Sorry I have not posted in awhile!

I am sorry about that.  Life got crazy!  Wednesday night we had a foot massage for a hour and a half for only $15 each.  Dan, the girls and I all had one and it was not only a foot massage but a back, leg, neck and arm massage.  It was awesome!  It might have relaxed me too much or maybe toxins in the body I don't know.  I do know that the guy who was massaging me kept commenting on

how tense I was.  Hmm I wonder whyJ  The girls absolutely loved it!  Anyway the next day I felt nauseas and exhausted and did not want to get out of bed at all. 

We had our American Consulate appointment and everything went great.  He was sworn in and I can’t remember at all what we said.  We went shopping a little but I felt so bad that I just wanted to go back to the hotel room and rest!  And so we did.  I did nothing the rest of the day or night.  Dan went and got Pizza Hut because by this time I was so tired of the food and costs.  Food is not cheaper in China unless you like bone, beak and fat!

Friday we did some shopping and we wanted to get another massage but ran out of time and was up late packing getting ready for our flights the next day. 

 Now by Saturday we were done with China.  We had a great time while there and have some fond memories but we just wanted to get back to America where we have personal space, restrooms that are for the most part clean and not stinky, where there is good food and variety that does not cost a fortune, where we can drive again, where we can see the sunset, and where the air smells great!

 The Beijing airport was very stressful and no fun!  We were very frustrated with several things.  For instance, our stroller that we checked at the gate was sent to baggage claim because we were to slow getting off the plane.  What!?!  We had three kids and I did not think we did that bad of a job.  So not only did we have our carry ons to handle but we had a two year old who wanted to run free in the airportJ  And then we had to go back through security and there was even more security right before we got on the plane. 

 Other than those stresses, the flights were great.  Cole slept most of the long flight so I can thank God for that!  What was really cool was when we were landing in Washington D.C. there was a beautiful sunset!  It was awesome and that is where I realized I had not seen a sunset in 2 and ½ weeks.    

 That is also where Cole became a U.S. citizen.  I wanted to take a moment and weep and enjoy the moment but we only had 2 hours to get through immigration, customs and security to make it to our next flight.  It was a bit harried but we made it.  The last flight was the shortest and hardest.  Cole at this point was done with flying and not being able to run around.  We made it but it was stressful. 

 My Mom was there to greet us with a sign that I absolutely loved.  Because it was midnight when we landed there was not a big welcoming committee but that is ok.  Dan’s parents came and helped us load everything up and get us home.

 I had to stop off at Taco Bell though and it never tasted better!  Mmmmm.  Thanks for all who have prayed for us!  I really appreciate it and we are so thankful to have Cole home!  He is a perfect addition to our family.  I will try to continue to post for those interested in how he is doing and for his upcoming surgeries. 

                                                               This was our first flight.

                                                            On our second flight.

 

                                                          Cole becoming a U.S. citizen.

                                                           He is very happy about it:)

My Mom meeting us! I had mentioned to her that I really enjoyed seeing our name on a sign when we got off a plane and having someone picking us up. I loved her sense of humor:)

Back in the Indiana! Very happy and tired. Our whole trip took about 28 hours!

Cole's very first play date. He had a great time and loves our trampoline!

Dan's a Genius!

Ok so Dan is a genius but we will get back to that:)  Today was the day that Cole's TB was checked.  It was fine and there is no need for anymore testing!  Yay!
We then went to Western Han Nanyue King's Tomb Museum.  It was awesome!  The girls absolutly loved it and did not want to leave.  It is over 2,000 years old.  It was discovered when they were building the China Marriott and the site was being excavated.  It was completly intact with all of its treasures.  We were able to go into the actual tomb!  It is not really big but to be able to step inside somewhere that was made 2,000 years ago, that's awesome!  And again the girls really got a big kick out of it.  I recommend it to people just to check out and the price was great!  It was only 37rmb (around $6) thats all together not per person, the kids were free and we only had to pay for the adults. 

This is front of the medical checkup building where Cole passed his TB test.  We knew he was a smart kid;) 

This is the top part of the tomb that was discovered after moving 65.5 feet of dirt from a large hill. 
The large stones was from over an hour away and they have no idea how it was cut from the mountain or moved here.

This is Donna Rose in the tomb reading something.  Like I said she really liked it!

Dan standing in the doorway exiting the tomb.  That is the original door.  So cool!

One hundred years ago they built something on the hill not knowing what was beneath it.  here we are standing next to it.

