you thought I'd forgotten, eh?)! Same goes for Tessa, Marcus and Christy, and maybe, IF they're nice, your parents. Tell your Mom that if she can tent-camp (and we know she can), she can also eat some Nosbonsing amphibians. Dave and Carolyn, can't wait to introduce you to your honourary granddaughter. You'll get a real kick out of her, guaranteed, and we've no doubt she'll love you guys as well! Hi Gib! Savannah looked like a little princess in the outfit you and Brianne gave her! Hi NBGH PR pals! Glad you liked the pix! Josee, we hope to see you Sunday if possible. Elaine, hope you're loving your house. We look forward to seeing it decorated with your touch! How's Vanessah doing? Hi Teri, Jesse and Alex! And hi Terry and fiance and Morris-in-laws! See you soon!

Tian'anmen and the Forbidden City

What a day! I've never taken so many photos in my life, between Savannah's and the photos of Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City. I know I've used the word 'amazing' a lot, but what can I say? It applies yet again! The square is more plain. It's its history that is moving. We did see a lot of people lined up to see Mao's mauseleum. It's kind of surprising to see how some still revere him to this day.

The Forbidden City is truly massive: 500 metres wide by 800 long, with square after square, each a more impressive echo of the last. We also saw a concubine's quarters, and a multitude of signature Chinese-style buildings. The best part was the Imperial Garden, comprised of pockmarked and porous stones, pavillions, 300+ year old cypress trees, and water features. A photographer's dream!

Savannah continues to thrive. She's eating a little better, and so far is a very happy baby. She loves her grandparents, and they get a charge out of her. She's got a pretty predictable routine, and we stick to it (thank God she can sleep and drink in the carrier, because she comes all over the place with us). We really don't see a lot of the hotel room: we're up at 0700, out on the bus by 0915, and on the go until usually 1700 or later, then back out for supper. We're looking forward to going home to see y'all, but otherwise I'm in no rush to go, as I'm thoroughly enjoying this trip.

A few impressions of China: the people we've met have been amazingly friendly, all over the place. We've gotten a number of thumbs up signs from men and women when they see us carrying an Asian baby, and groups often flock around us to see her, point, smile and laugh. They love our translation card which says we're from Canada, have adopted this 9 month old baby, and that we're very happy. Billboard advertising is visible everywhere in the cities, as in any large metropolis (and these are humongous!), and what's striking there is that many feature caucasian women (but Asian men). It's probably more of a women's issue than a Chinese issue. After all, just think of how Asian women are portrayed in North America... English is pervasive (invasive?), as signs everywhere are visible both in the latter and in Chinese. Strange. And not just in Beijing, but in distant Chongqing as well.

Hi Josee, Mike, Vanessa and David! I'm sure Savannah will totally enjoy playing with you two!Yes, we could use some Nestle Good Start 0 to 12 months+ with the Omega 3s and 6s, 1 can, please. And a couple of jars of baby food, preferably veggies or meat. Gracias! Hi Jenna, Christy, Tessa and Marcus! I'm pretty sure Savannah will have a blast with y'all! And hi Respiratory crew! Hope all's well with you!

Olympic Grandeur

And the best photo of all!

We went to the Bird's Nest and Water Cube today. Absolutely stunning! The building that looks like a torch is just beside it all and it is a hotel (excuse the lack of contrast in the photo: that's smog). Then, to the Pearl Market for more goodies for Cindy, Tanje, the Lebeaus, Joe, and Dave and Carolyn. We've also gotten about 15 years worth of Gotcha gifts for Savannah, as well as some squeaky shoes, red leather boots, and a Chinese coming home suit. I think we're shopped out!

Tracey, congratulations to you and your sister! That's great great news!!! And Cindy, I hope your trip is as amazing as it sounds; you deserve it! Tanje, thanks for all the practical advice - you can't imagine how often it's been appreciated! (PS: Derek will be impressed: I'm eating congee every morning - yum!). Funny story about Alex! I can't wait for she and Julia to get together with Savannah! Jo and Mike: so glad you had a blast in Vegas! Can't wait to hear all about it, and see your photos. Perhaps we can gather at Elaine's on Sunday? Can't wait for David and Vanessa to meet Savannah! By the way, Elaine, congrats on the new house!

Above is some spicy frog (and I do mean frog, not just legs: there were pieces of bone, even spine, therein). It was tender and delicious.

Savannah's doing well. She's a pretty happy baby (I'm crossing my fingers in my mind as I say this - can't cross 'em while I'm typing). She's a neat little person, for sure. She seems to know that we're hers to keep, and today, when I came up to her unexpectedly, she grinned from ear to ear! Yay!

China is Starting to Feel Like Home...

Another day in China. Today was a paperwork day, to ensure Savannah's Canadian citizenship. Savannah is doing well, and is probably the biggest chatterbox of the group. She babbles a lot! She's finally opening her mouth when the spoon gets close to her mouth, but she still cries when eating solids. Good thing there's milk to wash it down!

