Emma starts to school tomorrow in 5th grade. She is excited she says and ready but you can also tell the nerves are there. Will post in a few days after the initial shock of school.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
The Two Sisters and Gaga
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Looking Back on China
Wow so many things I could say about our trip to China. Probably the best thing in the entire trip is our new daughter Emma Yunwen. She is an amazing young lady who is very strong. I will post more about her and pics of the trip later, for now I am going to post mainly about China the sights people etc.
Ok China itself, more specifically Guangzhou. We spent our entire two weeks in that city and it is a great city. It has about 12 million people and is a cultural and financial hub in China. The World Trade Center organization is there and loads and loads of international businesses. People wise it is a very international city with people from all over the world visiting and living there. Because of this it is very much a melting pot type city. You see faces from all over the world and cuisines of all types are available. Cost wise it is a little more than smaller cities in China but still cheaper than the states. It was overall a very clean city and safe. I heard some complaints about traffic and crossing the street, but crossing the road in china has nothing on Vietnamese cities. Taxi rides,, our ride from JFK to LaGuardia when we got home was much much more insane. Overall getting taxis to and from in China is easy and fairly inexpensive. If you get ripped off ,, so what you spent maybe an extra 2$. Almost everyone we met was friendly and accommodating. In some cases I struck out alone and ended up where zero English was spoken. So what,,, we all worked though it and had a good laugh. That is part of the fun of traveling internationally.
Food wise,, here is a list of my favorites. Some I cannot remember the names so I will give location as best as possible.
Banana Leaf THai Restaurant. World Trade Center Tower across the street from garden Hotel. It is fusion Chinese Thai food. And all of it is excellent. Our family of 3 ate with starters veggie, rice and an entree with dessert for about 20$ Everything I had was great, menus in English and Chinese and most wait staff speaks both.
Chinese Restaurant upstairs from banana Leaf. It is an atmosphere place only. A little pricey and food soso. Went to take out places far better.
Take out behind Garden Hotel. Cannot remember the name but directly in back of Garden Hotel across from Japanese Consulate. It is authentic Chinese take out. No English but does have menu translated sort of. Just go and dive in. Emma speaks Cantonese so we had an advantage. Had dumplings, fried rice dishes, congee, spicy noodles and more. Everything here is amazing and all 3 ate for less than 6$
Lemon Tree. Down street from Garden Hotel. Serves mostly Vietnamese food but also Chinese dishes. Nothing in this place is bad Took some families with us and they found things they like. Menu in English and Chinese, very little English spoken. So what point at something and go for it. The soups are great their lemongrass dishes are amazing as are the springrools. It is all good.
Malaysian Restaurant in mall across form Garden Hotel. Good but not as good as Lemon Tree. Very good satay and rice dishes. noodle dishes not as flavorful but still not bad at all.
We ate at 2 places on Shamain Island(more on the island in a minute) Both Chinese places. Did not go to the much mentioned Lucy's. Looked at the menu and well frankly did not need pseudo American food as to many better choices around. Tried some take out Lucy's and frankly hated it. probably single worst thing I ate in China. It is comfort food for Westerns. Two Chinese places across from White swan. The one with the gold statues out front is great, one next door just ok. The better of the two we let Emma order. Had Tarot root and sea cucumber soup in coconut milk, chicken satay, pork, and seasonal veggies. All of it was amazing. This was probably the single best place we ate at the entire time.
Pizza Hut China. Nothing like in the USA. I would highly recommend it. The seafood pizza with crab shrimp and octopus was great as were the panko shrimp starters. If it was like this at home I would go more often. But alas stateside it is greasy nasty pizza.
Ate alot of stuff at little stalls There was a little meat shack that sold kabobs sausages etc I went to some and it was quite tasty. Nver knew what it was did not care as it was damn good!
Ok areas in Guangzhou. I was mainly around the Garden Hotel. Loads of shopping food etc and it is an safe easy are to get around. Metro station right there and you can take the subway anywhere. It is easy to use flow the maps and just buy a ticket. instructions in English as well.