Ok and now here it is...Dan is a genius.  He figured out that the hot pot used to heat water for tea, coffee, and , water can be used to boil spaghetti!!!  We had sticker shock when we payed $70 for Italian food that was not that amazing.  So Dan came up this idea and it only cost $7.  Yes that is alot for spaghetti with sauce but it is a lie that everything is cheaper in China!


We had some pretty monumental moments today.  Today a chinese lady at the hotel picked up Cole and he started to cry and reach out for me.  I love to see him want me!  Even though my arms and back are killing me because he is no tiny boy:)  We took him toy shopping for the first time in his life and let him pick out some toys.  He was a tasmania devil and had so much fun until his brain could take no more and he broke down.  Back at the hotel room he was playing with Dan's shoes and trying to put them on.  And then tonight when I went to put him to bed he did not cry but instead he started to suck his fingers and play with his belly button (yes, that is what he does to comfort himself).  But no tears!!!!  He seemed happy and content and went to sleep right away! 

So overall today was a good day!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there.  Our Mother's Day is just ending and yours is just beggining.  Crazy to think about.  I am very tired right now and it is not yet 9pm.  We had a fun day shopping on Shamian Island.  During breakfast today, we introduced ourselves to another family who was adopting two girls.  They already have two girls back home, so now they will have four girls.  They are pretty amazing people!  We really liked this family and a family friend, who was awesome enough to join them and help them out.  We found out that we were all going to the same place so we decided to do a dinner date.  We ended up running into them early and doing some shopping together.  It was funny to watch Dan and this guy haggle to get the best prices.  Rose you would have loved it:) 

We had a great time today.  There were some moments that were rough but tomorrow is a new day!   :)  Plus, unfortunatly I feel like I may be starting to get sinus problems.  So please pray that it is just from being tired and not getting sick. 

All the kids are sleeping right now and Dan is out and about on a diaper run.  I just hope he can find some because I think we have only one!

By the way Michelle, Cole loves porridge so if you can add that to the shopping list:)  Thanks for all  you do!!!!

Here is Cali and Dan doing the one, two, three, lift.   Cole loves this!  My arm started hurting so Cali and Donna had to help.

He has really started to bond with BaBa (Daddy in Chinese) and whenever you say Baba Cole looks for Dan.  He also looks for me when we say Mama and the girls when we say tei tei(sp).  It is very cute.  By the way for those wondering right now we call him ColeXiang.  Pronounced ColeShung.  It is close to his original name Chenxiang and he answers to it.  Except when he does not want to listen.  Then all of a sudden he does not know his name, or any other words be it in English or Chinese:)

Yes Dan had to have it!  Chris Coston this just may be your gift!!!   hahaha

Oh Boy!!!

Yesterday was very intersting.  Good news is he is getting used to us and his personality is coming out more.  Bad news is he is getting used to us and his personality is coming out more:)  He is a handful.  Right before we were to get on the plane to come to Guangzhou he had a major tantrum.  His sisters had to potty but he wanted to keep walking.  He did not want to wait for them to come out and started screaming at the top of his lungs.  Now we are already stared at because we are white Americans.  Then we are stared at because we have a Chinese child who is cleft lip and palate.  Imagine the looks I got when he started screaming.  I had to go to the family style bathroom and let him scream away.  I think they could still hear him throught the airport.  At least I know he has good lungs!  :)  He finally calmed down and it was last call for boarding by the time I got back to the plane.  So by the time we were getting on the plane was packed!  Not one seat was next to each other.  So while boarding I think I scared the chinese flight attendants because they wanted to put our carry ons under the plane.  I said no.  They somehow magically figured out a place to put them on the plane.  They tried to sit the girls seperate from each other.  I gave them a look that made them move people around until the girls could sit next to each other and Dan and I was two seats behind with Cole.  I had paid for a seat for him but did not get it!  By that time I was in tears due to stress.  But Donna Rose really stepped up and took care of Cali and became like a little adult in a second.  So that was cool to see.

Going back to Cole's personality.  He is very fiesty and high energy.  He is also very ornery and if you are telling him to not hit (in Chinese) he will smile at you as he goes to hit.  And then laugh when you try to stop him.  I have to admit it is very funny and I try hard to not laugh at him and encourage him but I have failed.  He goes around the hotel room and makes huge messes.  He loves to throw stuff in toilet so you never know what you are going to find.  We have learned to keep the bathroom doors shut. 

This is us right after we arrieved in Guangzhou.  We made it!!!!  It was also a very rough flight because there was really bad turbulence.

