Happy 10th Anniversary

Ten years ago at this very moment, in the wee hours of the morning, I was restlessly sleeping. So excited to marry the most amazing man I had ever known. 

Now, here we sit giving Luke a breathing treatment. And our little jet lagged daughter came in our room to see what all the hub-bub was about. 

I love my kids and it is an honor to be blessed with each of their little spirits. Being a mom is the best and most challenging adventure of my life. And our family was created on that bright January morning of 2004, for time and all eternity. How I adore my husband, what a perfect partner for an adventure like this. 

I'm living the dream my friends, living the dream. 

Home

Ella and I have been home for a day and a half. It feels so good to have my own washer and dryer, my own fridge, my own bed and my own family. I missed Dave and the boys so much. I just wanted to smother them all with hugs and kisses. It was such a complete feeling to come home. Even if I was a little bleary-eyed. Ella and I had been traveling for around 50 hours. Of that I got about 4 hours sleep at "Youth-Hostel-Plus" and I also got a couple hours on the flight to Tokyo and also a couple hours on the flight to Salt Lake. I was completely exhausted. My feet and ankles were so swollen, it was crazy. I should have taken a photo. . .  just be glad I didn't.

Yesterday was a good day and today is also shaping up to be a good day. Ella and I are still jet lagged but are finding our new routine. I slept in Ella's room for the last 2 nights to help with the transition. First night was a little rough. She was up at 1AM and ready for the day. I was just too tired to respond effectively, my brain was foggy and I had a hard time thinking. Dave took over at 2AM and I slept, hard. Last night was better, she was awake but staying in bed playing and singing. I woke up at 1AM and just couldn't get back to sleep.  Part of it was listening to Ella play and sing, part of it was listening to see if she was asleep. So, I listened to my audiobook and also some general conference talks throughout the night.

The days have been good. Ella and Jacob have played well together. Jacob loves to make peolpe laugh and let me tell you, Ella loves to laugh. They have shared very well and played well together too. It has been very good that way.

Luke (di di) is a different story. She doesn't want Luke touching any of her things. If she saw it first, then Luke has no business even thinking about touching it. Also if Luke is on my lap or Dave's lap, Ella needs to be there too. Yesterday Jacob told me, "You need two laps." Although  she does like to give toys to Luke (that she no longer wants.) She also likes to tell him "No-No" if she things she can "help." When Luke is down for a nap, she wants to know where he is and asks for him.

Overall the transition (the first 48 hours at least) has been really good. It has been much smoother then I anticipated. Spencer is sad that he has to go to school and feels like he doesn't get enough time to play with Ella. Last night before bed, he went to her room to read a book with her. It was sweet. Also I have noticed chain reaction crying, if one is crying it quickly turns into 3. Thankfully it never last for long. Also if one is laughing it also quickly spreads to three.

For Ella's mobility needs, she is doing okay. She is able to run and play and is good at feeding herself and basically doing anything she wants. However, with the stairs she takes it slow and needs help going down.  Also, I think in the bathrooms and also the 3 steps into the garage she could benefit from grab bars and a railing. I am looking forward to meeting with the specialist to see what kind of treatment and OT & PT would be good for her. 

We have our first post placement visit in about 3 weeks. That is also when we will have our visit to update our homestudy for Japan. While I was in Beijing, I got an email telling us we were just advanced to # 2 on the waitlist. Honestly, I wasn't really in the right frame of mind to digest it at the time. But, I am looking forward to having a sweet baby, our last child to complete our family. The last Japan placement was November, so about 2 months ago. That would put our placement in about 4 months. But it is impossible to accurately predict. Also we have to consider how much time it will take to get our homestudy updated along with how long it will take USCIS to process the update. Even if there is a referral when we are # 1, if USCIS has not issued an updated approval we will be leapfrogged and then will be # 1 when our approval is issued.

