First Day Home Late 7/22 early 7/23

Things didn't go exactly as planned with the arrival. I started getting the kids ready around 5:30. The girls had baths and ponytails and dresses. The next step was to get in the car around 6. Of course, the boys were scheduled to arrive home at 7:30 on the 22nd but through many problems with planes being late and mechanics, it was actually 12:13 when they arrived . . .July 23rd. I was able to talk the luggage girl into giving me a gate pass but not my niece or her boyfriend who were along for the ride. Despite the fact that luggage girl was willing to give it to me, she still felt the need to explain to me how I didn't need it. I wasn't meeting unaccompanied minors and she had children and a husband and my husband didn't ask for help in Newark so he'll be fine. I'm wondering if anyone told her that after sitting on the tarmac for over two hours with hot oil and firetrucks and then finally being cleared for take off, a boy stood up and pulled down his pants to pee in the aisle and had a waling, feral fit delaying the plane even more. That was my boy. And, I feel like delayed four hours after having traveled for over 24, that my husband did, indeed, need gate help. Had it been me, I would have insisted on three wheelchairs. But it wasn't; it was Pete and so he didn't ask for any help. I raced onto the airport train and into the terminal because by the time the lady had finished insisting he didn't need any help, almost all of the people on the flight had arrived landside. I also raced up the escalators and through the D terminal but it didn't take long until I saw them. Boys in lime green shirts (thanks to Gymboree for the crazy green color that I thought would help Pete recognize his own children in China) and there was Pete with a baby dangling from the front of him walking sideways watching the boys behind him and half looking ahead. He was in tears but trying to wait for this emotional floodgate until we got home. Duncan informed me that everyone on the plane hated them and had mean things to say especially when Daddy went to the bathroom on the plane. I believe Pete had tried to explain that Kai didn't speak English because apparently when he went to the bathroom, the guy behind them said to his lady neighbor, "Then learn some Mandarin." Thanks for the advice buddy but kinda late. Pete explained that the people in the neighboring seats were all drinking for free thanks to the stewardess who apparently realized that they, did, indeed, need help or medication or at the very least for the plane not to be four hours late reaching it's destination. At any rate, I was amazingly happy to see them. Duncan had lots of things to say about Kai's behavior and how Kai ruined his day and so on and so forth. And my husband's eternal cuteness is surely in part to the way he wears a baby. Welcome home boys!

In Pittsburgh

One little guy is asleep on the floor. Not because it's a Maxwell Family Christmas where we all huddled in one room awaiting the big day. Though, we are awaiting the big day. Also, not because he is too big for the bed he's sleeping in or because someone else pulled the sheet off earlier in the day. He's just sleeping on the floor because he's a thumper. Not so much a head banger as a body banger--throwing himself against the mattress to the beat of a song (sometimes one he's singing and sometimes one he hears). He's supposed to be sleeping in his sister's bed tonight as his room is being painted but it just doesn't give him what he needs in his thumping ritual so he's on the floor. Quinn is upside down in her bed. It's hot here. Aila is in time out. Well, in the bed formerly known as time out. She asked to sleep there. For the longest time, she could only sleep in a dark closet with no one walking anywhere near. Two of those three create their own sensory havens at night with the head banging and the upside down sleeping. Aila can't manage much sensory input but I know she's getting more organized as she is now able to sleep in a crib near to her brothers and sisters. Also, she's quite a bit more tired with the nearly full day preschool she is attending. The last little one is actually watching TV. When Daddy gets home, this is all going to change but for one more night, Mommy would rather let her watch four movies in a row then deal with her sensory overload that involves jumping all over my bed throwing her head into the covers, or over the edge, or possibly throwing her whole body from our rather high bed. Actually I should probably write a thesis in prenatal exposure causing sensory and sleep issues in children. However, that thesis will have to wait. Because tomorrow, if none of my fears regarding the North Magnetic Pole come true, I'll have our China boys home. If they have sensory issues, I don't know about it. As a matter of fact, I'm sure they have a whole slew of issues that I know nothing about. I haven't looked up every little detail in their files on the internet. I've just barely got their room painted (and only because of Christina's help will it be done by tomorrow). These boys are going to give us a run for our money. We know. In part, we picked our older China son, Kai, for behavior that looked the same sort of trying as our ten year old's. We wanted him to be an equal partner in that brotherhood. In retrospect, this may not have been the best idea. Tomorrow, though, it won't matter. It will only matter that everyone has a sleeping bag for family movie night and that there's a popcorn for everyone.

i·tin·er·ar·y

CO9726		9:45 a.m. Fri., Jul. 22, 2011 Hong Kong (HKG)	3:10 p.m. Fri., Jul. 22, 2011 Tokyo, Japan (NRT - Narita)	Boeing 767-300 Fare Class: Economy (S) Meals: None	Flight Time: 4 hr 25 mn
Flight CO 9726 is operated by ANA All Nippon Airways.
	CO8		4:35 p.m. Fri., Jul. 22, 2011 Tokyo, Japan (NRT - Narita)	4:30 p.m. Fri., Jul. 22, 2011 New York/Newark, NJ (EWR - Liberty)	Boeing 777-200ER Fare Class: Economy (S) Meals: None	Flight Time: 12 hr 55 mn
	CO3076		6:00 p.m. Fri., Jul. 22, 2011 New York/Newark, NJ (EWR - Liberty)	7:39 p.m. Fri., Jul. 22, 2011 Pittsburgh, PA (PIT)	Embraer RJ145 Fare Class: Economy (S) Meals: None	Flight Time: 1 hr 39 mn
Flight CO 3076 is operated by ExpressJet Airlines Inc. dba Continental Express.

Wednesday July 20

Finally a day to move!! Today we travel to Hong Kong, the place we fly out of.

We got up, not too early, and went down for a late breakfast. It was nice not being in a hurry. Our friends came down towards the end. We managed to get a decent Skype connection and talked to Emma and Marie for a while. It was good for Emma to meet the boys.

We went back to the room and started to pack. It really wasn’t too bad. With the extra suitcase we had enough room and with a scale there was no question on weights. I did have to contend with the boys wrestling now and then and Finn reorganizing things the way he saw fit.

Walked around town a little bit after that in the pedestrian mall. Met some friends with a daughter who was in the same room as Finn and walked around with them and chatted. Then stopped in to 7-11 for lunch: Chicken for Kai, Pizza for Duncan, and Yogurt for Me and Finn. We ate in the pedestrian mall, though Kai ate at the doorstop of a store nearby, as he was in a mood…

Then we headed back to the hotel to get ready. Duncan and I showered. Kai wouldn’t and I didn’t fight him. Finn had a bath (he has hated them since the first one which he loved – not sure why). Then we headed down to the lobby with the help of our friends.

I checked out. I guess they go and check your room because they couldn’t find the handset for our phone. I went up and looked and couldn’t find it either. So they charged me 100 RMB ($15). They said I had to pay for the whole phone, but when I said OK, but I want the rest of it (sorry Marie) then they said I just needed to pay for the handset. I am guessing Finn put it in the trash (since he couldn’t fit it in the potty!)

We took the van to the consulate. Our facilitator went in to get the Passports and Visas for the boys. We waited in the van. That accomplished we headed to the train station, about two blocks away. We parked in the loading zone (like quadruple parked) and got out and got the bags. We had three rolling suitcases – one big, one medium, and one small. Three backpacks, and one little fella on my chest in the carrier. The facilitator took us up to show us where to go. We waited about 20 minutes until it was time to go into the waiting room for the train. There were about five other adoptive families from Guangzhou there.

