Kung Fu & Steak and Eggs

Today was a fairly low key day. There were no planned activities so we took our time getting ready this morning and then we headed back to the Silk Market for some more shopping. With all the touring we’ve been doing Maya hasn’t been getting regular naps, just cat naps here and there throughout the day, but this morning she got a good nap in before we went shopping and boy was she full of piss and vinegar for the rest of the day!

This evening we went to a Steak and Egg restaurant that is owned and operated by a man from North Sydney (named Paul). Who would have thought we’d get Cape Breton home cooking in Beijing, China! It was a nice change from the fast food and Chinese food that have been our staple foods since we’ve been here.

Last night Paul stayed home with Maya and I went to a show with the group. It was called ‘The Legend of Kungfu’ and though it may sound cheesy, it was an absolutely magnificent performance. It was a story of a young boy becoming a Buddhist monk and combined martial arts, acrobatics and dancing. We all loved it! The sets and costumes were awesome as well. A few people took their babies with them but they were scared of all the loud sounds and music. I’m glad that Paul opted to stay home with Maya, it really wasn’t the place for small children.

Only two more days left before we leave to come home and I think we are both ready to bring Maya home. All our love, Tanya, Paul and Maya XOXO.

Temple of Heaven & The Pearl Factory

Today was another day of travel. We went to the Temple of Heaven and then the Pearl Factory. Other than the smog and the temperature, it was absolutely beautiful. Due to the heat, almost all the girls bought straw hat to keep covered from the sun so our group was very easily recognizable. We spent about an hour walking around the temple and then about another hour in the pearl factory. The Pearl Factory is on the cutting edge of consumerism. Not only do the have fabulous jewelry but they also have free beer. That’s right, free beer. So while the mom’s were shopping, the dads were sitting down with the babies having some refreshments. Believe me, if they had this in Nova Scotia I would want to go to the Mic Mac Mall more often. I think this level of service is a a long time coming to NS. I think it is a way to break down the husband’s defenses so the wives get what the want (Tanya did very well) . Very smart and innovative.

Tonight Daddy and Maya are going to hang out while mommy goes to a show. There is a Kung Fu show taking place which is supposed to be spectacular so mommy gets a well deserved night out with the rest of the group while I relax with my girl. I just hope Maya does not decide to do a #2 or that will make the night extremely interesting for me.

It is hard to believe that we have only had Maya for 7 days, it seems much longer. She seems to be settling in fine and I think that she already has us figured out and has us dancing to her drum.

P.S. Maya is 10 months old today.

The Great Wall & Jade Factory

We have had another busy day! We went for a tour of the Jade factory and made a few purchases there. Jade is quite expensive, but it is very popular in China, it is not only worn because it is beautiful, but it is also believed to have some health benefits (good circulation).

After that we were off to the Great Wall of China. It was a little disappointing just because the weather was not that great. It was overcast and foggy and quite humid and I was sweating after only climbing for a little while. We were climbing a rather steep set of steps when I decided I’d had enough. I was surprised Paul decided to quit then too. The thing was you couldn’t see anything above or below because of the fog, so there didn’t seem much point in exerting ourselves so much when we weren’t going to get to enjoy any kind of view. Mom and Dad and Angie, Shannon and Zoe did climb higher than we did and they got to a point where they got a certificate saying they had climbed the Great Wall of China. It’s a nice souvenir and had I known those were available I may have tried to climb a little higher. You could tell that it would be really spectacular on a clear day. It was very lush and green in that area and there were some very nice gardens at the base of the wall.

Paul, Maya and I wandered the grounds at the base and went into a temple which was quite lovely. Maya fell asleep in the snuggli for most of our walk-about and was in great spirits when she did wake.

After we left the Great Wall we went and had lunch at a Chinese restaurant which is above a shop where they make Ming vases. The meal was very nice, there were a variety of dishes, including a whole fish (which I did not eat, I prefer my food with the heads removed). We did some shopping in the store afterwards and I am now the proud owner of a genuine Ming vase. We got back to the hotel around 5pm and are spent the rest of the night relaxing. Maya was a bit fussy going to bed tonight but she is now sleeping peacefully. Tomorrow we are going to the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square.

That’s about all for now, all our love, Tanya, Paul and Maya.