I am looking forward to having more days under my belt and getting my sleep back to normal. But so far. . .as George Costanza would say. . . "No complaints."

The morning crew

Luke

Karla

Playing together

Let the bedlam begin

Seattle

Karla and Ella made their connection and they're currently in Seattle going through immigration. They will board their flight home in about an hour, and we'll see them at 1:30! Karla tells me that Ella slept for about four hours on the flight from Tokyo and took up almost all of both seats, as you can see, squishing Karla into the edge of her seat. She's such a bed hog. :) Only a few hours left until they're finally home!

Let's Try This Again...

Dave here again. After Karla's discouraging night, I'm happy to report that she and Ella are once again underway. Their flight from Beijing took off a few minutes ago. This time they have a layover in Tokyo before landing in Seattle. They'll arrive here at about 1:15pm tomorrow (Sunday). Thanks to Aunt Tiffani for helping coordinate flights. Let's hope the rest of the trip goes smoothly!

Beijing Airport: Dante's 10th circle of Hell

What? Why in the world would Karla be writing a post? Isn't she suppose to be on a plane . . . HOME?!

Why yes, yes she and Ella are.

But instead we are here at the smoke infested no-tell motel slightly cold and wishing we were home. What a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day! 

We made it to the airport and did great in GZ. Ella was so good before the flight. Even during the flight it wasn't until the end of the 3 hours she was getting unhappy. Our flight was a little late coming in but not a huge deal. 

They would not gate check my stroller. Mark 1 (of 55123123) against the China airline system. As a matter of fact they would not gate check  my stroller in Nanning either. They do not make items available at the gate upon arrival. They told me they are "unable" to do it. Whatever that means. . .

Anyhow, we get off the plane and are the dead last ones at baggage claim. Ella walks slowly at any rate (and no stroller) and she decided to have a little meltdown on the way. She insisted that I carried her, laying on the floor stiff, insisted.  I had a huge back pack and a large diaper bag, but I picked her up and carried her. When I did, I did something weird to my shoulder. Now I have a tweaked shoulder and sobbing 3 year old. 

We waited and waited, our bags came, but no stroller. Finally they turned the conveyer belt off. I had to go to the lost luggage claim to report my stroller. After waiting in line and having people have no clue what I am talking about, they finally produce my stroller.

So now I have my stroller and a trolley with my luggage and trying to navigate both, it was almost impossible. One vehicle in each hand, pushing.  I tried to do it side by side and Ella kept grabbing the trolley and pulling it towards her, thinking it was a game. Of course every time she crashes it makes it impossible to steer and the trolley filled with luggage and stroller filled with her in any meaningful direction. When we get out of baggage claim I see a Hainan Airlines sign upstairs. I was thinking I could check my luggage in this terminal and head to the next for departure.

I asked an airport employee where Hainan Airlines was, I told her I wanted to check my bags before I went to T2. She smiled and pointed to her left. I looked and looked, all the way to the end of the line . . .nothing. Then this man approached me and I got a creepy vibe. He asked where I was going. I told him Hainan Airline, told me to go to Terminal 1 and offered to show me. I said "no thank you." I knew my flight was out of T2, he then started to follow me. So I turned in the opposite direction, he followed me again. So the third time I turned to the opposite direction he left me alone. (No small feat with all the luggage.)

Finally I asked at the information desk. She said to take all my luggage to T2, they would not check it here. She pointed me in the direction of the shuttle. I was on my way and saw a sign that lead me to believe I was in the right direction. Then there was a security screening for the train. I had seen some trams and thought this must be what she was telling me about. There are lots of airports with trains between terminals. . . but THIS was not one of them.

After I had been screened I asked where the shuttles were for T2. . . downstairs, just where I came from! By this point I was livid! This place was a total nightmare. If Dante had been there he would have labeled this the next level of Hell. I didn't know what time it was, because my cell phone was tucked away somewhere. I had been wondering around with tons of crap, one demanding little girl and no one was able to simply point me in the right direction.