Shamain Island. All I can say is I am glad we did not stay there. It was all torn up and loads closed down. Personally if it ws not like that still would not want to be there,, seems like a little haven for westerners in the middle of the city. I would much rather have a more fun and real experience than cater to my eastern tastes. I know others love it and more power to them,,, us we will stay away as we plan to come back for visits and even then have no intentions of going there. Went twice for medical and TB test,, opted out of a third day s well it sucks I think.
You just have to go and experience China. It is a force of nature and a civilization that has been around that long has done a few things right. we are very proud and honored to have China as a part of our lives and our family and feel as much a part of China now as Emma is American. I just feel proud of our family and my wife and girls. I feel we have a true melting pot, American Vietnamese and Chinese. Well more later and pics. As always comments and opinions are my own and if it offends sorry just my thoughts.
Ok China itself, more specifically Guangzhou. We spent our entire two weeks in that city and it is a great city. It has about 12 million people and is a cultural and financial hub in China. The World Trade Center organization is there and loads and loads of international businesses. People wise it is a very international city with people from all over the world visiting and living there. Because of this it is very much a melting pot type city. You see faces from all over the world and cuisines of all types are available. Cost wise it is a little more than smaller cities in China but still cheaper than the states. It was overall a very clean city and safe. I heard some complaints about traffic and crossing the street, but crossing the road in china has nothing on Vietnamese cities. Taxi rides,, our ride from JFK to LaGuardia when we got home was much much more insane. Overall getting taxis to and from in China is easy and fairly inexpensive. If you get ripped off ,, so what you spent maybe an extra 2$. Almost everyone we met was friendly and accommodating. In some cases I struck out alone and ended up where zero English was spoken. So what,,, we all worked though it and had a good laugh. That is part of the fun of traveling internationally.
Food wise,, here is a list of my favorites. Some I cannot remember the names so I will give location as best as possible.
Banana Leaf THai Restaurant. World Trade Center Tower across the street from garden Hotel. It is fusion Chinese Thai food. And all of it is excellent. Our family of 3 ate with starters veggie, rice and an entree with dessert for about 20$ Everything I had was great, menus in English and Chinese and most wait staff speaks both.
Chinese Restaurant upstairs from banana Leaf. It is an atmosphere place only. A little pricey and food soso. Went to take out places far better.
Take out behind Garden Hotel. Cannot remember the name but directly in back of Garden Hotel across from Japanese Consulate. It is authentic Chinese take out. No English but does have menu translated sort of. Just go and dive in. Emma speaks Cantonese so we had an advantage. Had dumplings, fried rice dishes, congee, spicy noodles and more. Everything here is amazing and all 3 ate for less than 6$
Lemon Tree. Down street from Garden Hotel. Serves mostly Vietnamese food but also Chinese dishes. Nothing in this place is bad Took some families with us and they found things they like. Menu in English and Chinese, very little English spoken. So what point at something and go for it. The soups are great their lemongrass dishes are amazing as are the springrools. It is all good.
Malaysian Restaurant in mall across form Garden Hotel. Good but not as good as Lemon Tree. Very good satay and rice dishes. noodle dishes not as flavorful but still not bad at all.
We ate at 2 places on Shamain Island(more on the island in a minute) Both Chinese places. Did not go to the much mentioned Lucy's. Looked at the menu and well frankly did not need pseudo American food as to many better choices around. Tried some take out Lucy's and frankly hated it. probably single worst thing I ate in China. It is comfort food for Westerns. Two Chinese places across from White swan. The one with the gold statues out front is great, one next door just ok. The better of the two we let Emma order. Had Tarot root and sea cucumber soup in coconut milk, chicken satay, pork, and seasonal veggies. All of it was amazing. This was probably the single best place we ate at the entire time.
Pizza Hut China. Nothing like in the USA. I would highly recommend it. The seafood pizza with crab shrimp and octopus was great as were the panko shrimp starters. If it was like this at home I would go more often. But alas stateside it is greasy nasty pizza.
Ate alot of stuff at little stalls There was a little meat shack that sold kabobs sausages etc I went to some and it was quite tasty. Nver knew what it was did not care as it was damn good!
Ok areas in Guangzhou. I was mainly around the Garden Hotel. Loads of shopping food etc and it is an safe easy are to get around. Metro station right there and you can take the subway anywhere. It is easy to use flow the maps and just buy a ticket. instructions in English as well.