The Silk Market

Today was a free day so we went to the silk market. On our way in the cab Tanya noticed a smell coming from Maya and when she looked, her diaper was full. We forgot the diaper pad so we improvised and bought a receiving blanket and changed Maya on a bench at the market. I really had a hard time because when Tanya opened the diaper, it was everywhere and although all I had to do was hold her, I gagged the whole time. Tanya, Bert and Eleanor had a great laugh over this. I know there will be a time soon where I will have to step up to the plate and do this on my own.

The Silk Market is basically a 5 story department store with tiny kiosks set up with vendors selling everything. Everything is so cheap it is unbelievable. It is all done by bargaining and this process is very amazing. We will be going back to pick up a suitcase for the trip home and I am having a navy blue suit hand made for me which I have to pick up. This was by far the most expensive thing we bought today and it cost $142 Cdn. It was funny that we kept on putting our bags around the handles of Maya’s stroller and when we took her out when we were getting ready to leave, the stroller tipped over from the weight. We had no other choice but to leave because we ran out of money.

The picture attached was very funny because this girl basically grabbed Tanya and dragged here into her stall to make a purchase after a long period and the girl not wanting to let Tanya go without a purchase, Tanya negotiated strong and got 2 silk scarf’s for 180 Yuan ($24)

Tomorrow we are heading to the Great Wall and the Jade factory so we are getting pretty excited about this. I think we will be heading to Wal-Mart tonight to get supplies for the full day tomorrow.

Travel Day

It has been a very long day. We left Chongqing this morning at 7am for our 8:40 flight.

Maya was an angel on the plane, she played and had a little sleep, no problemo. A lot of the other babies were screaming, but not our girl. Once we landed in Beijing we were taken to the SOS clinic for the babies to have their medical exam. There were so many of us that we had to go in different groups because there wasn’t enough room in the waiting room for everyone. We got put in the last group (lucky us) and so the guide took us to a tea house. We got to stop at a Subway on the way there and let me tell you that was the best tasting sub of my life!

The tea house we went to was awesome! We all sat around a table and the lady told us all about the different types of tea and what it is good for and showed us how it is prepared in China. It is quite a ritual and we got to sample several different types of tea. Anyone who knows me knows I love tea and so I was just in heaven! I bought a beautiful Chinese tea set and some tea. Maya was again an absolute dream while we were there. I cannot say enough what a wonderful child she is. She is so pleasant all the time, she rarely cries and she sleeps and eats well.

We finally got in to see the doctor and Maya had a brief check-up and is doing very well. We didn’t get back to the hotel until 6:45 and even though it was a long day for her she was in good spirits. She was a little fussy tonight, I think she was just way over-tired as she didn’t get a real good nap today. She is now sound asleep in dreamland and Mommy and Daddy won’t be long behind her.

Paul has been doing most of the blog so I haven’t had much of a chance to brag him up, but he is a wonderful father. It melts my heart to see the two of them together, he is so in love with her and I’m seeing a new and tender side to him, he just can’t do enough for her. Of course I’m still her favorite, but I can tell she loves her Daddy an awful lot too. Well that’s about all for today, all our love, Tanya

The Old City - pictures

Here are some picture of the old city where we went shopping.

The Old City and the Meeting of the Two Rivers

Well our first outing went quite well but the heat was unbelievable. Mommy dressed Maya in her finest for the trip. The old city was amazing and we did some souvenir shopping. Tanya was not a strong bargainer but still the prices were unbelievable. we had many old Chinese ladies stop us and want to fix Maya's hat or give us advice. Too bad we did not understand anything they said.

By the time we reached the joining of the rivers it was around 102 degrees and the group only stayed outdoors for a short period (most of the babies stayed on the bus, including Tanya & Maya)

Mothers and Granparents

Well it is the end of another day. Our time is slowly coming to an end in chongqing. I went up on the roof to take a view of the city at night and it was still about 90 degrees. Many of the buildings are lit up which makes the landscape look beautiful.

Tomorrow will be a true test for us because we are going on a tour of the old city with Maya which will last for approx. 5 hours. It will be interesting to see if our packing skills will meet the cut.

The pictures above are Tanya & Maya, Angie & Zoe and Lori & Mia.

Swim Time

During our outing we went to a department store and the grocery store and everyone was stopping ang looking at us an Maya. Women would try and ask questions to Tanya and some would actually kneel down and fix her hat. they all seemed very happy for her.