By the time I did get on the shuttle it took about 25-30 minutes to get to T2. Where was this terminal? We pasted by restaurants, hotels, regular everyday street traffic. . . Finally we were dropped off. I rushed (as fast as I could with all my gear, Ella and a bum arm) to Hainan Airlines. I asked an Airport employee for directions. She pointed me in the direction and after several minutes of walking and looking there was nothing! This place was such a labyrinth of incompetence, I couldn't stand it! I know not everyone speaks English, but if you have no idea what I am asking. . . or what you are saying to me. . . THAT IS NOT GOOD.

Completely at my wits end I remember seeing a Hainan customer service window when I first got to the Terminal. I did not go there at first, because they do not check luggage. They just sit behind a window like a bank teller, and there was a line initially. I asked where I should check in. He told me it was too late to check in, that the flight was less then hour from going. I told him I could hurry. He pointed (in the opposite direction of the other lady) and told me "that way."  I rush and finally found the counter. I was practically frantic. They were completely unconcerned by me. They said, "Go back to window 16 and get rebooked. You have missed this flight." I told them I could run I told them I could make it. Not even a shred of concern. "Go to window 16 to get rebooked." 

I was feeling completely dejected. How could this happen? Here I am stuck in a Hell Hole of lost strollers, creepy men, completely incompetent "helpers," and now I have "missed" a flight that won't take off for another 40 minutes. I was on the verge of tears. .  Oh well, pull yourself together Sister Bassett and get this problem solved.

I march back to the ominous window 16 back and tell him I need to be rebooked. He looks at the computer in front on him and says. I can rebook you on Monday afternoon.

Monday. Afternoon. January 27. . . 2 days away. . . another 48 hours?

You can only imagine my response.

I told him that was not acceptable. Could he get me to any US city? Could he go via Tokyo or  Korea? . . . No and No. The ticket was booked Beijing to Seattle and he could only rebook me Beijing to Seattle and the next flight was 2 days away. Would I like him to book it.

I told him. . . I need to make a phone call.

I managed to find a spot on a bench, next to a man sprawled out on 3 seats laying on his side, napping or texting, I have no idea which. I pulled out my laptop and called Dave (via Skype.) I know I woke him up, it was about 1:30 in the morning. I tried to be composed and tell him I missed my flight and that Hainan said it would be another 2 days before they could get me home. Dave was just waking up and wrapping his head around the situation and asked me to start from the beginning. I started to choke up and wanted start from the "laying on floor demanding to be carried" part. Or should I start from the lost stroller part? Or from the creepy guy trying to follow me? I was starting to lose it and had to pull myself back together, it was starting to worry Ella. I finally said, "I don't want to relive it." I could feel Dave nodding and saying something like, "It was just a series of events. . "

One reason I love Dave is that he is a problem solver. He helped me focus on the solution and move forward. I just couldn't be here for another 2 days. I have no clean clothes. I miss my boys. Ella needs her Dad. I hate Hainan Airlines with their smug self satisfying attitudes. It would be hard to fly them again. So I pulled out Mr. Visa and Delta is going to get me home. I went to the international ticketing desk (window 25). I am on the very next flight out.  I missed the Detroit redeye by about 20 min. I leave tomorrow morning 7:50AM. It looks like I have a 15 hour delay getting out of Beijing. 

I went to the "Hotel Reservations" desk at the terminal and got Ella and I a room here at "Youth Hostel +." They said it has WIFI and is only 10 min. from the terminal. No other details other then, one bed.  It is fine. The door has a lock on it. But the whole place smells like smoke (my eyes are burning), the bed it rock hard and the there is one plugin in the room and one in the bathroom. The room is cold too, it has a radiator, but doesn't seem to be working. I should have guessed it would be cold, all the hotel staff in the lobby are wearing puffy winter coats. It was really cold in the lobby area.