Into another waiting room. Finn and I bought some drinks and chips while Duncan shared a cookie from Subway (what a nice surprise!) with Kai. Finally it was time to get on the train, about 20 minutes later. We went down the escalator to the train, now just us 4 boys and all our stuff. We carried the bags onto the train. The big one we left in the entry way and the others we put above our seats. Pretty heavy to lift them with a big backpack on my front and a Finn on my front. Soon thereafter the train left the station and on to Hong Kong.

It was a wonderful trip. Only one Kai meltdown. The big boys drew some (trains). We ate Subway (a Maxwell-Thompson train tradition now). Duncan READ A BOOK. Many trips to the potty, which apparently drops straight onto the tracks. When you get into Hong Kong the bathrooms are locked so you don’t use them. Of course Duncan had to go then, but apparently in Car 4, this is not the case so he was allowed to go back there.

Got to the station and went through immigration, including the station where your temperature is read as you walk by to make sure you don’t have a fever, I guess. No problems. Then into the station. McDonalds! We went and changed money and then headed up there. We had hamburgers and fries (Kai had chicken). I had a Sweet Potato Pie (mmmmmm). Then we went back down the escalator, this little train of suitcases and boys. And onto the taxi.

Duncan rode in the front and was officially freaked out. In Hong Kong, the drivers side is like England, so he was quite impressed that he was riding in the “drivers seat” on the right.

Got to the hotel and got the room. We were “upgraded” to a Harbor View room on the 36^th floor. Nice place. Room small but fine. Boys didn’t last long before they were in sleepy land. And now it’s my turn, with big plans to see all of Hong Kong tomorrow before we leave on Friday.

Tuesday July 19

Tuesday was the day to go to the US Consulate to do the paperwork for the Visa. We had what I think was the first appointment there which was great, except that it meant we had to leave at 7:30. So up early, run to breakfast, slurp it down, and run. Everything went pretty well getting going. I think I even got to eat. Nice thing is that running around like a chicken with my head cut off is typical for meals at home, so I haven’t gotten out of practice. Running for food for kids, getting coffee, more food, getting Kai away from the elevator, cleaning up spills, and on and on. It is both hectic and normal for me.

We left for the Consulate in the same van we’d been using, again with our friends. About a half hour drive. We got there and there were long lines out front, apparently Chinese people waiting in line for Visas. We passed that line and went inside. There were about 15 other families there in the lobby. We waited a bit and then went up the escalators and waited in a line. After about 10 minutes we through a metal detector and into another waiting room. There they started calling names. We got called second. They collected all of the papers we had and then took them to review. A bit later (it was longer for us, because of 2 kids), we got papers back. Then we had to wait for our friends, because they had to get fingerprints for their daughter. Finally we were done and left.

We got home early from that, and found ourselves faced with a whole day to fill. Our friends suggested we go to a park.

After spending a bit in the room getting ready, we went to the park at 11:00. I need to ask my friends the name but it was a big mountain park, maybe with a big monument at the top, though we didn’t get to the top…

Both families took their own Taxi to the park (all the taxis are VW’s – 4 door manual transmission sedans). We got dropped off at the park entrance. No friends. So we waited a bit then decided to look around some to see if we could find them. We hiked down the road a bit in search of them. About ten minutes later, down by the restaurants, we found them. We decided to eat there. We chose a little local place. Maybe they knew about us because they ushered us into a room in the back that just had one big table. That way we could make as much noise as we wanted. We all ordered some dishes and then shared. Some soup, some chicken nuggets, some meat on stick, and some noodles. The noodles were actually a mixture of noodles and cow intestines. And the chicken (like all meat I have seen here) is cut in very interesting ways, You get bones, and other interesting parts. Not really Chik-fil-A.

After lunch it was raining, but we decided to walk up into the park. We bought a couple of umbrellas since we forgot ours. They cost 12 RMB ($1.50) each. It was a beautiful place. With beautiful rainforest plants. I wish my mom could have been there to see it. She would have loved it. We hiked up the road for a long while, past pagodas, streams, weird looking plants, sculptured gardens. We got as far as we could, but then decided that was far enough. Our friends hiked up a little higher to see the “natural birdcage.” Then back down.

We took a taxi home towards the hotel I wanted to stop right across the bridge at the stands in the “real” part of town (off Shamian Island). We got the taxi driver to stop where we wanted (“Jilli” – “Right Here”). We got out and looked at a few stands. The baby was asleep (he always falls asleep in the car) and I carried him and he stayed asleep. We settled for a nice rolling red one that is carry on size. It cost 80 RMB, which was like $12. It was a lot cheaper than having to pay the overweight charges on the way home, and I knew I wouldn’t have a problem carrying them with my two competitive boys.

Right down from the suitcase stand was a place selling little baked things. I decided to be a little adventurous and got some stuff there to try. For about $1.50 I got a few pieces of what tasted like tasty cornbread, some white things with I think date paste inside, a rice thing with chicken all rolled up in a giant leaf, and two indescribable things (meat in pasta?) that Kai wanted. Finn ate the rice thing, Kai ate one of the indescribable things, I ate the cornbread and date things, and Duncan ate Subway.

Why do they keep playing “Locked Up Abroad” commercials on the National Geographic channel that is on in the room. Scary.

After dinner we walked down to Jenny’s Place. I have started rewarding the kids 1 RMB per hour they are good (which has really worked out to 5 RMB 2x a day) and Kai has been pining for a 10 RMB yoyo. He asked about it all day after seeing it last night but didn’t have enough. Finally he did and I told him we would eat then go. So we headed down there. He got the yoyo and before I knew it Duncan was in the midst of negotiations for another watch! Long story short he got another very nice “replica” Rolex for 109 RMB (like $15) – a lot less than the 170 he paid last time. Two watches. Hmmm. It was all his money, and later he was mad he could not get the army men, but I think he made a good choice.

After that we walked around a bit then headed up to the room to bed. One day closer to home!

Monday July 18

Today I feel as if I am stuck in a time machine, an alternate sense of reality, where time keeps going slower. Starting to feel like Marie does on every vacation she goes on. Ready to come home. Things keep dragging on and I need to keep these boys engaged or else the whole thing degrades into a bad scene.

Today was an easy day schedule – wise. Just needed to go get the TB tests read. We were to meet at ten.

As a result we could have a long and somewhat leisurely breakfast (crowd willing). It worked out and we sat longer than usual. I got to eat enough which was a nice (though somewhat unusual for this trip or my life in general) occurrence. I know I really miss the romantic Fruity Pebbles late night snacks with my love that we have most nights at ten or eleven. I actually miss a lot of what is so much the routine at home. It will be so nice to be back there.

We went back to the room and the maid was there. It became quickly obvious to me that we had to get out so she could actually do something in there so we went out to the center park-like mall on the island. There are lots of places to run around, beautiful gardens, fountains, bronze statues of kids playing, etc. out there. A nice place to run. We walked up the opposite way that we did last night. It was morning, and lots of people were exercising. One large group of mainly women were doing exercise/dancing to music. Lots of badminton players. People walking, jumping. One lady walking backwards and clapping. A few blocks down there is a little rubber track with 2 lanes for jogging and some exercise equipment. The equipment looked like a cross between playground equipment and nautilus equipment. The boys had fun on it. And the old people using it enjoyed seeing those youngsters playing and trying to figure out what some of the odd ones did. Also there were parallel bars and a gymnastics bar, so Duncan showed off a bit.