I think the girls have really enjoyed the trip thus far:)

Because of his restlessness we have been reprimended by the hotel twice and at the medical checkup.  Dan and I may just be going off on someone in China because how do you tell a two year old little boy who just wants to play, to not run or have fun after you just rocked their world?  Dan said next time he is going to pick Cole up, who will scream because he is being stopped, and just stand next to the person:)  hahaha  we will show them;)

The medical check up was today and everything went great.  Also, before I go I must tell you about our awesome hotel room.  When we got here there was no room with a king size bed avaibable.  We told them we had to have a king size bed in case Cole had to sleep with us (which he has not because I finally have him sleeping in a crib).  The only room open at that time was a suite.  We are having to pay more a night but it is sooo worth it.  It is huge and totally worth the cost.  We did get a great deal though for those wondering! 

This is the living room/ dinning room.  This is where the girls are sleeping.

Please forgive any typos.  I did this as fast as I could while Cole sleeps and Dan took the girls to the pool!!!

Orphanage visit 2

This is a picture hanging up on the wall of the foster parents house.  The look Cole is giving in this picture is a look he gives alot.  He has a very fiery and fiesty personality!  It cracks me up but I know it is going to be a blessing and a curse.  He has no problem giving his thoughts and opinions!  And to be honest, I really like that about him.  He seems like a survivor.

This is the room that the whole family sleeps in including the parents.  I can see now why he is such a deep sleeper:)  They have one sleeping room, one living room, small kitchen and a bathroom for six kids and two adults.  I don't think we Americans sometimes know how blessed we are!

This is in the living room.  We are smiling but inside we were really sad. 

In front of the orphanage.  I know we can't help all of the orphans in the world or even this one orphanage but we can and will help one.  We already love Cole and are very thankful he is in our life.  Everyone talks about how we are blessing him but already he is blessing us!  I thank God for this experience in my life and I pray that I can become a better person and a better Mom through all of this.  I thank the Lord that we have the freedom to have as many kids as we want in America.

Tomorrow we will be leaving the province he was born in and abandoned in.  It is bittersweet in that we are closer to coming home and starting our new family life at home but sad because he is leaving the only life he has ever known.  I really do think the orphanage is a good place or as good of a place it can be.  I think they truelly love and care for the kids the best they can.  I believe the foster parents love the kids and are caring loving people even though I did not meet them.  

I know my kids was affected by this and I pray it is for the better.  I really want them to understand how blessed they are and how blessed we are.  I hope we teach them that to whom much is given, much is expected. 

Orphanage visit

It was a huge debate on whether we should visit the orphanage or not.  We did not want to do anything to hurt our relationship that we had been building with Cole but also did not want to miss an opportunity.  After some very helpful people who had been here before gave some great advice, we decided to go visit the orphanage.  I was nervous a little but not much.  I was not sure what to expect. 

 We first got there we were showed around a little.  They have a toddler room and I asked why all those kids were not in foster care like Cole.  Our guide told us the reason was because there were not enough foster parents for all the kids who need one.  The special needs kids like Cole who needed more one on one got foster parents first. 

Not the greatest of pictures but this is for Jane.  Jane is a another adoptive Mom who is waiting to get her little one.  She is with the same agency as us.  She asked us if we could take a care package to her little girl and I was very happy too!  This is us delivering it to the orphange and them promising to give it to her.  :)

I am going to ask that the rest of the pictures I am going to show never be reproduced or used.  I just put that up as precautionary because there has been problems in the past with people using pictures and the government finding out and then not allowing other parents to take pictures.
We were told to not take pictures expecially in the baby room but while in there the nannies   recognized Cole and started to ohh and ahh over him.  I found out that he had spent the first year of his life in this small room with at least 20 babies if not more.  I asked them if I could take their picture for Cole in the future and they said yes.

After this we were taken to the foster parents apartment and they were not there.  They get one day off a week and this happened to be that day.  I was sad at first that we could not meet the foster Mom but I think God knew what he was doing.  Cole totally reacted when we went into the apartment but he did not want down and the helper Nannie (who watches the kids when the foster parents have a day off) was there but he did not want her.  He seemed very content to stay with me which made me feel really good and that we were doing the right thing. 

I am unable to post anymore pictures so I will continue on another post.

Add this picture to the bottom of last post:)

Here is the picture I was trying to add in my last post. 

Finding spot Day!

Today was actually a really good day.  Today we went to Cole's finding spot.  The finding spot is where he was left at to be found .  Our guide said that most babies are left in boxes with a blanket and a bottle.  I asked if they would still have that blanket and she said no. 

Here we are at his finding spot which is another orphanage.  But this orphanage houses kids who have lost their parents to death and they are not adoptable.  I did not understand it all but while standing there school let out so the kids could go eat lunch at home and a bunch of kids went inside.  They were vert cute and seemed very happy. 