It is almost 11PM here and my alarm will go off at 3:30AM. So we can catch the 4AM shuttle. The lady told me the flight is oversold and I should be sure to get a seat assignment as soon as I can. You don't have to tell me twice. 

Well, I'll be home on Sunday. Sunday. . . better then Monday. . . not as good as Saturday. 

Bathroom

Hotel room

Karla

And They're Off!

A little consternation as their scheduled departure time comes... and goes. Oh no! How could they be delayed on the very first leg? Air China has such a good track record with this route. Curse you, Kayak.com and your flight stats! ... Oh, only 20 minutes late? Well, why didn't you say so? Alrighty, then. Off we go!

Karla and Ella's Flights

This is Dave, posting an entry from home. I thought it might be fun to post some updates on Karla and Ella's flights home. As Karla mentioned last week, my own flight out of Beijing was significantly delayed, so I'll be watching flightaware.com like a hawk over the next 24 hours to make sure the girls' flights are going well. (And by well, I mean that the airplane is flying on schedule to its destination; however much I wish I could, there's nothing I can do to help with the whole 3-year-old-on-a-plane thing.) It's going to be a long haul. 

If all goes according to plan, they will touch down here tomorrow (Saturday) at 3:45. Before that, they have to connect in Beijing and then in Seattle. I'll post an update or two as they make progress.

The honeymoon is over

It was bound to happen sooner or later. Good thing it happened at the end. Total meltdowns today. 

What!?  A nap?  Meltdown. 

What?!? I can't stand in my stroller? Meltdown. 

What?!  I can't pound my bubble blower? Meltdown. 

Lots and lots of unhappiness today. Lots. I think Ella is tired of the hotel room too. This is just a lot to take in for a 3 year old. She is just done. 

It has just been ugly typical 3 year old tantrums. All. Day. Long. 

The day after tomorrow. . .

Just 48 short hours from travel!

Today was just more of the same. . . more eating noodles in our hotel room for lunch. . . More time at the playground. . . more Subway for dinner. . . more waiting.

Although, during Ella's nap I caught up on "The Bachelor" on Hulu (thanks to our VPN.) I think I might like this season, Juan Pablo seems so nice. I love a guilty pleasure :)

This morning we did have the consulate appointment. It was good to finally get the last step in the paperwork done. Tomorrow our guide can pick up our visa for Ella and then we are 100% ready to go home. All i's are dotted and all t's crossed.

We leave the hotel at 8 AM on Saturday and will be home by Saturday night, Utah time :)

One cute photo to leave you with, here is Ella by the waterfall near the playground.

100% cute

We didn't have any winter hats for girls. I had to remedy that today. I hope she will enjoy the snow when we get home. 

72 hours. . .

Wednesday January 22, 2014

2:40PM

In 72 hours Ella and I will be on a plane headed home. I am really looking forward to that, could you guess?

This morning we headed to the Guangzhou Zoo.  It was a very nice zoo, it was larger then our Hoogle Zoo and had lots of great open spaces. Although the zoo was not stroller friendly. Thy had pandas (of course), rhinos, giraffes, kangaroos, lots of birds, monkeys and a variety of snakes. It was great to see all the wild life and also be with the other families. This is such an amazing and special experience. It is nice to be with others who are experiencing something so similar. 

Our zoo tour was cut a little short. About an hour into the visit I was not feeling well, and let me tell you, being at a public zoo in China is not the place you want to be sick. Especially  while being the only caregiver for a 3 year old. I was going to just try to ride it out, but finally I decided to grab a taxi and head back to the hotel. 

So the rest of the day will be just laying low. . .

Tomorrow we head off for our consulate appointment at 7:50AM.  Looking forward to having this day behind me.

Flamingos

Alligator

Monkeys

What do you want to do?

Ella and I were reading the Friend before bed last night.  We saw this cartoon and it totally sums up our time here. 

Tuesday, 4 days to go

Tuesday Jan. 21, 2014

1:45PM

Today is a "free" day; translation: sit around and wait.