We walked back to go to the TB reading. Then walked down to the clinic. Place was swamped with people. But we were in and out quick (passed the test!). Then walked up to the hotel. I exchanged some money. Our facilitator, who brought her seven year old son with her today (who was appalled and probably frightened by Kai’s behavior I might add) offered to go get our train tickets without us and I gratefully agreed. I figured she had to go anyways and there was no great point in bringing my circus along.

At the bank, Kai was again displaying his penchant/love for buttons, etc. There you have to push a touch screen to select what you want to do and you get a little ticket with a number. It’s like our Social Security office at home, though at home it’s funny because there is only one choice and you push the button and the armed guard tells you to sit and wait and then they come to the window and call that number. In the US it’s a waste of time. Here it is useful. Kai loves buttons. So as I am doing the exchange (which takes a long time. Several forms, a copy is needed of your passport, you have to sign it all, they have to stamp each copy in triplicate with the red stamp and the little rectangular stamp…) Kai is managing to sneak off and push the button. Ends up with several tickets with numbers. He also loves the elevator. Pushing the buttons. Holding the “Open Door” button for all to get off. Just being kinda crazy. And on escalators too. Has managed to turn off several by pushing the little red emergency stop button on them. I need to hold his hand on every escalator to prevent this (note to self), though sometimes this is a challenge.

We decided to go to You Yoaung (spelling??), i.e. swim. Got there at 11:30, and it was closing at 12 (closed 12 – 2, not sure why) but that was fine. Boys swam around. Duncan did jumps. Kai continued to work on his swimming, which is greatly improved – using the inflatable ring we bought. Finn warmed up a little to the pool, sitting at the edge and splashing in the water. I even got in briefly. Felt great in the heat.

On the way home we decided to get Subway, so we came up to room and I sent Duncan (the wonderful big-brother responsible helper) to get the sandwiches. We ate in the room and then the whole place erupted into one big GUN FIGHT.

These boys are so much the same, Duncan and Kai. So it’s a love/hate thing. After lunch, somehow they decided to get into an imaginary gun fight. I laid down the rule to Duncan on, like the first day that he could have no weapons of any sort, real or play, on this trip despite how many times he asks. So they had the fight the old fashioned way, with finger guns. Back and forth, to the bathroom and to the beds, hiding behind the beds, falling dead, reviving. They had a blast. And I got to download and email 26 photos.

My goal is to take 3 – 5000 photos, and I think I will manage. It is so nice with digital cameras to be able to do that. I’ve only posted or sent some but the rest I have and it will be great to sit and show them.

After all the troops were dead we decided (OK, usually it’s me deciding) to go to town. I strapped Finn on my back and off we went. We headed off the island and into the zillion little shops which are in town. We walked through the Spices and Mushrooms area and then through the Pets area (generally each store just sells one type of item and they are typically clustered together. Sucks if you are in the pet area and looking for shoes though). The pets were different – fish, turtles (all sizes, but mostly small, with the smallest about quarter sized), crabs, mice, hamsters, chipmunks, guinea pigs, cats, dogs. Marie – warning – Duncan “Really wants another hamster.” Thank you US Government for not allowing importation of live animals.

We bought some sox (3 pair for 10 RMB/$1.50 “Best Deal”) so I don’t have to handwash Duncan’s and Finn’s and looked around. Duncan was thirsty so he went into McDonalds for a Sprite (he is so good at managing things like that – I just sent him in to the very crowded place and he did it. Amazing) He also needed the bathroom so we went there, which was through a whole floor of jade sellers with hundreds of stands all selling anything you might ever want from Jade. Then we went down to the outside place. Kai (who was crabby and didn’t want a drink) decided he wanted one so Duncan gave him the rest of his. It was so hot and Duncan was so nice so I told him he could get a Mango frozen drink from the reputable looking stand there. He got it. MMMM. So I needed one. I paid and in getting my change (I was asking for 2 5’s for change instead of a 10) somehow I got two. Which was fine. So each boy had one (and I got some when Finn would let me). They all loved it.

This was the same place we were yesterday, and Duncan had seen some odd fish feeding thing when we were leaving so we went over to see it. Here was the deal. There was a little fountain, with these giant goldfish (10 inches long) in it. You went to the lady there, gave her $$ (6 RMB / $1) and she gave you a baby bottle full of some brown fish food. You take the bottle to the water and stick it in. Immediately you get like twenty fish fighting for it and sucking on the nipple of the bottle. Very fun and odd. The boys loved it. Finn was intrigued and I saw him having the thought that he could have some of that bottle, which would have been a mistake.

Walked home from there, down some other streets with other vendors. I bought a $3 wallet that actually zips.

We continued past the hotel to satiate Duncan’s burning Rolex desire at Jenny’s Place. On the way we passed a man with long grey hair, walking slowly with a cane. Probably sixty five. Finn was fascinated, presumably never having seen someone that looked like that. Then man commented on Finn’s look. The man was from USA, had a Boston accent. Here on vacation from an inland province in China. He was here on vacation but teaches English. He was very friendly and even invited me to stop by his room to chat and go out for a beer as I expressed interest in how he got here and the details of his teaching. But I told him this was not likely since I didn’t think I should bring the kids for a beer…

From the hotel to Jenny’s place I carried Kai (a pretty skinny but not so light 8 year old!). I had been carrying Finn all day and wasn’t sure what that was about, but I did (my arms hurt now) figuring this was good bonding with him. Trooper Duncan fell into line and helped out by carrying / shepherding Finn. Out of Jenny’s I carried him to another shop and then to the hotel, stopping for a while to (sweat and to) talk to another adoptive family.

Jenny’s Place was the site of the Rolex fest. Duncan: “Are they real?” Lady: “Yes……….replicas” He saw these yesterday and was dying to go back. He had that first one, but could not find one identical at the Rolex store so wanted one of these, as they are really pretty close knock offs. He chose a nice big blue one with two tone gold and silver band. In all the mayhem I really missed the (small amount of) bargaining that happened. Will report later on it. But you know - “Best Price” for you.

For dinner it was noodles (like Ramen) and Gatorade. The boys liked it. It was easy and cheap. I had a Peach Fanta which I really like. But it makes me miss Marie.

Then the kids went to bed. I need to do the same.

Sunday July 17

We were up with the roosters again. Today we had the plan to go to a park, leaving at eleven. We went down to eat and again our friends were there, which was again wonderful as they are so helpful (as is their 14 year old just-adopted daughter) so that I can actually have a chance to eat. Again, Finn ate noodles. He loves them. Is very hesitant to eat anything else.

We ate breakfast then headed back to the hotel room to relax and have the regular morning wrestling match. Duncan actually fell asleep for a while which was a good idea.

We met down in the lobby to go. Again with our friends since we share the same facilitator. Today she hired a Van for us to get there. It was fantastic. It was a 11 passenger van with 3 rows of three and two seats in the front. There are a zillion of this style of vans here – they are all designed a lot like the Mercedes/Freightliner/Dodge Sprinter Van. There is even one that Ford makes. I wish they had it in the US instead of the older style they make. The other cool thing was our can actually had two fold down seats, so in the first and second passenger rows there were two “normal” seats and then one that folded down into the aisle. Will be perfect for us when we move to Shanghai J.

We drove to the park which was only about 15 minutes away.