We'll be going out for another group supper, as we do on most nights. The food is absolutely amazing, served Chinese-style with large platefuls on a glass lazy Susan. There's always way more than enough for all. We sit about 8-10 to a round table. We don't always know what the food is, but who cares, as long as it's delicious! And it is! There are some leafy greens, likely Chinese cabbage, a peanut and chicken dish, sometimes with hot chilies, sometimes not, sticky rice, some kind of crunchy green shoots with a meat-like salty substance on top (looks like strings of ground pork, but don't really know for sure, but mmm!), sweet and sour chicken, watermelon and once, a crunchy bird's nest (with coloured sprinkles, of all things!), and all kinds of fare. Fun!

Some sad news: our adoption agency will no longer be accepting files for China. China went from being their flagship program when we started all this, 3 1/2 years ago, to closing this December. Makes sense, as the wait times will be 5-7 years for people just getting into the queue now. It means however that the people in our group will never again be able to adopt from China.

Hi Megan! Hi Ann L.! Hi Shelley - say 'hi' to Terri, the HR and Medicine Care crews, and to the 3W gang who'd been asking about us. We miss you all!

Great Wall, Great Day!

Today, we went to the Great Wall. Amazing? Absolutely!!! What a work of art, rich with history, hardship and character. We climbed the nearly vertical (ok, ok, 45 degrees) steps. Hard work, made all the harder by the fact that the steps are of variable height, ranging from 3 inches, with no rhyme or reason. Just sinewing up the contours of the land. Savannah slept comfortably on Rick's back during the whole climb. What can one say about this humbling experience? Don't know, so I'll let the photos do the talking!

PS: Franco. Funny you should mention the Leaves - I'd bought some BLUE slippers for Savannah with the Leaf emblem on them, to surprise Rick. Guess she now has a reason to wear them!

We're Baa-aack!

Sorry I missed blogging yesterday; we spend a good chunk of the day travelling from Chongqing to Beijing. Savannah did awesomely on her first flight, not crying at all, and sleeping for about an hour of the 2 1/2 hour flight. Thanks bloggers for your comments. We so enjoy them. And yes, I may consider quitting my day job to sell the umbrella hats full time (kidding! I enjoy the people I work with much too much for that!)

Today, we shopped at two markets, including the well-known silk market. It was a blast! Both markets are 5 stories stuffed with tiny booths, crowded with people, and staffed with young people who constantly call out 'lookie lookie' and who speak reasonably good English (and even a few understood very basic pricing and bartering-related French!). It's like a wild auction, with vendors quoting outrageous prices, and us making a much much lower offer, and sticking to it. Almost all our deals happened after we walked away. Takes a little getting used, to, but so much fun! We got tons of Chinese knicknacks and souvenirs. Nice that I go to Chinatown every time I go to Toronto, as I know the going rate, and how low we can reasonably expect to go. Despite that, I'm sure they made good money off us. Tania, Christine, Ryan, Tracey, Sarah, we have little somethings for you. Marcus and Jenna too.

Tonight I ordered a tailor made white silk christening gown for Savannah. Just beautiful. We will get it later this week.

Tracey, tell your sister we're thinking of her. Can't wait to hear about her good news. She may already be a Mom again as I write this! Generous Jenna, I thought about your deal, and I can't quite bring myself to do it! You see, at then end of the day before yesterday, Savannah came to life. She shocked the daylights out of us by crawling (after a sugar packet - sounds like trouble), and outright laughing! And she's continued ever since! So far, she's a very happy baby, only crying when I force feed her (gently, don't worry) rice cereal. She's easily consoled. She drinks well, but still doesn't tolerate anything non-liquid in her mouth, and barfs (gross!) when given anything other than rice cereal (I think she gags herself because she's upset). Ah well!

Debbie T, Savannah loves her moose. And my mother's been 'holding it in', avoiding the squat toilets, and waiting until we get back to the hotel. I, on the other hand, am quite impressive at it, if I do say so myself. I EVEN managed to skillfully 'go' with Savannah in her front-carrier, withoug a) peeing on myself; b) slipping and sliding, or; c) stepping into the hole. Impressive, eh?!

Well blogger friends, that's that!

Various Activities

Today, we went to Walmart (ours is better), a zoo to see pandas (cool), and a tea house (learned all sorts of things about how to prepare and enjoy tea). Interesting day!

The best part was that Savannah laughed out loud for the first time. Not often, only a couple of times, but much better than before. She also sat on the bed and played, without crying: another first.

Ready, set, squat! Tracey, since you love photos, I thought you'd get a kick out of this one. Figured Marcus would get a chuckle as well!

Tracey, Christine, Dominique, and Debbie, we found some little gifts for you. Eel, I'm sure there'll be a lot of Savannah-isms. Time will tell what they'll be. Anna, thanks for the nail clippers - they came in very handy today!

Cheers!

Touring Around

We toured downtown Chongqing today. Lots of high end (really high end) shopping. Needless to say, we didn't buy a lot, but did get a gift for Vanessa, David, Christy and Tessa. Suspense? Good! We went to city hall, and bought a scroll with Savannah's Chinese name painted in calligraphy. We'll receive it tomorrow. City Hall, pictured above, was ornate and of typical colourful and ornate Chinese style. Grand! We also saw the mighty Yangtze river, one of the 3 most important in China. I'd so wanted to see it! Had lunch at Pizza Hut, as we were craving North American fare. Yum!