It actually has been a nice day so far, despite the "waiting around" feeling. I got to talk with Dave this morning and futurize about Saturday! Just 4 more days and Ella and I head home and I get to see the boys. I can't wait. I really miss them and I know what it is like to be a "single parent" when Dave has been gone. It is just better to all be together.

Today I am also sending out more laundry to be done. Ella is quite proficient at getting her sleeve in food, spilling drinks on her shirt and writing on her clothes with markers. . . It is a very good thing she has a closet full of clothes when we get home. I have a feeling she will keep the "laundry fairy" very busy.

Today we also did some exploring. I heard there was an outdoor playground.  . . on the 4th floor. So we went looking for it and sure enough we found it! There is a lovely outdoor walking path and water feature/pond. It also had a playscape. We will go back there again before dinner to  have some running around time.

I also heard there was a Subway. But the directions seems little confusing. It was suppose to be across the street, but you have to take the subway entrance to cross the street underground. Then the "mall" where it is located looks completely and totally deserted. It is in the middle of a some kind of makeover. There were guards by the outer entrance I thought they were keeping people out. But I guess they were there to keep cars from parking on the deserted plaza.
 

Once we got inside all the shops were empty, as in, no merchandise, no light,  no people, no signs. There were lots of signs pointing to McDonald's and I did see one sign that said "Subway". It was on the second floor in a tiny space. . . but sure enough, it was real Subway. It tasted pretty good. Ella enjoyed it. . . right before she spilled her OJ on her shirt :)

We made it back in time for the laundry guy to pick up the clothes. Ella is having a little Tablet Time before her nap. Ohhh, that girl loves a tablet. We also got a new pair of shoes for her. She has only had her other shoes for week, but I think this one will be hard on shoes. . . just like her mom :)

Things are going well :)

Skype

Oh how I love Skype! This is the only screen shot I could get with all the boys in it. . . kind of tells you how successful Skyping as a family is :)

Shamian Island

We had a wonderful shopping trip this morning. Our group went to Shamian Island and I had a great time. Last time we were in GZ we stayed on Shamian Island for a week, so it was very familiar. I loved seeing all the European architecture and the lovely bronze statues again. It is an island so of course there are boats and lovely water views everywhere.

I had lunch at Lucy's, it was so great! The food was really wonderful and it just transported me back to 2011 and Jacob's adoption. I had sweet and sour fish. It might be the best meal I've had since arriving here. Yum, yum.

I found some great things on my shopping excursion. I managed to get some traditional Chinese outfits for Ella. . . 4 to be exact. One for this year and the rest for when she gets older. I also got some t-shirts for the kids. For the boys I got some great craved wooden swords with wooden sheaths. I found this marvelous hand carved chess set for our family with Chinese figures (an emperor & empress instead of king & queen. . . etc.)  I also got some simple thank you gifts for family and friends for taking such good care of our boys while we were gone.

But my favorite purchase of the day was a chop. A chop is a Chinese seal. These seals are so lovely. They can be simple or more ornate. I chose a larger one. It has 5 dragons carved on the handle and scenic images on the side. As well as the symbols for happiness and life. I loved the 5 dragons to hopefully signify the 5 children in our family. The Seal has our family name in English and Chinese. The man who carved the name did it all by hand and I was so impressed with this craftsmanship.

Sometimes I think people tend to think of these little shops as tourist traps with junkie things, (and sure there are plenty of paper fans and cheap fabric t-shirts.) But I also saw some great artists with true talent here too. The wooden swords are also exquisite, lots of detail and artistry. Overall it was great to see some of the jade artworks, paintings, cravings and design. I really enjoyed the morning and hope our family enjoys the little things we picked out for them :)

Offerings

At the temple worshipers make offerings of fruit and flowers. 

Apples represent peace and oranges represent luck. 

3 Budas

They represent the past, present and future. 