When we came back, we took Maya to the pool. As we suspected by here actions in the bath tub, she loved it. the only problem was that she tried to lick the water which was heavily chlorinated. I think a daily trip to the pool will be in order, especially in this heat (it was 37 deg not including the humidity

A Day of Rest

Maya slept solid again last night. We actually had to wake her up. We have not much on the go today so we are going to do some shopping and mommy had Maya all dressed pretty and ready to go when she decided to use the bathroom (#2) and the trip was delayed. With my weak stomach, changing a poopy diaper is really going to be a challenge. I think we will need a diaper geenie and a bucket for me.

Depending upon the weather (if it is not too hot) we may take Maya up to the pool for her first swim.

One step closer to Canada

We went to the registars office today to complete most of the Chinese paperwork and basically Maya had to give up her Chinese citizen ship. We think that is kind of a shame that she cannot have dual citizenship but hopefully she will have a better life with us.All three of us had to put our fingerprints on a document and get out pictures taken. When it was all completed we were presented with this lovely keepsake from the government that will ensure that we remember this day

When we arrived at the registars office the adoption the care givers from Maya's orphanage were they ans they immediately came over to Maya and every one of them held Maya and played with here. One caregiver, who we think was he main caregiver and gave her the nickname BeiBei was always beside her and wanted to hold her. After a while when we got her back, we kept her for ourselves. It was nice to see that she was well looked after and care for at the orphanage.

The next 2 days in Chongqing are mostly for sight seeing with a little bit of paperwork. we actually had to wake Maya up this morning to go get breakfast this morning (hopefully that is a good sign). It is halirious to watch her get a bath, she absoutely loves it. It is more of a play time for her than a chore.

Eating with a baby in your hand is quite interesting. I didn't eat much and I think that more fell on the floor than what I ate. I sure Jessie will be happy with this.

She is much more vocal and active today. She fought to take naps (and won) so we are sure that she should sleep soundly tonight. It is funny bacause lately it seems like we all have the same bedtime.

Day #2

Well it has been a crazy couple of days! I don't know what Paul posted last night, so some of this may be repeat info, but anyway.
We didn't quite have the Hallmark moment that I had always imagined, but we were ecstatic just the same. Maya cryed for about the first 15 -20 minutes but then she was fine. Mommy gave her a bath and she just loved the water, she was splashing and moving all around and I had a hard time holding on to her! She drank her bottle just fine and we put her to bed at 9 pm and she slept like a log. Mommy and Daddy didn't, but I guess that'll change soon enough. We have to crash eventually.
She has been having a great day so far, we've gotten a few smiles from her and she is quite content.
Paul is quite taken with her and likes to do everything for her. So much for him being the disciplinarian, he is putty in her hands!
Hope all is well with everyone at home. We are not able
to view the website so if anyone is leaving messages we can't read them but we do have access to our e-mail so you can e-mail us and let us know how everyone is doing if you like.
Take care, Love Tanya

Finally - Meet our Daughter

Well the wait is finally over. At 4 pm we met Maya. It was a bit overwhelming for all parties and was really hot. Maya was very hot and congested and cried a bit. we were a bit worried but when we got her upstairs and she cooled down, she was very pleasant. She loves music and water. When she hears music, she starts to dance and when Tanya gave her a bath tonight she was squirming aroud and did not mind getting water poured over he head.

We are extremely happy parent and extremely tired. It was an emotional day for all but all is increadible.

Coincidence / Lucky 13

There have been several things that have occurred from the start of the trip that have been happening that are too convenient that make you wonder. The morning we were getting ready to leave I went out to the TV at 4 am, turned it on and changed the channel 3 times and here I was watching a show on the Outdoor Life Network regarding this lady riding up the Yantgze River heading to Chongqing.

The other was when we arrived at our hotel room in Beijing, our room number was 713 and in Chongqing it is 1317. I think that 13 is our lucky number!

Today is the Day

Had a very hard time sleeping last night. I was up before 6 am and eneded up going for a walk. This city is truly unique, surrounded by rivers and mountains. The pool is on the third floor roof anf has a beautiful view of the central part of the city. At 7:30 am it was already warm and humid so I cannot see many afternoon walking excursions. I have attached a picture with the view from our room. As you can see it is hazy (pollution?) and you can taste the pollution in your mouth. It is funny going for a walk and people staring at you because you are the one that is different. We have a meeting at 10 am, a meeting to fill out paperwork at 12pm and the the big meeting at 4:30. I'm sure we will be updating this several times today.