Shamain Island. All I can say is I am glad we did not stay there. It was all torn up and loads closed down. Personally if it ws not like that still would not want to be there,, seems like a little haven for westerners in the middle of the city. I would much rather have a more fun and real experience than cater to my eastern tastes. I know others love it and more power to them,,, us we will stay away as we plan to come back for visits and even then have no intentions of going there. Went twice for medical and TB test,, opted out of a third day s well it sucks I think.
You just have to go and experience China. It is a force of nature and a civilization that has been around that long has done a few things right. we are very proud and honored to have China as a part of our lives and our family and feel as much a part of China now as Emma is American. I just feel proud of our family and my wife and girls. I feel we have a true melting pot, American Vietnamese and Chinese. Well more later and pics. As always comments and opinions are my own and if it offends sorry just my thoughts.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Home
Ok I have been lazy about posting pics and updates the last week of our stay in China. I will do a couple of detailed posts on things to do places to eat etc this week. Also loads of pics. Just wanted to let everyone know we made it home safely. My sister and brother in law picked us up at the airport and everyone was waiting at the house when we got home. Emma fell right into playing with her cousins and little sister and was comfortable enough with them to ride to dinner in their car. All is good so far and check back fr more in a day or so after jet lag wears off.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Weenend and Monday
Well it is late Sunday afternoon in China as I write this. It has been a good weekend. We do miss Sadie
alot. We are not skyping home to see her as I think she is starting to
miss us alot as well so it is just easier on her if we don't.
alot. We are not skyping home to see her as I think she is starting to
miss us alot as well so it is just easier on her if we don't.
So
what happened in china over the weekend. We yesterday as I mention was
Shamain Island,, shopping TB test check etc. Sunday was group picture
day. Emma dressed up in her tradition Chinese outfit and Dee wore a
dress che bought over here. When she walk down stairs she got oohhs and
ahhs from American and Chinese alike,, some who do not know her. One
lady asked if she had it made or did she bring from home,, no bought of
the rack here and all the folks are like,,, wow off the rock and in
China, wish I could do that. Anyway we told Emma a few pics and then
off to the jade/pearl market. I took two pics and she was ready to
change,,, I mean this was one of the uncool things her parents made her
do but she as well as all of the other kids looked great for the photo.
Afterwards to Linwa market and Dee and Emma bought all kinds of
stuff. Alot of jewelry in particular pearls. Lot of jade as well but
Dee did not find anything she liked. We gave Emma 100CNY about 15 US
dollars, which goes along way over here in markets. She spent it all in
30 minutes but bought absolutely nothing for herself. She bought gifts
for both grandmas, her mother, her sister and something special for her
Mama. I just followed her and she did it on her own,, and as she speaks
Cantonese she got great deals. We ht an art/craft shop for some Chinese
treasures and Emma wanted a little purse and coin bag. Well she spent
all her m oney but after what she did and bought I most certainly
bought it for her. Our guide Rebecca comments how sweet she is and she
really is a great kid. Gets very excited at times but over all is
incredibly thoughtful of others. We then bought a skirt and sweater
and hit MickyD's for a quick lunch. On the way there we passed a
head band store, she has been wanting one for days and we keep telling
her to wait. So she got her headband finally! Anyway back to the hotel
it is rainy here today so naps and tv, just relaxing really. Eating
with the group tonight at a Malaysian place, and I cannot wait. Overall
we have a great group of folks,,, willing to head out and just
experience things for what they area. All wonderful families with
adorable children. Well more later, we love it here but home and the
rest of teh family will be nice to be with again. 6 days.