T-minus 6 days

Sunday January 19, 2014

4:38PM

Less then a week until we head home. . . Can you tell I am ready for that day right now? It seems there is a lot of hurry up and wait happening. Each day we have about 1 hour's worth of adoption stuff to do and then the rest is just down time. Yesterday was the medical exam, today, it was filling out paperwork. Tomorrow, families from this province get to visit their child's orphanage. Wednesday some other families in the group have their CA appointment and we have ours on Thursday. Then on Friday our facilitator picks up the visa then we leave on Saturday morning. Honestly, this all could be done in one day. Too bad it can't be more streamlined. But it is government bureaucracy, from two countries mind you, of course it will take 7x longer then it should.

At least Ella and I are getting some great time together. I love this little girl. She is sweet and so pure in heart, just finding joy in jumping around :) Today we painted her nails. She is sleeping through the night still and is no longer having meltdowns at bedtime. Although she is getting tired of her stroller and today at our excursions she wanted to run around, but she is very unstable and what mom wants a "runner," with a tendency to fall, around lots of sharp stone corners, uneven ground and lots of steps. I did let her walk part of the time and we managed to find a good balance. The architecture was lovely and so detailed, it felt like an older time.

This morning on our tour of the temples I got to meet 4 other families (all with our agency). All the other families adopted from this province and have been in GZ for the entire time. I am glad that at least we had a little change of scene. I think being in the same hotel and hotel room for 2 weeks would make me a little nutty.

Of the four other families 2 adopted "older" kids. One family adopted a 9 year old girl with Hepatitis. The other adopted a 8 year old boy with epilepsy. The other two families adopted kids that were just about 2 years old, a boy & girl. The 2 year old girl was"non-special needs." The mom had waited 7 years. . . 7! Wow, boy howdy that is dedication. Our original LID was March 2008, so if we had to wait it out we would still not have a referral having only put in 6 years. 

It was nice to visit with the other families. Tomorrow we are headed to Shamian Island as a  group to do some shopping. I am looking forward to it, they have the "brother" "sister" t-shirts.  I am going to get some for our little brood.  I also hope to find some traditional Chinese dresses for Ella. We'll see what I can find.

I also had a load of laundry done. Ella and I had clothes that needed laundered. I sent some clothes home with Dave, hopefully saving room in my suitcase for those dresses for Ella.  I looked at the laundry prices at the hotel and almost fell off the bed. You want me to pay $8 to have a t-shirt cleaned? That's more then I paid for it. Fortunately our facilitator knew a guy :) He came and picked up a bag of laundry, 23 items (socks, t-shirts, jeans. . .) The grand total was $25. He dropped it off 24 hours later. Much more like it!  

Tonight we are going to McDonald's for dinner, don't hate me. The McDonald's is next door to the hotel. I just have to make it until Saturday. There may be one or two more fast food runs in my future. The hotel offers room service, but who wants to pay $15 for a club sandwich? Although I would pay $17 for a brownie with 3 scoops of ice cream. . . that seems reasonable :)

I hope you enjoyed the photos from the temples. I will post more photos tomorrow of Shamian Island.

Pagoda

Entrance

At the entrance to the Buddhist temple. 

Ball within a ball

I always wondered how they carved the balls within a ball. One of the temples we went to today displayed how it is done.  Very cool. 

54 layers

The large ball at the top had 54 layers. 

Tallest door in GZ

The door to the Chen Family Temple. 

Temple courtyard

3 Budas

They represent the past,  present and future 

Flowers and fruit

People bring offerings to the temple. They bring flowers and fruit. Apples represent peace and oranges represent luck. 

Joss sticks

Worshipers come and burn joss sticks. 

7 days to go

Saturday January 18, 2014 2:54PM

One week from right now, Ella and I will be sitting on a plane heading to Beijing-Seattle-Salt Lake City, baby. Let the countdown begin.