The Park was quite nice, though lacking air conditioning (!). Hot. Humid. As is all this town unless you are inside. The park is a big city park with a large lake and lots of people (all Chinese) walking, playing, and so forth. A group of people singing and playing violin and flute. Four, and then four more playing hackey-sack (but Chinese, with the Chinese feather- topped version). People sitting, fanning themselves. Paddle boats. Four year olds dropping their pants and peeing on trees (I guess that’s OK here). It was fascinating. I could have spent a week just there watching the people.

We of course were there for the action. The Amusement Park was inside the park. It was a little park like maybe White Swan or an older Kennywood. Maybe twenty five rides, and so many cool things we’ve never seen at home. And some we’ve seen, like trains, parachutes, and (Yeah) the bumper cars. Boys again loved that as a way to go after each other without me yelling. The unusual rides were my favorite. Like there was these giant stuffed animals you could sit on and drive around. Kai rode the Panda. They had little formula 1 cars you rode (if you were like between 3 and 7, much to Kai’s chagrin) that had rubber tires and you steered and controlled yourself on a track with many turns and curbs. Kids going every which way. It was hilarious. Kai and Duncan loved the ride where you squirted the animals in the center as you spun around and then the animals would spout water. There was a dragon roller coaster (not to big)(I guess dragon roller coasters are required at Chinese amusement parks) and Kai didn’t want to ride it in favor of the giant stuffed panda that he wanted to roll around on. So I rode with Duncan. After about six or eight rides, we decided we were good, and decided to head over to a central commercial area of town because the other family we were with wanted to get some DVD’s that their new daughter requested.

The mall area was a short drive (actually it was just about 4 blocks from hotel it turns out). We went to the DVD store. They had to order what they wanted but of course we could find a hundred things to buy. I found Little Mermaid in Chinese/English and also a few others that I thought were also bilingual but it turned out none were in Chinese. A disappointment, but at $4.44 each not too much. I told Kai he could pick 3 DVD’s (presumably these are only in Chinese, though we’ve just watched one) because I thought it would be nice for him to have something that he liked. He picked some Power Rangers-type movie, Pikachu, and Spiderman cartoons. Duncan knows most of the Spiderman episodes so boys like that one together.

The boys were hungry so we decided to go to the Pizza Hut next door. It was interesting. Giant menu there including pizza, pasta, and all kinds of weird drinks. Boys had Oreo milkshakes. They were not to impressed, as it appears that the High Fructose Corn Syrup Lobby has not gotten hold of as much here as in the US. The shakes (as was the frozen mango thing I had) were not very sweet but really all of them were very good. We lose a lot in the US due to sweetness.

After that we went out of the multi story building we were in and into he pedestrian mall filled with throngs of Sunday shoppers. Our friends enjoyed some local delicacy meat-on-stick from the fast food places down there and we headed back to the hotel.

We came up to the room and decided to cool off and relax a little. I told Duncan he could watch the first movie and he chose “Despicable Me” which was one of the disappointing ones not in Chinese. Kai was not happy. He spent about an hour crying and moaning on the floor while Duncan watched and Finn napped. I felt bad but thought that a lesson on not always being the prima-donna was not a bad lesson even though we had to endure the moaning. He needs to understand that now he is part of a nine person team. It’ll take a while for that to sink in I am sure. Kai is pretty strong willed and reactionary, like a certain other pre-teen boy who id on our trip…

So we watched that and then some Chinese Spidey and then decided to go out a bit. We walked around on the island, to the huge pedestrian are down the middle. Kids ran around and we just relaxed some. Nice.

There are about ten (probably twenty) “tourist trap” shops on this island. They mainly go by the name of “_____’s Place” and all have US girls names. Jennifer’s Place (next to hotel), Jenny’s Place (DIFFERENT FROM JENNIFERS PLACE they will tell you) Emma’s Place, and so on. Some of these stores have aggressive marketing campaigns in the form of young girls who will walk up along side you and strike up a conversation. Some are better some are not. The conversation always includes a suggestion you should come down to my shop. “Best Price” You have to just say yeah and keep going. I thought the people for Jennifer’s Place were nice, and persistent (over a few days) and felt sad they weren’t smart enough to get prime location so we stopped in there (right across from Sharon’s Place. Sharon needs to work on her marketing, which seems to solely be based upon trying to get Jenny’s Place customers to come into her store which is right across the hall). Pretty much all stores same, and all have “Best Price” but its fun to go in and haggle a little and see what they have to sell and what they have to say. Bought the boys those Chinese Hackey Sacks. 10 RMB ($1.50) each.

We walked down to the end of the island and around the block and then back. Thunder was starting to threaten and rain, so we started to hurry. We stopped into a little bakery/take out place which turned out to be part of the White Swan hotel and got food – Duncan got a hot dog (he was happy but it was a “little hard”), Kai got noodles and soup (I asked the counter girl to ask him what he wanted) and Finn and I had curry chicken and rice. We took it all back to the room to eat so we wouldn’t get caught in the rain.

The afternoon / early evening downpour here is standard. I think it has happened every day since we arrived. Hot and humid all day, then sky starts getting black, then thunder, then torrential rain, then it stops. Cools things off at least one degree and doubles the humidity.

Back at the hotel we ate on the floor again, as we do often. Being the lazy /bad dad I let the boys watch Spiderman and eat (we have never done so at home). Finn, the noodle boy, actually ate rice tonight and loved it. He and I had a great time eating dinner together, taking turns feeding him rice. Him cracking up having fun. Me trying to teach him how to hold a spoon. It was memorable.

Finn cried a lot before bed but I held him and rocked him and sung and he didn’t last too long. Then I laid down with him and held him and napped a little myself too. Fortunately Duncan falls asleep early (it’s one of the things that has kept us sane over the past 10 years!) and Kai is probably the same, though I’ve been giving him a little melatonin to be sure. So the bedtime thing was not too painful.

Saturday July 16

Our first day in Guangzhou and immediately off to work.

Despite getting up early, we were late for breakfast so had to eat fast. I felt compelled to bathe the boys who I was taking to the doctor. Marie rubbing off on me. The breakfast was great – they had lots to offer and all that I wolfed down was good. Will try to savor it more tomorrow.

We walked down to the medical clinic which was about three blocks away. When we got there first we had to get the kids photos. Then down to the clinic itself. We went in and it was quiet – not many people there. We went back to the waiting room. There was one other adoptive family there, already getting checked up. The waiting room was a good sized room and they had some toys, but they mostly consisted of squeaky balls and animals. The hard floors and walls of the room plus three little boys made for quite a racket but, hey, it wasn’t me that put the squeaky balls there.

We went through all of the stations – height, weight, eyes, exam, TB test, hearing, nose, throat. No complications or problems. When we came out the place was packed. Maybe 25 other adoptive kids plus their entourages. Glad we got there early.

After the clinic we decided to go for a swim. The pool, of course, is in the East hotel and we are in the West, so we had to walk a bit but it was well worth it. Pool is on the rood of the hotel, outside. You can see all of the town from there and it was amazing. And the pool was warm, Marie. Duncan and Kai had a great time, and our friends were there swimming too (and no one else). Finn again had no interest. He was very tired from the night, so he sat on the chair and watched. He was happy doing that.

The pool closes from 12 – 2 (not sure why – probably some government rule!) so we swam until noon. Then headed back. Stopped at the shop next to the hotel (Jennifer’s) and got noodles in the cup for Kai and Me and Finn, and Duncan went next door for Subway. He was happy. We got drinks and chips too. I got sushi flavored chips. Boys got Gatorade. Duncan picked a gold colored bottle, and, his Chinese reading not fully developed, found that it was a green tea flavored Gatorade. Ewww he said. He went down for the standard issue blue one. I drank his, it was good. We brought it all up to the room and ate there. Of course the carpet and beds are white so we ate carefully.