It was very rainy and wet and  his finding spot was located in a small village just north of town.  We decided to do some shopping in this small village to kind of support where he could have come from.  Something that really meant alot to me was that while we were shopping and I was holding Cole, a Chinese woman came up and tried to hold him.  He held on tighter to me and started to cry as she was reaching for him.  It made me really happy to see that he is attaching to me. 

Also, while there we bought this shirt.  Try to read it:)

We thought it would be perfect for Cole.  Even though it makes no sense it is his first American flag shirt!

We then went to the Tengwang Pavillion.  It is very famous in China and it was beautiful.  I wish we were there when it was not raining.  But because of the rain it was not too busy.  I was going to try and post a picture in the garden in front of the tiger which is the year Cole was born.  But I am unable to add any more photos right now.  :(  Maybe in a little!
\

Our God is a God who answers prayers!

First I need to give a shout out to a friend I meet online.  She is on a facebook page called Spring time in China and happens to be in the same hotel at the same time!  Her husband fixed our VPN.  Praise God!!!  I am back:)  You never realize how much you miss something until it is gone and I hate to admit it but I love technology and facebook and blogs:) 

I must thank everyone who prayed for us!  The first two days were really tough.  It is starting to get better but I know if is going to be a long road ahead of us.  As I said to Dan it is alot like Groundhog Day.  Where you have to start over everyday. 

I was feeling very lonely but I think because of your prayers we met up with two other families.  One we just happened to meet while eating breakfast and the other is the one mentioned above.  We had pizza night:)  It was so nice to be able to hang out with them and talk about our experiences.  I needed that soooo bad!  Just to be social was nice. 

Today we decided to stay and hang out in the hotel room, which I am so thankful we did.  It was nice to not have to rush anywhere but to hang out.  Dan took Donna and Cali to the pool.  They had a great time while Cole and I took a nap.  During the nap, Cole kept crying in his sleep.  So we did not have a great sleep but that is ok. 

Not many pictures from today because we did not do much!  Here is one where they all were coloring together. 

Thanks again for your prayers because they are working!  Please keep praying:)

Forever and a Day

First, I need to thank my friend Rebecca who is posting on my blog. It is driving me crazy but I can't access my blog or facebook! I feel like I am living alone right now:( Oh well. Can't get the vpn to work.

Now on to the update: We arrived in Nanchang on Sunday and found out from our guide that we would not be meeting Cole on Monday as thought but instead at 3:30 that day. Hence the title. We now not only get to spend forever with him but a day extra! It was a little unnerving and exciting all at once. I was not prepared and did not have a chance to write down my questions for the director. I felt so lost also in what to do. I know a lot of times people see their little one for the first time and everything goes perfect and there is an instant match and no questions asked. Not so for us. When they showed up with him they came to our hotel room. We were able, with the agencies help, get a great deal on upgrading to the executive suite. So we knew there would be plenty of room for us all.

So a little after 3pm they show up and we meet Cole for the first time! He looked at us like he did not know or trust us. We found out that he was actually in a foster home with a foster Mom and Dad. He called them MaMa and BaBa (the chinese for Mom and Dad). I found out later that on the way up to the hotel room the director and helper were telling him that his Mama and Baba where waiting to see him. So understand his confusion when we open the door and we are not who he expects. (Because of this we have asked our guide to refrain from calling us Mama and Baba and let his foster parents be those words to him but instead call us Mommy and Daddy). After they all left, Cole started crying and frankly I wanted to also. He did calm down but Dan and I felt horrible for him and was questioning if we were doing the right thing. I know we are but sometimes that is so hard to see. I felt so inadequate. I did not even know how to feed him. The information they gave us was vague. For example, he does not eat formula and eats something his Mom gets in a glass bottle but we can't get it. Also, he drinks out of a bottle but they did not bring one for him. 

We had to cry out to God because we felt alone, confused and not strong enough. But we know His strength is strong enough. We thank God we brought the girls because Cali immediately started to play with him and talk to him. He threw a few tantrums. He did not want me to hold him or take off his shoes. I think he knew that if his shoes came off he was stuck here and he did not want that. I finally had to take off his shoes and force him to let me hold him. He cried and screamed (he is strong willed). He finally calmed down and began to accept us. But it is a slow process. 

He has started to bond more with me than Dan and more with Cali than any of us:) He really likes her and likes to play with her. Donna is a little more reserved but she is starting to warm up to him as well. 