Yesterday was Ella's first plane ride and boy did she love it! I think we might have an adrenaline junkie on our hands. She giggles and laughed when we took off and landed. She was great the whole time. She did not like the seat belt, but tolerated it for the 1 hour flight. I hope next week our flights will be this good.

Yesterday Dave took off and after about a 6 hour delay in Beijing he made it to Seattle but of course missed his connecting flight. He got out at least, on the last flight of the day, and got home! I was able to Skype with him for a few minutes and he looked good, and tired. Man, I hope Ella and I do not have that kind of problem. Eek! Stuck in Beijing. . . in Terminal 1. . . I need an Advil just thinking about it.

At any rate, last night we made it and our facilitator and driver met us at the airport. We were checked in to the Marriott and in bed by 10PM. I was so tired, I just wanted to sleep forever. It had been a long day that started at 5:30AM with Dave's departure. Also, I did not anticipate it being so lonely so soon. Ella is a total cutie, but not much of a conversationalist. I still have 7 more days. . . I hope I don't start talking to a Volleyball.

This morning we had a nice breakfast at the buffet. I am so glad we have it, it makes my life so much easier. For lunch we just did noodles in the room and tonight we are going to a local Chinese restaurant our guide recommended. She also said their is a pizza place close by, so we will check that one out soon I'm sure.

Today we had the medical exam for the visa. Total Zoo. We arrived and there were dozens for families, dozens. Kids all over the place, many crying and just wall to wall families. Upon arrival we had Ella's passport photo taken. Then we were off to several different areas, each doing part of the exam (ENT, Measurements, Eye Screening, TB test. . . etc.) When we got to the TB test part, I could not go in with her. They took her in a room and closed the door, she was crying, sad and afraid. She came out with a bandage covered shot and in tears . . . big tears, a 9/10 on the meltdown scale. This place was just loud and crowded. I don't blame her, I didn't like it either.

We did get more information about Ella's medical condition, which was really good. The doctors measured her legs and there was not a discernible limb difference. When our guide first saw Ella at the airport, she thought she had CP (Cerebral Palsy) based on how she walked. I also thought CP could be an option based on her hand movements as well as walking.  There were two doctors and they both seemed to agree, Ella's walking and mobility issues are probably neurological, not orthopedic. However you can only tell so much in a 5 minute visit as a general pediatrician. The doctor concluded that it could be CP, but would need more extensive evaluations. It could still be hip dyspepsia along with other neurological factors.

For CP she has some factors; she walks with an uneven gait, her feet turn inward (pigeon toed) and she lacks coordination in her movements and balance/equilibrium. She also doesn't have the fine motor skills a 3 year old should have. However she doesn't have some other factors; children with CP have muscle tension and the doctors said her tension looks really good and is not consistent with CP. Also CP tends to affect one side more then the other and this appears to be equal on the left and right side. One final factor is speech, the doctors said that children with CP had a slower speech pattern, and they found that Ella did not have impacted speech.

It is good to get more informtaion and now that we know a limb difference is not causing difficulty with her walking mobility, it makes me even more glad that we have an appointment with a neurologist in a few weeks.  

So far Ella has been a dream child. She is so loving and sweet, her disposition is just cheerful. She loves to smile and laugh and is so good about napping and sleeping. I hope this all translates well when we get home. Also, this girl loves slides, swings, cookies and stickers. . . loves them.

I just wish I spoke Chinese, that is the only thing that would make this better. She is however starting to use a couple of English words (Ella and one, two. . ) it's a start.

Tomorrow we are visiting two Buddhist temples. I am looking forward to it and seeing more of Ella's birth country.  Ella also does well not being cooped  up in a small hotel room all day. These small outings are helpful for her too. I'll be sure and post more photos.

Mmm seaweed

Seaweed Pringles 

$7

Why yes,  I did just spend $7 on two orange juices and ramen noodles .

Airports are making a killing in China too. 

So fun