Yin Yin

Miss Harper (Yin Yin for now; her nickname at orphanage) is sitting on my lap. She has had a long day, with a 3 hour drive from orphanage and then told I was "mama". Not a happy look on her face! She goes from sobbing to a smile or two, even a giggle as we chant our common word "meow" (there is a kitty on her pajamas). She will say it back to me as many times as I have said it to her. Smart cookie! Refuses most of the food I offer and milk, not sure if it is wrong taste, temperature, or giver! We have only just begun all the adjustments... More tomorrow, which is the day the adoption will be finalized. For now, a few pictures (poor quality because of the lighting, but they are what they are!).

Our "gotcha" moment.

Harper and mama.

She likes all the toys!

Very sweet new daughter.

Here in Nanchang

It took 29 hours, but I have arrived. Just the last flight delayed, for reasons I could not understand, but the "locals" were getting restless and there was quite a bit of commotion. Fortunately on landing my coordinator, Lucy, was waiting with a driver. She is energetic and enthusiastic, and will be good to get me through this first week in the province. And the best thing she told me was that I get Harper TODAY, in about 4 hours! So we will go to the bank soon (I will be happy to get this money belt bulge gone!) and then wait.... My thoughts are with Min Yan and her foster mother as this will be a very hard day for both of them. Picture below is out of my hotel room. Next set of pictures will be Harper!

Shengjin Pagoda (wooden-and-brick structure) erected 904-907 in Tang Dynasty, then rebuilt in 1713 in Qing Dynasty. It is the tallest among the ancient structures in Nanchang.

Disneyland...Again!

With the 2-day/2-park passes we got in February, we needed to use the second visit by June 15. I figured this would be too much for Harper so soon after arriving home, and I need to practice with two kids before I negotiate the happiest-place-on-earth. Plus, Jaden had an itinerary all planned out for our visit and we all know that these days are about over... So yesterday I picked Jaden up early from school and we arrived at the park before 4 pm, just in time for the parade (on her list). Then it was time for rollercoasters; first, Big Thunder Mountain, then a new one for Jaden, Space Mountain. We had our ride (wow) and when we came to the load/unload section they asked if we wanted to go again? With a 55 minute wait for those not holding FastPass tickets, I figured that meant we screamed really good (as Jaden will tell you, I did a lot more of this than her, true!!). So we went again and check out the picture. Me, eyes shut (most of the ride) and gripping Jaden; her, hair flying, loving it! We finished our outing with ice cream and were home by 10 pm. I think Harper will love Disneyland, too!!

Travel Plans

Flights are booked!! I leave May 18, and will unite with Harper on May 21. Leave for Guangzhou on May 24 with our US consulate appointment on May 29. Unfortunately, return to San Diego on June 1, which is a day later than I would like, but Harper and I will get as far as Hong Kong on May 31 to start our travels adventure home. For not too much cost, I got Economy Plus on United for overseas flights (both ways). I am really counting on that extra 5" of leg room on the flight home from Hong Kong to San Francisco to keep me sane!

Jaden will stay in San Diego with our wonderful friends, Diane & Will. I will be dropping her off with lots of "stuff", including treats for the three household dogs. She will enjoy two weeks of "calling the shots" and it is good that she stays in her school routine. She is excited about her "baby sister" and expresses her impatience about the "wait" (little does she know how long I have waited!) almost daily. She will be a very good big sister after an adjustment period, of course!