At one we had to work on the paperwork for the Consulate. Our facilitator suggested we do it in the lobby, but I knew better, so I invited her up to my room as well as the other couple she is working for. That way I could have the kids contained. We went through it all and got it organized and gave her what she needed. Then we hung around the room a bit and played.

Then we went out to walk around a bit. Borrowed a stroller at the store next door and headed south to a park that is on the river. Went to the playground there and played a bit. Then we walked some more. Being short of clean clothes (the laundry just came back tonight) Duncan was complaining about his foot hurting without sox, so we stopped and bought him some. And then headed to a place called “electronics city” to see if we could find a webcam to Skype and maybe an English speaking DS. When we were almost there, Kai stopped and was complaining of a blister on his foot (there actually was) from not wearing sox. So Duncan sat down, took off the sock on his non-hurting foot, and gave it to Kai. Two brothers, each one with one sock, wandering around Guangzhou. It was a classic moment.

We wandered up and down on the other side of the river. No luck at the electronics stores. But lots of cool little hole in the wall shops selling everything – chicken, mushrooms, ginger, army surplus, chairs, clothes, drinks, etc. and so forth. Very entertaining.

Then came back towards hotel and decided to continue on to dinner. We have only so much in us. On the way we stopped into a shop and I saw some shoes for Finn. A word about his shoes. Finn will not allow me to remove them. He cries. A lot. So they have been on all week. Except for the bath. His shoes are smallish and his toes were all red and getting blisters. So I bought him shoes and sandals there. And the lady, seeing the toes, got out some antibiotic and put it on them. Then I didn’t put the shoes back on him (he is still barefoot now as he sleeps!) so hopefully he will get better.

When we were in the store the rains came. A lot. So we waited a while for it to subside. Sat and talked to the store ladies while the boys played with the tops and Duncan explained how he would not stab anyone if I bought him a sword letter opener or a whale tooth knife or a full size sword. No. And Kai at one point had a whale tooth knife and was running around the store. Maybe toss all the weapons before we get back.

Finally we decided the rain was slowed down enough and we went to dinner protected by the two umbrellas the nice store ladies lent us. We went to the local American food place, Lucy’s, but it was full of fat Americans so we went to the too-fancy Chinese place. We had a very good dinner though we ordered way too much for our little stomachs. But it was very good. And we only made a little scene.

Then home and to bed for the boys. And now it’s my turn.

Friday July 15

Well really it was yesterday but today for us. Maisie’s fourth Birthday. The end of my brief (3 day) period with three 3 year olds.

We started the day REAALY early, at 5:15.

Called on Skype and had the most wonderful birthday celebration with Maisie. Thanks Marie for setting that up.

We had candles and sang and she blew them out (we helped) and then she opened presents and then we ate cake. MMMM.

It was really nice to have that. It’s sad to not be there but at least we sort of were.

Right before that we told Kai that it was her birthday and he spontaneously started singing “Happy Birthday to you….” In English. Impressive. He of course wouldn’t do it on the Skype but it was nice.

It was our travel day. Shanghai to Guangzhou.

The facilitator arrived at 9 promptly and we made it down there soon thereafter with all the bags packed. I had two big bags and two highly competitive boys, so the rolling of the big bags was not really a problem. Thanks dudes. In the lobby I had to change money and check out which took a while.

A side note about the hotel. We stayed at the Marriot Courtyard Shanghai Puxi. I swear by the Marriott brand as I have always been incredibly pleased with their service, quality, and consistency. I don’t usually love Courtyards (usually no free breakfast) but this is their main international brand and we picked it. We were on the “executive floors” which meant I got a room that was bigger – a living room and a bedroom. Even better we were allowed to go to the top (30^th) floor executive lounge. There they had a full breakfast daily (for free), “heavy” appetizers and desserts in the PM, and free drinks (pop, water) anytime. Also had free wine, beer and alcohol in the PM though I didn’t partake (though did think about it more than once!). The staff up there were INCREDIBLY helpful and accommodating to me and the kids, helping them out. Talking to Kai when he was mad or confused, and being very tolerant of and kind to me and my young “executives” I highly recommend staying there. Oh and the pool is nice too.

Drove to the airport. Duncan was not happy, as he really wanted to go to the Pudding (Pudong) Airport, but we went to the closer, smaller one that is used for domestic flights.

This like everything was a fascinating experience. Going to an airport where it was all in Chinese. Rolling three kids and all the baggage. It went smoothly though. On the plane (An Airbus 330 – big with eight seats across) we sat in the middle section – 4 seats. This was Kai’s first plane ride (and I assume Finn’s) and he was a little nervous but excited. We got in the plane and had to wait about ½ an hour so Kai was not so impressed. Finally we had to get ready to take off. Then he was more impressed. They had earphones and radio (including an English-speaking Sesame Street channel) so the boys had a lot of fun with that. I pulled out the Play-Do for Finn and he wanted nothing to do with it. He said, in his gestures, OOO, it makes my hands sticky. I don’t like it. So I played with it myself. Started making little balls and squishing them into pancakes. That lasted about two minutes before the little hands were helping. He did that for about half an hour.

Pursuant to my earlier comments, on this 1 ¾ hour flight we were served a hot lunch. Noodles and Chicken or Rice and Beef. It was like flying in 1970. The boys liked the noodles – Kai ate all of his. There was also an assortment of other things – a roll, a little piece of fish with some vegetables, a cup of cherry tomatoes, and some snacky things. Fun.

After that one of the Stewards who had been talking to us and who spoke good English took Kai for a little tour of the plane and to look out the window. That was really nice so he could see what was going on. The guy brought him back and told me he thought it was really nice how so many Americans were adopting Chinese kids. Very kind.

At the Guangzhou airport we got off the plane, went through the jetway, down some steps, and then on to buses. Not sure why. Then got off at another place to get the luggage. Well as you can imagine, a luggage belt is a cool thing for an eight year old boy. Even more so if he had never seen one. Kai and Duncan spent a lot of time putting their backpacks on the belt and then picking them up further down. Duncan even sent a piece of chex mix all the way around.

Got the luggage then met our person and got on a big like 20 person bus to go to the hotel. It was about 45 minutes, perfect for a nap for Finn. The Guangzhou area reminds me a lot of Southern California, as far as the architecture, roads, etc. Except for the rain. Lots of rain.

Our hotel is on an island that is about 4 x 6 blocks in the middle of town. I guess the US consulate used to be here but now it is not. We are at the Victory, the other, larger, hotel is the White Swan. I booked it on line and reserved the East Hotel. There are two buildings. East and West. The east is older and smaller. Our friends were in the West so I went to the west and looked at the rooms. We could get a regular room for just $3 more or a deluxe room for like $24, and the deluxe had a lot more room so I opted for that. I need some space. For the wrestling matches.

After we got settled we went to dinner with our friends. Thai food. My kids aren’t really restaurant people (any of them, really) but we managed. Finn would not sit in the high chair so he ate the pad thai on my lap. Kai had chicken on a stick. He’s a good eater. And Duncan had “Indian Pizza” Cheese only.

Back to room and to bed.

Bad night. Finn up a lot. Kept waking and crying. After a few hours I realized if I held him on my chest he would sleep. Not a great night but we got through.