Monday we went Tian He Shopping Mall. One of the 10 largest in the world. We bought stuff for Chinese New Years, gifts, some clothes for Emma. Stuff like that. It is the cheapest place to get things like his and a great deal. The place is 7 stories high with each level a different focus. 6th floor was all games. Picture a fair midway indoors and everything in Chinese(of course) Emma and I played a Barbie dress up video game, yes I did it. Then we played a sort of what is missing type game. Spent about 10 CNY all together but had a blast. They had the game where you throw a pingpong ball into a bowl, but not goldfish here, stuffed animals. Emma did it and had me throw for her as well. Got her a pin rabbit stuffed animal. We hit the 7th floor for lunch she(Emma) picked Pizza Hut. Unlike home, I will eat here anytime. We had spicy waffle fries, some herbed shrimp and a seafood pizza with a little cheese, shrimp octopus and crab with wasabi sauce. It was
delicous. Toped all off with Mango shakes. Game back to the room and we essentially just crashed for the afternoon. No idea what is on tap tonight but tomorrow the zoo.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
More weekend pics
Weekend Pics
Other is Sun Yat Sen Memorial, her was the founder and first president of modern China in the ealry 20th Century. Amazing building
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Well Friday was a good day here in GZ but also bittersweet. We went
sightseeing and saw Dr Sun Yat Sen's Memorial. he was the first
president of modern Chna in the 1920s after the last emperor fell. It
is an amazing complex. Deanna and Emma and Dee had a great time at a
couple of craft shops in the complex also. Took loads of pictures as
well. Afterward we went to 5 ram temple which is the spot where legend
says 5 celestial beings came down on 5 rams and the city of Guangzhou was founded on that spot. They left the rams and a statue and temple
commemorates the spot. it is an absolutely beautiful park. From there
headed back to the hotel and napped the afternoon away. Dinner at the
Bana Leaf cafe again and Emma's request. Afterwards hit the friendship
store where she bought a plaid skirt and a Betty Boops shirt to go with
it. Home a shower and she tried it on. Looks cute as can be on her. We
ended the nite skyping home. It was good to see evryone and
especially Sadie but I think it is starting to hit her the hardest. We
have been gone one week plus and this is the longest she has been away
from either of us. She has started to really miss us and was crying I
miss you mommy the whole time. Really tough to see her like this but
she is welled cared for. We only have one week left so it won't be
long. Mimi is coming this week so that should be a change of pace. I
know this is tough on her and it is on us but all will be ok in the
end. Well back to Shamain Island for TB test reading, and should be no
issue as you can hardly tell where Emma had hers two days ago. More
shopping and probably just resting rest of the day.
sightseeing and saw Dr Sun Yat Sen's Memorial. he was the first
president of modern Chna in the 1920s after the last emperor fell. It
is an amazing complex. Deanna and Emma and Dee had a great time at a
couple of craft shops in the complex also. Took loads of pictures as
well. Afterward we went to 5 ram temple which is the spot where legend
says 5 celestial beings came down on 5 rams and the city of Guangzhou was founded on that spot. They left the rams and a statue and temple
commemorates the spot. it is an absolutely beautiful park. From there
headed back to the hotel and napped the afternoon away. Dinner at the
Bana Leaf cafe again and Emma's request. Afterwards hit the friendship
store where she bought a plaid skirt and a Betty Boops shirt to go with
it. Home a shower and she tried it on. Looks cute as can be on her. We
ended the nite skyping home. It was good to see evryone and
especially Sadie but I think it is starting to hit her the hardest. We
have been gone one week plus and this is the longest she has been away
from either of us. She has started to really miss us and was crying I
miss you mommy the whole time. Really tough to see her like this but
she is welled cared for. We only have one week left so it won't be
long. Mimi is coming this week so that should be a change of pace. I
know this is tough on her and it is on us but all will be ok in the
end. Well back to Shamain Island for TB test reading, and should be no
issue as you can hardly tell where Emma had hers two days ago. More
shopping and probably just resting rest of the day.