The sky is constantly hazy here, much more so than in Beijing. Josee, you'd croak here! The temperatures are in the high teens - low twenties, and it's humid. Chongqing is known to be hot, hazy, humid, and hilly. We agree.

Savannah nearly smiled a couple of times today, and for the first time, didn't continually cry when we set her down. She still doesn't automatically open her mouth for the bottle, and needs to be coaxed, but once she starts she can sink 8 oz in no time (thanks Tanje for the bottles!). She doesn't know what to do with food, and it's a bit of a struggle getting in a tablespoon of pablum in - not all at one time - I may be a first time mother, but I'm no fool! Speaking of first time parenting, we're the only first time parents in this whole group, and one of only two couples who have never adopted. Interesting!

Mike, we use the diaper bag duck every day, and we think of you when we put our dirty diapers in! Vanessa and David, I told Savannah all about you. Christy, Savannah loves your "noonie". See it in the photo? Jenna, what's your rate for babysitting? Is it free if she's cute?

It's Official

Well, there's no turning back now: with a full day of paperwork completed, Savannah is officially adopted! All morning and all afternoon, we completed the documentation required here to apply for her passport and to make her a part of our family. Then this evening, all nine families went to a local restaurant (totally not fancy - skinny little park benches for seats - you get the picture), with a dining room similar to Momma Poons' (although the latter is nicer), complete with a few flies. The food was absolutely delicious, and the prices couldn't be beat. Afterward, our travel guide, Lily, provided some beautiful fine textured yellow cakes, complete with whipped cream icing, to celebrate this big day (as you can tell, she's very thoughtful, and we wouldn't have breezed through this without her).

Savannah is doing well. She's definitely shell shocked, and it's hard to get and maintain her attention. It's like there's a protective wall there. She loves being in our arms however, and just snuggles right in. She cries her little heart out as soon as we put her down, but we do anyway, for a few minutes at a time, so she can learn that yes, we will come right back for her. We can't bear to have her cry for very long however, and we so enjoy carrying her around (good thing she likes our baby carrier!). Her favourite amusement is looking in the mirror, and looking in the little mirror in one of the books gifted to her at her shower (thanks!). I think I know why: there were large mirrors in both playrooms at the orphanage. Not only must looking into them remind her of that, but, more importantly, her reflection is all she has left of what's familiar to her. Imagine that for a moment... No wonder she hasn't laughed yet, and only has smiled fleetingly once. None of this is unexpected though, and it will get better.

Our group donated a washing machine to the orphanage today. We also gave them a bagful of stuffed toys sent by Serge and Valerie, and it was so so appreciated!

Walking down the street as a Caucasian couple with an Asian baby in China is quite an experience. We literally get swarmed, mostly by women who stare and point and smile and laugh. They are quite overtly curious, but friendly and joyous. I wish I knew way way way more Mandarin!

Thanks to all who blogged messages yesterday. We appreciated each one! You're the BEST!

Cheers!

PS: Josee - Viva Los Vegas. Also, notice the toy and outfit you gave Savannah in one of the photos.

PPS: Elaine - tell us when a good time to call you might be, and we'll give it a whirl. Remember, we're 13 hours ahead of you.

We Are Family

Today, our wonderful family of 2 has become a family of 3! Yes! We were up at 0600 (but awake much earlier) and off to Liangping with 3 other families. After a 3 hour drive north, we arrived at the Liangping Social Welfare Institute, Savannah's home since day 1. It takes up the whole 4th floor on a 6 or 7 story building at the end of a muddy street. On arrival, were greeted by 2 nannies and the orphanage director, and went right away to the crib rooms. The crib rooms each held about 8 cribs, stuck together side by side. The rooms themselves are about 10 x 8 feet, with 4 cribs lined up on each side. No Savannah in the first room, but the other families found their little ones there. In the second room, there were 2 babies sitting there. We recognized Savannah, and also saw a photo very similar to that of her finding ad stuck to the wall above her crib. The nanny handed her over to us. What a moment! She didn't cry, and before long, Rick had her babbling, and she even smiled a little once.

The orphanage director treated us to an amazing lunch, including some spicy foods (we are in Sichuan, after all!). All was delicious. It was served Chinese style, with 11 different dishes placed onto a large lazy Susan in the middle of the table. Mmmm!

Savannah was very good on the bus trip back. Had a little nap, and drank her formula with no problemos. She did cry when we got back to the hotel, but who can blame her? I think she'll miss her homies for quite a while. What a day for her!

The scenery from Chongqing to Liangping is amazing: subtropical, lush, with houses of brick here and there, anywhere you could possibly imagine (hilltops, valleys), surrounded by rolling hills and green mountains. We saw many people working the soil and tending to their plantings which carpet hillsides that in Canada would be considered non-arable land because of their pitch. Not so in China!

We're tired, but very happy, and her grandmaman and grandpapa Chartrand are thrilled.

Again, thanks to all who helped make our wait easier!