Thursday July 14

So I wrote this once already and lost it on the other computer. That sucks.

Thursday was an off day for the team, with few if any commitments . we decided to go to the “finding places” for Finn and Kai.

We got up and did the usual routine:

1. up way too early. Big boy 1 wakes up, the other wakes up, then Finn.

2. Swim

3. Eat. Kai and Finn both LOVE dumplings. Finn, the picky eater really just likes dumplings and noodles and if you offer him other things he gives you a very short but firm shake of the head that says NO.

After we ate and got ready, the facilitator came and picked us up for our visits.

First was Finn’s finding place which is out in the “Country” as she said. Really just more suburban with apartment buildings just 4 stories and a number of large factories, including Sony, Microsoft, and Apple nearby. We had to drive about 45 minutes to get there.

We finally arrived (Finn asleep, as he always sleeps in the car). It was a small street with row houses on one side and little alleys with apartment buildings – 4 stories – on the other. Across the street was a Buddhist Temple (Longyin Temple). Very nice.

We took a zillion photos. Walked up and down. I have cried here a number of times and was sure I would do so there, but I held it together. After the pics, we saw a small shop across the street. It was a little convenience type store (lots of beer for sale). Half the store was also “Temple Supplies” such as incense and candles. We went in and of course there was ice cream, so we got some. Kids had chocolate. I had sweet potato. It was light blue. It was good.

Then on to Kai’s place which was the Shanghai Children’s Hospital. It is right off of Nanjing Road, a big shopping road. (Duncan and I had shopped for Rolexes on that road on the weekend before) The hospital is off of a main road though an arch and down an alley. The alley, of course, is lined with a gauntlet of toy-selling stores. For those sick little kids.

There the ladies in one store of course remembered us and we went there and bought some more books for the kids. Actually got a couple of Chinese song books with Chinese and English words and CD’s. So we can sing Chinese.

Then we headed to Peoples’ Square to meet another couple in town for adoption. We went to eat and found the first OK looking place to eat. It ended up being Japanese, but the noodles were OK for Finn.

After eating they had to go to the Notary and pick up their papers, so we headed to the Peoples Square park. Very big park with lots to see, though we didn’t see too much. Our mobility is somewhat limited by all these kids so I am not getting to walk around as much as we would on a typical vacation, but we get to see our fair share and have fun too. We went into the park and saw there was a “playground” so we went there. Actually, though, it was a small amusement park. Had 8 rides. We decided to ride a few and went about the process of getting tickets. First we figured out that each ride was a different color ticket. Then we went to the rides we wanted and saw what the ticket color was, then we bought the tickets (many beggars there. Had cups next to your hand if you even thought about reaching in for money). Kai was not happy with the process as he didn’t know what we were doing.

Kai and Duncan took a brief respite from the chasing and swatting, transferring their energy into banging into each other in bumper cars. Kai’s favorite. Then all 4 on Merry Go Round. Finn rode the Elephant for Maisie. Then we got a couple more and the boys rode the dragon roller coaster. It was small but they had fun. I was very happy to see that Duncan finally had a amusement park riding brother.

We headed out of the park and I wanted to walk around more but the boys were fading and it would take some work to get home. In the grass at the edge of the park Duncan and Kai did some gymnastics. Then into the Metro. We rode the two stops and all seemed to enjoy it, but perhaps Finn the most. Maybe his first time. Then we came out and up the steps to the exit. Finn, who has been wanting to walk all the time lately climbed those steps him self. Maybe not a lot of step practice at the orphanage. It was a lot of work for him but he did it, cheered on by the big boys. Good work!

Coming out we saw rain. It was pouring. But, we are boys and we don’t care, so I grabbed the baby and we ran, and got soaked, and had fun. Back at the hotel we took another quick swim, ate, then headed to bed.

One note. Shanghai is an amazing city. It’s giant – 25 million people in an eclectic mix of large apartment buildings, small rundown slums, little houses with shops out of them. Thousands of scooters and bikes. Lots of cars. Horns blaring everywhere. So much energy. And people so friendly. It’s on my short list of favorites.

Another note. Why I like China. I have always had a fond place in my heart for the “olden days” I think the 50’s and 60’s in the US were the prime of our country, as far as I can see. China is so much like 1960 US. You go to shops and there are people who help you. Show you stuff and answer questions. They make stuff here. There is growth, vitality, energy. It’s not just all about politics and red vs. blue and TV stars. I like it a lot. Way more than I thought I would. And I thank Kai and Finn for introducing China to me.

Tuesday and Wednesday

So I broke my rule and didn’t write anything last night but in esxcnange I got a wonderful night’s sleep. Gave Kai melatonin (which worked like, very well) and knocked him right out and then Finn had a bottle, fell asleep, and I put him into his pack-n-play. SO have some catching up to do.

Tuesday was the adoption day. I have the papers to prove it.

We got up, again early, and ate upstatirs at the hotel. At 8:45 Sandra picked us up in the lobby and we headed to the adoption and marriage place. It was some how close to or associated with a large hotel there so we got there and went into the hotel. They had metal detectors and like 40 policemen there. Apparently this is due to the fact that the FINA world swimming championships are here. Didn’t see Michael Phelps or maybe we did cause I don’t know what he looks at. After wating for Sandra to park the car (while Duncan took 50 pictures of the lobby, each security person, the ceiling, most people entering through security, and so forth) we went up in the elevator and down a dark hall. We came to a door that had some notes on it and a nice chain and lock. Hmmm. Apparently it was locked for the swim thing so we had to call the number on the paper, go down to the lobby, keep asking people, go outside, down the walk, back in, back up, then finally found it. (As I realized even more today, Finn, at I think 24.5 lb, is pretty heavy after a while. He often is insisting I carry him and I, of course do since it’s good for us and because he doesn’t move too quickly. But he does get heavy!)

So we go there and first we had to get pictures taken. Wneto room to do this and three nice ladies were quite willing to entertain the boys and feed them chocoloate while we waited then I got the pictures one of me and Kai and one of me and Finn. It made me sad to do that without Marie. I wish you were there for that. Then went into the Adoption Place and there were a few people there. It turned out it was Elaine and her entourage. (I realized when talking to Marie tonight that they have the same ratio that we do – 3 to 1. Her’s is a little more favorable in keeping track of kids!) So they were a few steps ahead of us (actually all day – we saw them later too at the notary). While I was waiting for Sandra to get things started and paperwork done we sat and enjoyed Cheerios with Lily and the teenagers. The boys took more photos, including a lot of a giant Expo 2010 blow up doll in the corner. Thank god they did not pop it!

SO lots of signing and waiting then finally we were done. Down the hall then to a room marked “Marriage Ceremony” which was also locked. Then someone came and opened it. It was the same ladies from the other office, they just cut through the back. Seemed like they were trying to be tricky or something making us do that there and this here. We entered and it was a little room with a podium and lots of flowers I then had to stand at the podium with one boy then the other while the Chinese Officail phorographed us. Then they said the adoption was official. Cool.

Back out of there, down to the labyrinthine parking garage, and off to the Notary, the second required part of the two-step. Me, Finn, and Kai were in the back (I am not permitted in the front, according to Finn, who insists I sit next to him) and we all fell asleep on the ride. Then out and up just one flight of steps and into an office. There we verified some papers and signed some more (many times like five copies for each boy and everyone I have to sign and then put “On behalf of my wife Marie Leigh Maxwell.”