sat. was back to the island to have Emma's TB test checked was was fine and the doctor gave her a quick check as she has had a bi f drainage and cold causing a cough in the mornings. They gave her a herbal tea prescription, smells horrible but I sipped it and not to bad of a taste. It seemed to help her alot. Slept with almost no coughing. Anyway on the island had lunch of fried noodles, a chicken dish and some seasonal veggis. All pretty good ut not as tatsy as the place we ate at earlier in the week where Emma ordered. We have managed to avoid Lucy's which is completely ok with us. I know some folks thrive on it as it is pseudo American food ( I say based on the menu as we did not eat). Personally if I want a burger I can get it at McD's for way cheaper and better I imagine. But to each his own, just I prefer to try so much of the other varieties around than have that. Then shopping, Dee and Emma were in fine form,,, once store they went into overload
and started placing things on the counter. Lady said 1800yuen, which was about 250$ US. Lot of stuff, including several pieces of art but uhuh. We haggled and I ended up paying about 100$ US for everything, including really nice papercutouts, scrollwork, tshirts, toys ifts fans etc etc. We filled a large walmart style bag so pretty good deal all in all, at least I felt like but se the lady was happy also. Dinner was Italian, Dee and myself like it aot. Emma does not like Italian. She liked Pizza Hut pizza but not this place at all, but she tried it. Ate a piece of her pizza and her moms and one bread starter. Afterwards she wanted an ice cream cone from 7-11 and we grabbed that walked around and then crashed for the evening. Shopping(go figure) in a market tomorrow. so bye for now.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Hmm A few more updates on the week.
So Weds. was medical day and Emma was stressed all morning about it. She was wringing her hands all morning and fretting in general. On the ride over she sat on her hands and would not ackowldge anybody in Chinese or English. Physical went well may need to get eyes checked when we get home. Afterwards time for shots and TB tests. This was the big fear I think, and had a whimper and a tear but it was over. Once over we had a couple of hours of free time to ourselves so we explored the island and shopped.
Anyway just for folks coming in, the island was really torn up today. Could not even hardly get to the clinic and noway if you have strollers as a big hole inthe sidewalk. Personally we were really unimpressed with the island, even the non torn up areas and are glad to be where we are. Mind you we tend to be a little more adventurous than most. Also alot of shops have closed down in the
area. Hey Emma Yunwen even handled ordering lunch, we ended up with a sea cucumber and tarot root coconut soup, some type of Chinese kelp veggie and custard. Said hey she ordered it we eat it. Low and behold it was delicious. As
was everything else she ordered. We slipped money to her under that table and when the waitress brought me the bill told her to give to Emma, she grinned as all the businessmen just stopped and watched! Afterwards shopped where I was wrangled into a tug of war event for Chinese New Year. Sort of became a minor celebrity for a bit and qite funny. Anyway once back at the hotel we hit Pizza Hut for dinner, Emma's choice. Well Pizza Hut in China blows away what is in the States. I mean it is essentially a fine dining place, even serves escargot, veal lamb etc. We had a spicy chicken pizza and a shirmp starter, all was very very good. Anyway very good afternoon considering the morning was rough but day ended up good and more later.
Random GZ Pics Set 1
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
day 2 was a good day!
Well day two started off with a skip and a hop, literally. Emma is skipping around the room, doing stretches this morning with her mom and just in general in a great mood. Breakfast she filed her plate up at the hotel buffet with fruits, dumplings, waffles(with chocolate syrup and whipped cream and several chicken sausages. She cleaned the plate. We walked around and looked at the koi pond and then got ready to go back to CCAA to finalize her adoption. she knew why we were going and said she was very ready. Once there we got our family photo taken and interviewed. After that a notary asked a few questions and asked Emma some. Emma read what was written down by the notary when asked why we wanted to adopt her, she started to cry and hugged her mom. She told the notary this was one of the happiest times ever for her. All in all it took about and hour and half and we were done. very informal for the most part but very special none the less. Emma likes the
digital camera and took pictures here as well as in the htel all morning. I am going to post loads for her maybe on flickr when we get home. Afterwards we went to the Guangzhou book store, 5 stories of books and book related stuff. All three of us loved it. Emma bought a Barbie magazine(she loves Barbie by the way,,,alot), a pack of three books in English and Chinese, a comic book and a jump rope. We then hit KFC, again her choice. we all shared a large combo of spicy chicken wings, which I have to say I think I could become addicted to if they had them back home. Just a little fried mini wing but spicy in the crust and reaaaalllllly good. We had 2 or 3 each some fries and a drink. Ok don't knock us but she wanted an iced coffee with ic cream, no worries. Anyway afterwards back to the hotel, where we all read for awhile then I showed Emma the mahjong on the laptop. She played for about an hour an dis now reading again. She has fit right in, warmed up
to me greatly, likes to tease and is all about her mom. If Dee goes somewhere she is right there. Well no pics today just an update. Tomorrow is the medical and a visit to Shamain island so probably pics there. Tonight dinner at Banana Leaf Cafe for Thai food and watching the Spring Festival lights. Funny thig been in China now 4 days and yet to eat at a Chinese restaurant! And I really want to. had Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese and KFC and McD's. Had plenty of Dim Sum at breakfast buffet every morning and it is tasty. The garden hotel dimsum is rated in top 100 in town. I will have plenty soon, afterall I pay!