The Forbidden Palace & Chongqing

Well we have had a very busy day! We had a great breakfast at the hotel in Beijing and then we went to the Forbidden City. It was very beautiful. There were so many people there it was overwhelming. In fact I think there were more people there today than there are in the whole of Nova Scotia! It was quite warm, I never heard the exact temp, but I'd say it was about 32 degrees.
Mom was somewhat of a celebrity today as well. It may have been the blond hair, but several people asked to have their picture taken with her! She loved that! One girl wanted her picture taken with Angie and one girl wanted her picture taken with me. It was quite hilarious!
We went back to the same restaurant today and it cost $24 for 8 of us. Crossing the street in
Beijing is quiet the experience, cars don't care about people. Even Eleanor ran accross the street. We then when back to the hotel and got the shuttle to the airport.

The flight to Chongqing was uneventful but a very fast landing. When we got into the airport at 10 pm, it was 34 degrees and very muggy. When you walked outside the humidity sticks to you. We were told the this will be the hottest week here (106 and overcast tomorrow).

We are now checked into our hotel and are settling in for the night. There is a crib, a baby tub and a stroller in the room. I can't believe that tomorrow is gotcha day!
We actually found out on the bus ride here that Angie will be getting Zoe at 2 pm as opposed to 6pm, so she will be getting her baby before me which means that I am definitely psychic because I've dreamed that about five times! We will still be getting Maya at 4pm. I have chills.

Hope all is well with everyone at home! Love Tanya

First Night in China!

Welll it has been quite the day!
We made it to the hotel and had a lovely , much needed nap!
Tonight we went out for dinner and that was quite interesting as everything is written in Chinese!
We walked into this one place and it was like a standoff- we looked at them and they looked at us and no one knew quite what to do. The lady handed us a menu, all in Chinese. Needless to say we didn't stay. We did find a great reataurant though where the hostess greeted us in english, so we figured this was the place to stay. The menu there was written also on english so we knew what we were ordering.
The chopsticks were a bit of a challenge, I just basically stabbed most of my food, but Paul was a real pro! The whole meal for the seven of us cost $19.

I cannot believe we are actually here, it feels like a dream. We leave tomorrow evening for Chonqing, and only two more sleeps until we meet Maya.

Thinking of you all. Love Tanya

We Made it!

Well after a beautiful flight to Toronto we received good news that oour flight to Beijing was 1 1/2 shorter that we expected. The bad news came when we had to wait over an hour before taking off and circled the Beijing airport for over 30 minutes prior to landing. So what we thought would be a 12 hour flight took over 14 hours. We have now been awake for almost 24 hours (the glamour of travel). What was interesting about the flight was the fact that we flew directly over the North Pole (I think we saw Santa) and over Siberia.

We are flying to chongjing tomorrow at 7:30 pm so tonight will be mellow and we will do some sight seeing tomorrow.

The big day is not far off now

Beijing

Beijing is in North East China and has a population of over 15 million. This is based in an area of 17,ooo sq. km (N.S. has 55 sq. km). This is where we will be spending the second week of our journey so I sure the population shock will be much more extreme.

Maya Update & Nickname

We received an update last Saturday on Maya. She is now almost 20 lbs. and is 72cm (28") tall. When she was born she was 7.7 lbs. and was 48 cm (19"). Her nickname that the nannies at the orphanage gave her is "Bei Bei" (if you do not know, her middle name is pronounced "beh").

From what we have been told, she is a normal, healthy and happy baby.

Where is Chongqing?

Chongqing is in Central China as per the map. It has a population of of over 33 million people and covers an area of 82,400 square kilometers while Nova Scotia has a area of 53,000 square kilometers.

Imagine having 21.2 million people living in Nova Scotia!

Orphanage

Here is a picture of the Chongqing Municipality. Maya's orpahnage is the "Yungyang Chengxiang Social Welfare Institute located in the southern part of the province as noted on the map.

As we get ready for our trip to meet our daughter, we have decided to share our experiences with you. We will try to up date this on a regular basis while in China.

Our first week will be spent in Chongqing where we will meet Maya and the second week will be spent in Beijing.

Other than the 13 1/2 hour flight, we are getting very excited.