I realized there that I had lost my phone (!!!) but Sandra had to go down and across the street to pay for this step so she checked. Of course it was there. I have a tendency to get the phone out, use it, put it on my lap, get out of the car, and then it falls on the ground. Sometimes it ends up in the car and lucky for me it was in there. Phew! (I downloaded all the photos off it today). Then we got the papers – the payoff for the long hard work, the cost, and all the stuff Marie did: Two adoption certificates in nice red vinyl folders, some other papers, and two Chinese Passports (my favorites) for the boys. Oh, and we also got a copy of the legal notice for each boy where they post their photos and where they found them in the newspapers. Very nice to get that.

After that we went to a mall and parked and went to lunch at a Chinese fastish food place. We all had something different and all liked what we got, though the fried rice had a few too many veggies for Duncan, but he loved the chicken. Kai had chicken and white rice and shoveled the whole thing (a LOT of food) in.

After that we went across to the mall to get a few things we needed, like extra shirts for Duncan, sox and shoes for Finn (though he still wears the old worn ones and actually refuses to take them off – he even sleeps in them!). We wandered the aisles there, somewhat with a purpose and managed to get all we needed. I love shopping at stores in different places and could have spent hours walking the aisles (it was a giant Wal-Mart type store) but the kids really didn’t have that in them. At the end we realized the baby formula was on the upstairs floor so Sandra went to get it and we waited by the fresh fish. More there than we thought. There were live fish, crayfish, crabs, eels (small and large), big stinkin frogs, and turtles ( L ). Duncan insisted the eels were eels and I insisted they were snakes. I was wring, he was right. Also egg ladies with eggs in a dozen different colors in a little stall with yolk all over the floor. No refrigeration or anything. Like I said I love shopping in different places.

After that we headed up to the Toys-R-Us to see about the Nintendo DS.

And now for a brief word about Nintendo DS. Perhaps just the facts, as they speak for themselves:

1. Young boys, particularly mine, LOVE Nintendo DS.
2. I have two boys here, one 8 and one 10.
3. We have one DS.
4. The DS came with just a car charger, as Duncan lost the wall charger long ago.
5. The DS battery only lasts a certain amount of time without being recharged.
6. Nintendo sells DS in China.
7. It’s called IQue DS instead of Nintendo DS.
8. It only is in Chinese.
9. Duncan does not read, write, or understand Chinese.
10. DS is only sold at a few stores, including the Media Markt and the biggest Toys R Us in Shanghai at the Super Brand Mall.
11. It is very difficult to find a charging cord for a DS. Media Markt is a seven story electronics superstore. They had no cord.
12. The other Toys R Us does not have the DS.
13. See #9, above.

As a result of the above facts, we have spent a part of our trip in search of both the DS and the facts pertaining thereto. We would all be a little happier (except maybe Finn, who would have less sibling rivalry to entertain him) if some of the above facts were not facts. We are hoping that perhaps there is a English – Speaking DS in Hong Kong. If there is, we will find it.

Our guide had to leave so I asked her to drop our purchases at the hotel and we would go up to the TRU at the mall we were at to continue our above-mentioned fact-finding mission. I assured her that we could make it to the Metro and the two stops home, but she insisted giving me a piece of paper with the hotel address and listing the stations for the Metro. We spent all weekend on the Metro, so it didn’t seem like a problem to me. She was worried about me doing it with three kids, but I assured her that three was a cake walk. Usually there are more with me.

After TRU, we went out of the mall and Kai was mad about having to leave so I decided to take the taxi, as we weren’t going home but we were going to the Super Brand Mall (see above). Today I learned from our Guide that Kai gets carsick. Well actually yesterday I found out. Fortunately it was right after we got out of the Taxi.

At Super Brand we hiked up to the TRU, ready to buy, only to discover the Chinese language DS problem. I patched the problem to some extent with a couple of Lego sets. So back down, because the kids were shot, and home on the Taxi.

We came home and I don’t really remember what we did; Legos, just hung around, Skyped, ate, had baths, and then the kids went to sleep early. It was my best night of sleep in over a week and a half.

Wednesday we were up again with the roosters waiting for breakfast to open. We played in the room early and then went to eat. Then we swam for a bit as we had time before getting picked up. We had the guide come up when she arrived as Duncan was napping and we asked her to ask the kids some questions about how they were doing and some other things like what was Kai’s favorite color (Black. And white). We also had found a photo book in Kai’s backpack and asked her to go through it so he could tell us who was in it. It was mostly his foster family and foster sister.

Then off to the Insect Museum. I just HAD to go there. It sounded so cool. We got there a little hungry so we had ice cream. I ate a green bean popsicle. Interesting. Finn didn’t want any. Finn is very good at telling you what he wants and doesn’t want. (Like when he was crying tonight for over two hours pointing at the door and saying “mama”) Not even what’s his face goat and Big Big Wolf would make him happy.

***** Five stars for the Insect Museum. Unique. 2/3 amphibians. Has a pond where you can step on concrete stumps and catch a goldfish to bring home. Lots of beetles eating bananas. World’s smallest primate (from Africa). Like 75 lizards/snakes/iguanas. 50 different turtles, including a snapping turtle that could remove your arm. And of course a small petting zoo. Quirky.

The museum was the first place I started to have my problem of the day. (that is other than the kids having fits and/or fighting). Problem: Videos. They had a gift shop, of course one of those where you cant get out of the place without going through it. Actually they somehow funnel you through it a couple of times. They had videos – some Disney, some Mickey Mouse, Little Einsteins. Chinese. Seemed to be genuine. I decided to buy a few, especially after the 18 year old sales girl who spoke little English assured me they were in both English and Chinese. Bought two. The total price was very low so, why not a couple more. So I got like four there.

Leaving the Insect Museum was a little bit of an ordeal, as Kai wanted the transformers guy. I carried him out, stuffed him into the car, and off we went. Marie packed well – today the boys were in matching green Mt. Lebanon Soccer t-shirts. So now pretty much everywhere we go we are quite noticed. One American dad, one American boy, and two Chinese boys. People, mostly older women, look at me and put three fingers up with a surprised look on their faces. I, of course, have to demonstrate the magnitude of my plight and put out nine fingers, which causes much chatter and amazement. Fun. So the point being that we pretty much make a scene wherever we go. Such was the case at the exit of the Insect Museum, in a significant way.

Continuing the fact finding mission, we drove across town to the Media Markt, a giant big box store for electronics. One floor is about the size of an average Best Buy. But there are seven floors. All you could want. While we were there, finding out the facts as earlier stated about the Nintendo DS, we took the opportunity to buy a new camera, as the one we had was pulled in two directions in the car on the way to the Insect Museum and the lens has gone jabberwocky and wont work. I look forward to the day when Kai has enough English to say “ITS DUNCAN’S FAULT!”

Camera shopping was fun. Two boys looking at cameras with me, one three year old moving boxes on shelves. Three store employees fixing the boxes. We also took the opportunity to look at videos, netting me five more Disney videos and the ten-DVD pack of Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf. Apparently it’s really big here and Finn loves it. Though I think I got two DVD #6’s and no DVD #1. All that was incredible cheap – like the most expensive Disney DVD was 35 RMB, which is under $6.

Then back to hotel. I couldn’t wait to see about the videos. I put in Toy Story, one of Kai’s favorite movies. And HOORAY. In Chinese OR English with subtitles in Chinese or English. Give us six months and we’ll all be speaking bilingually. We watched the first ¾ in English with Chinese Subtitles and the last ¼ in Chinese, with English Subtitles. Figuring Kai’s need to learn English trumps our need to learn Chinese.