digital camera and took pictures here as well as in the htel all morning. I am going to post loads for her maybe on flickr when we get home. Afterwards we went to the Guangzhou book store, 5 stories of books and book related stuff. All three of us loved it. Emma bought a Barbie magazine(she loves Barbie by the way,,,alot), a pack of three books in English and Chinese, a comic book and a jump rope. We then hit KFC, again her choice. we all shared a large combo of spicy chicken wings, which I have to say I think I could become addicted to if they had them back home. Just a little fried mini wing but spicy in the crust and reaaaalllllly good. We had 2 or 3 each some fries and a drink. Ok don't knock us but she wanted an iced coffee with ic cream, no worries. Anyway afterwards back to the hotel, where we all read for awhile then I showed Emma the mahjong on the laptop. She played for about an hour an dis now reading again. She has fit right in, warmed up
to me greatly, likes to tease and is all about her mom. If Dee goes somewhere she is right there. Well no pics today just an update. Tomorrow is the medical and a visit to Shamain island so probably pics there. Tonight dinner at Banana Leaf Cafe for Thai food and watching the Spring Festival lights. Funny thig been in China now 4 days and yet to eat at a Chinese restaurant! And I really want to. had Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese and KFC and McD's. Had plenty of Dim Sum at breakfast buffet every morning and it is tasty. The garden hotel dimsum is rated in top 100 in town. I will have plenty soon, afterall I pay!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Day 1 with Emma Yunwen
Well the some pics from day 1 posted but here is a recap. We left at 2pm and headed to the CCAA office where we would meet her. Went with two other families, one getting a 6 year old and one a 17 month old. Once there is was all pretty quick and informal. There were about 30 other families there from all over getting children so it was completely crazy. We sat on a couch for about 5 minutes, got called up and there she was, happened that fast. We stayed about 1 hour. While there Yunwen was very quite and visibly tense, who could blame her at all. We took some photos and shared a lemonade and a chocolate. She clung to the teddy vear her sister Sadie sent over for her. Fr te most part she just sat there. Eventually our in country facilitator and the lady from Yunwens orphanage came over and we talked with her. She did not want anymore chocolate as she did not want to look like me!(but she did smile when she said it.) She was scared but also very excited,
she had know about us since September and said she wanted us to come then but understood we had to wait. I think now that the moment was here and the reality of it hot her it was touch, I know we annot imagine but she stayed strong all afternoon there, She all she had that we had bought via redthread or sent to her was the lovely bag Ann made for her(which turns out has been well used and she kept with her all of the time. She also had our photo book we sent and the coat we bought for her. In her bad she had pictures of her foster family, all of her school achievement certificates, her school grades from his year and a few other items. Clotheswise, a pair of new boots, leggings and a pink shirt with a sweater on over that. We found out she gave all of the lothes we sent her to her foster brothers and sisters as gifts upon her leaving so they don't forget her. From what we gather she is an amazing young lady. Anyway she was now upset she had nothing, so
we fixed that after we left. She really started bonding with her mother and I think a round at a shopping mall spending daddy's money helped alot. We bought her two pair of shoes, black patent leather and a pair of tennis shoes. Got underclothes, a pair of pants and a shirt and she was very excited. Then the ladies went to a store and bought hair brushes combs etc. She held Deanna's hand the entire time and by the end was very cheerful. Even got a thank you in English. We also told her more stuff at the hotel and we would buy her more. At the room she was very reserved told her to look around and well the bathroom was what she needed. After that it was all good! She has informed us that she wants to go only by her new name Emma, completely her choice. In the room more gifts, loved the Barbie Doll, more clothes which she started really smiling alot , some pens and drawing material also brought a big smile. I had to leave to do paperwork for tomorrow and