Dan and I are really confused on whether to visit the orphanage and foster parents or not. We can tell that he was definitely bonded with them and don't want to create any more wounds for his poor soul but we don't want to miss an opportunity to see where he has spent a year of his life. If you have any insight then please email me at rbberry@hotmail.com. Also, I really could use friendly words of encouragement so please email me:) As I said before, I can't get on facebook or the blog so I feel like I am in the dark right now. I would also really like to hear from those springtime ladies who are going to be in Gaungzhou at the same time. I would really love to see a friendly face when we get there!

Prayers are much appreciated! Also, he is sick right now with what sounds like a respiratory infection and could be something that is causing problems. He has a fever. So please pray for healing for him and that we don't get it!

Love Rebecca

This is us meeting him for first time

This is after him being really upset from them leaving and finally letting me hold him and touch him

I finally figured out how to feed him and he fell asleep while holding him

Finally letting Dan touch him!

Today he was not wanting to go to the guide like he did on Sunday and stayed with me the whole time

 He is starting to become a part of our family. I just feel sad for him and what he has lost.

Hello from the other side of the world!

We are having an awesome time here and things could not be going better. I am unable to blog right now or check facebook (and I miss my spring time in China peeps) because China blocks those sites. My VPN is not working at the moment and I am hoping when we get to Nanchang it will not be as strict. The hotel we are staying at is awesome. It is very authentic and we feel like we are truly immersed in the culture. Which is very interesting to be in a culture that knows very little English. It is truly an adventure. We have the money down which is actually not too hard. And we are learning a little Chinese!

One thing that I am truly happy about is that we are sharing this with the girls. They are having a great time and just to be able to share this with them is unbelievable. They are also our little rock stars here and Cali is enjoying it. While out and about we are always having people asking for picture with us and our girls. It is fun but gets old when you are trying to head some where.

Here are a few pointers for those traveling to China:

1) Don't be so afraid of the squatty potty. Dan has made it his mission to never use one, while I am always happy to. Why you may ask? Well the reason is because when you are out and about and stop off at a really dirty restroom you don't have to touch anything! I don't have to worry about cleaning a seat or anything:) So I am a fan when out and about.

2) Pack cup ramen noodles for flight to China. The food on the plane is sooo horrible I can't even describe it. It would be a crime against humanity to serve that stuff to criminals in prison. I don't even know what the sauce was on the chicken. Was it bbq? We don't know! I found out the hard way that if you bring cup ramen they will put hot water in it for you. At least it would have been edible.

3) Get a translation book. It has been very handy.

4) Look at your day differently. You go to bed at 8pm. Sleep until 3am when your body will wake up and refuse to sleep anymore! Don't fight it, not even worth it. Get up and start your day. Hang out and drink tea or coffee and relax. We don't normally eat breakfast at home so we will eat nothing until 7am. While our kids eat breakfast so they will eat oatmeal or protein bar. Then at 7am when the hotel serves its free breakfast buffet you go and stuff your self. Think of this as lunch. Go and have fun and around 3pm eat a bid meal for dinner. Eat a snack before bed and go to bed at 8am. I am actually really enjoying this schedule right now! I am an not an early riser:) And those that know me know how much I hate waking up early.

When I get the vpn working again (which pray it does) I will go back and post pictures and make comments about our trip. I miss you all and thank you for your prayers! BTW we get Cole soon!!!! This Monday!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!

I just want to wish our new little guy a Happy Birthday!    Here is my note to Cole:

"Mommy so wanted to be there for your second birthday but just was not able to get paperwork and everything ready in time.  I promise that I will not miss celebrating any more of your birthdays with you!  Can't wait to meet you and discover the life the Lord has for us!  Love you more than you could understand right now!  Also, your sisters and Dad miss you too and can't wait to have you around.  Don't ever forget that we loved you before you knew us.  That is how it is with God.  He loves us way before we knew Him.    Love Mommy!"

Less than 24 hours and Counting!

Trying not to panic but in less than 24 hours we will be on a plane heading to New Jersey!  Then getting on a plane and heading to China.  I have mixed emotions today.  A little calm mixed with panic:)  My paranoid but lovable husband has asked that those friends from facebook please not comment about our trip on facebook.  He doesn't want any riff raff know we are leaving and my facebook page is filled with them!  lol  Just kidding but seriously please post comments on here instead.  And just to let you know...I really appreciate any comments so feel free to leave them and leave them often!  Only those that truelly love me will leave comments;)  Ok so I feel a little goofy today also!  Just trying not to loose my mind but I think that is too late.  Oh well I better go and shower, clean house, hyperventilate, finish packing, cry and yell at the kids.  Oh yea it is going to be a fun day in the Berry household!