After the English part of the movie, we walked down to KFC, a few blocks away. The boys were good – doing cartwheels in the plaza and goofing around with Finn, letting him bop them on the head with an empty water bottle. Then we stopped in a few places looking for takeout noodles for me, and both the places we went into were irritated that I would even ask if they had take out. “NO”

So we headed back to the hotel, and back to the pool for a bit, though we were getting tired. Brought them back, cleaned them up, gave them medicines, and off to bed. Finn fell asleep but then woke and cried for a long time wanting to leave the room. But finally he gave it up, fell asleep sitting up slumped over in the entrance way. Made me cry.

Gotcha Day on Day 4

Well we made it. It’s 2:30 and all seem to be asleep pretty soundly. SHHHHHHH. It was not easy.

We got up early this AM, as in 5:00 because Duncan nor I could sleep due to the excitement. Unfortunately I really didn’t fall asleep until 3:45 so, well , you can do the math. Trying to be quick here but I know if you get one day behind you are screwed.

I capitulated again to swimming boy so we ran up there to swim before coming back and changing to eat. I think somewhere in there was a long time of Skyping with Marie and the Kids.

Sandra was to pick us up at 8:45 so we had to get everything together that we needed to bring – gifts, clean/ironed clothes we were wearing, paperwork she said to bring (note I say “she said to bring” and not all the paperwork.

We went down at 8:30 to wait and to exchange money. I think the Chinese money actually dissolves within 24 hours of getting it. Seems to be going fast. Though I know part of it is the exchange difference which makes 100 RMB = $15 and the cute littlest coin worth, as I calculate $ 0.0015 or like 0.15 cents. By the time I was done (you need to sign an official form in triplicate for the exchange, presumably so they can keep track of you) Sandra was there. Sandra is a youngish (25 – 30 YO) Chinese national. He speaks great English and drives a 4 door Peugeot (first one I noticed) like a surgeon through traffic.

The drive was uneventful, though nearly wasn’t as every five minutes there is a near miss in (probably any) car where we end up between two other cars, on either side, way too close.

We got to the building which is the Adoption Service Center, a non-descript 9 story office building. We went to the 4^th floor conference room and Sandra left us there to wait. In three minutes she returned. We’re to be in 9^th floor conference room. So we grabbed the legions of gift bags, etc. and went up there. In there was another family, also waiting

We walk in and the mom says “Eric!” I said no, Pete. She said oh, that’s right, Pete. Elaine and her two daughters are from Charlotte and the girls are 15 and 20. This is their 4^th China Adoption. She had a 3 ring binder. With all the paperwork, in little plastic sleeves. They were super-nice and easy to talk to which helped cut the tension. Adopting a 3 ½ YO girl.

Next step, paperwork. I guess because we didn’t do enough before, we had to fill out a little booklet with all the same information we gave already – just basic stuff – and then we had to sign like seven different papers. Long, but easy enough.

Then we wait – but it really wasn’t too bad maybe five minutes.

Finally they came in. It was a flurry. See the video. Elaine’s younger daughter took like a hundred pictures of us and Sandra video taped it. Kai was great – not reserved or anything. And gave us five and was incredibly helpful and supportive with Finn, who was a little iffy about this arrangement. I am guessing he did not fill out all the paperwork we did. One of Finn’s nannies was there which helped (initially – she hid when we left). It was an astounding surreal experience.

Time to leave. Elaine’s crew (and quiet, reserved daughter) left first. Then us. As it worked out they got Finn to hold Kai’s hand and that seemed to be best. Duncan was trying so much to be a good big brother and did a great job. But his Chinese is weak. Finn started to cry as we headed to the elevator and continued. Downstairs I carried him (like carrying the Tasmanian devil) to the car. We decided (screaming to hear each other) that I would ride in the back with K and F and Duncan in the front.

The drive there (rush hour) was really quick. THE drive home, not rush hour, took 3x as long. Finn cried the whole way and kept pointing to the window – LET ME OUT. Kai was so supportive and helpful until the last ten minutes when I think it started to sink in. He got very quiet and then, despite my consoling, started to cry.

The Hotel Lobby was a scene from a horror movie. I think that I carried Kai and Duncan held Finn’s hand. We rushed in like the president would into a meeting, with the staff grabbing our stuff and coming behind us. The first 15 minutes in the room was a screamfest in the entrance way. Duncan finally got the whole thing calmed down (I need to ask him what he did – I forget). Our props – stuffed animals, balls, little cars, colored pencils, were all used and all helped. Finally after maybe ½ hour there was some settling. Lots of playing with toys, drawing (Finn), looking out the window (we’re on the 26^th floor), and photography (Kai loves it). Oh yes, and Nintendo DS. Kai loves it and it calms him down a lot. Makes Duncan mad. A lot. We have a plan to fix that problem tomorrow.

We were hungry and I felt brave, so we agreed to walk the 2 blocks to McDonalds. McDonalds went very well, including the eating and the walk both ways.

Then we came back and had some Playing in Hotel. The Nintendo thing got worse. Duncan mad because Kai using all his toys.

(rushing here – I decided to just take ½ hour and time is up = - I need to sleep)

Decided to go swimming. Couldn’t explain it so we (super-helpful Duncan) grabbed all the stuff and he put his suit on. Up there Kai finally got it and got his (too big) suit on and got in. Finn wanted nothing to do with it. So Finn and I sat by pool and played ball with D and K. We stayed 90 minutes with only Kai lasting all the time. Duncan was tired (see 5:00 AM, above) and falling asleep so we bolted up to room, changed, and then up to eat at least something on the 30^th floor Executive Lounge.

The “Dinner Scene” was loud, brief, and harrowing. Had tired Duncan. Kai who already wants to do everything Duncan does, and very well behaved Finn. The brief story is that Finn sat at a table and ate a whole bowl of noodles while the other boys melted down. Duncan sat down to play Miniclips (a practice that I have now banned up there) and of course Kai wanted to too and sat there and pecked at the keyboard and grabbed the mouse. We were 15 minutes early for food so we kinda had to wait.

Finally I shut down the Miniclips (Said NO MORE like 150 times) for all and Duncan stormed off (fortunately he went to other end of lounge as he did realize that with the key access you cant get back to our floor or the 30^th but can just get to lobby. Kai went ballistic. There was a LOT of help from one of the women up there, Stephanie, talking to him for about ten minutes, and finally he ate a little bit and calmed down. But then he flipped again so we left.

Back in the room Duncan quickly crashed and was very upset about Kai. I bathed the boys and they played in the tub and then came in the living room and played some more. For a long time and then I gave them warnings (and read some) and gave Finn his bottle and then I said it was bed time. Kai took it pretty well and was very helpful in explaining it to Finn. I layed on the L couch and Finn was in pack and play but there was a lot of screaming so I decided to be a bad dad and let him out. He played on the floor and fell asleep in ten minutes and I put him in Pack and Play. Kai played probably 1 hour more with camera, cars, robot spider and then finally fell asleep. Finn woke like between 12 – 1:30 and cried to get out – Ma Ma and then a number of varying statements again and again. Kai was very supportive of him – got up a few times and hugged him. Finally at 2:15 I woke up and all were asleep.

Day 1. Success I am told. Only possible with Marie’s assurances and advice and digging really deep inside of myself.

Today was one of the most emotional and difficult days of my life. As some that I know and love say: One day at a time. It WILL get better.