get more money changed so Deanna and Emma could spend it! LOL When I got back they were sitting together on the couch, she had brought gifts for us and had given them to Deanna. According to Dee, Emma showered and they tried on all of the clothes. She settled on her new shirt, a pair of pants we brought for her, sweat jacket from her MIMI and her new black shoes(which will have to be broken in it seems). Off to McDonalds for dinner, again Emma's choice although I called this one before the trip. In actuality it was not bad. fries and burgers tasted the same. She then wanted to walk around and see things so we just walked for awhile. Back in the room we skyped home and Emma and Sadie saw each other for the first time. Emma had a huge grin on her face seeing all of her family in the US. She said hello to them all, counted to 10 in English and just started smiled and waved alot all very excited. We then called Mimi and talked but no video. Emma sat in
Dee's lap the entire time and listened and said hello several times as well as bye bye. She and I then played on the laptop on a Cantonese/English website where you click a button and says the phrase in Cantonese. we also played with the Ipod,,, she did not like Guns n Roses but liked Bob Marley alot!. The night ended up with a much much much more cheerful 12 year old then we met. She was very bouncy and excited when she put on her new pj's Climbed in bed waved at me with a big grin and said good night. Dee informed me this morning she snores as much as I do lol! So day one is down we will write more later.
she had know about us since September and said she wanted us to come then but understood we had to wait. I think now that the moment was here and the reality of it hot her it was touch, I know we annot imagine but she stayed strong all afternoon there, She all she had that we had bought via redthread or sent to her was the lovely bag Ann made for her(which turns out has been well used and she kept with her all of the time. She also had our photo book we sent and the coat we bought for her. In her bad she had pictures of her foster family, all of her school achievement certificates, her school grades from his year and a few other items. Clotheswise, a pair of new boots, leggings and a pink shirt with a sweater on over that. We found out she gave all of the lothes we sent her to her foster brothers and sisters as gifts upon her leaving so they don't forget her. From what we gather she is an amazing young lady. Anyway she was now upset she had nothing, so
we fixed that after we left. She really started bonding with her mother and I think a round at a shopping mall spending daddy's money helped alot. We bought her two pair of shoes, black patent leather and a pair of tennis shoes. Got underclothes, a pair of pants and a shirt and she was very excited. Then the ladies went to a store and bought hair brushes combs etc. She held Deanna's hand the entire time and by the end was very cheerful. Even got a thank you in English. We also told her more stuff at the hotel and we would buy her more. At the room she was very reserved told her to look around and well the bathroom was what she needed. After that it was all good! She has informed us that she wants to go only by her new name Emma, completely her choice. In the room more gifts, loved the Barbie Doll, more clothes which she started really smiling alot , some pens and drawing material also brought a big smile. I had to leave to do paperwork for tomorrow and
get more money changed so Deanna and Emma could spend it! LOL When I got back they were sitting together on the couch, she had brought gifts for us and had given them to Deanna. According to Dee, Emma showered and they tried on all of the clothes. She settled on her new shirt, a pair of pants we brought for her, sweat jacket from her MIMI and her new black shoes(which will have to be broken in it seems). Off to McDonalds for dinner, again Emma's choice although I called this one before the trip. In actuality it was not bad. fries and burgers tasted the same. She then wanted to walk around and see things so we just walked for awhile. Back in the room we skyped home and Emma and Sadie saw each other for the first time. Emma had a huge grin on her face seeing all of her family in the US. She said hello to them all, counted to 10 in English and just started smiled and waved alot all very excited. We then called Mimi and talked but no video. Emma sat in
Dee's lap the entire time and listened and said hello several times as well as bye bye. She and I then played on the laptop on a Cantonese/English website where you click a button and says the phrase in Cantonese. we also played with the Ipod,,, she did not like Guns n Roses but liked Bob Marley alot!. The night ended up with a much much much more cheerful 12 year old then we met. She was very bouncy and excited when she put on her new pj's Climbed in bed waved at me with a big grin and said good night. Dee informed me this morning she snores as much as I do lol! So day one is down we will write more later.
Emma Yunwen is now our daughter!
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