Gigi at Ten Months

Hubs and I were absolutely thrilled to see more pictures of our Hanchuan cutie. Not only is there evidence of teeth, but Gi can also sit by herself and stand when holding onto something. She is not walking nor talking yet. Probably lots of baby babble right now. Hubby and I are preparing ourselves for lots of teething. We are anxious to hear of our TA and travel dates. I want to kiss those cheeks so badly!

Sweaty Work

O.k., my adoption friends did not warn me that installing a car seat would be as challenging as climbing Mount Everest. I spent about 25 anxious minutes reading and rereading the instruction manual. Then it was onto another 40 minutes of adjusting and readjusting the car seat and seat belt to get the car seat to sit and not move as described in the manual. I did it but not without sweating buckets! Wendy and Kim, I 'll have to have you check it out to make sure I did it right.

Gigi Update

Today we received an "updated" report on Gi from our adoption agency. We did find out a couple of new things about our sweetie-pie. Our sweet baby was discovered at the medical clinic of the Xianghe Garden residence quarter on August 15, 2006. She was wrapped in a thin red cotton blanket. At the time, the doctor determined that she was about 2 days old thus her birthday was determined to be August 14, 2006. Her Chinese name, Han Li Juan, is explained as such: Han is homophonic to "Han" as in Hanchuan (city where she was born), Li means she is a child of the orphanage and Juan was given by the orphanage director "because she is a very beautiful and cute girl." She eats 6 times a day and loves to play outside. The report also describes her as being very outgoing and happy. If she catches someone eating something, she will make "Ya Ya" sounds and reach out to grab the food. The orphanage director concludes the report with "She is really a lovely greedy cat." Lovely greedy cat!!!??? Non-Chinese parents might be appalled to read that an innocent baby would be described as such. Relax. It's not a cruel insult. Greedy cat (wai sic mouw) literally translates into a cat who loves to eat. Well, she will have no problems in this family! I love my little kitty!!!

More Shower Pics

Renie, the hostess with the mostest

coffee, anyone?

beautiful flower arrangement

wonderful spread of delectable delights

beautiful Gigi cake and other yummy desserts

the master cake maker herself, Ericka

champagne or punch, anyone?

mmmm...

white chocolate delights by Ericka

wonderful "quilt" cake by Ericka

lots of wonderful gifts for Gigi

Gigi Shower 6/23/07

Big hugs and kisses to all the women who "showered" Gigi with gifts and love. The hostess with the mostest is, of course, Renie and her comrades who put out a magnificent spread of delicious foods and champagne for everyone to enjoy. Big sis and good friend, Jessica were the "official" photographers. Hubs and I thank all of you for your generosity and kindness. Enjoy the pictures!

Travel Conference Call

On Wednesday, everyone in my travel group had a conference call with our agency. Nothing earth-shattering yet. We are still waiting for our travel approval. However, our travel group may have a very slight chance of traveling during the week of July 13th at the earliest.

Gi Proof

Yesterday, a very nice man, Scott, from Pool Guard of Palm Beach, installed the baby fence around our pool. One more thing we can cross off our adoption-to-do list. Can't wait to teach Gi how to swim and splash around.

Kim, Look at Me!

I know my good friend, Kim, will be proud of me. She's been keeping me on the straight and narrow path when it comes to preparing for my China trip. I've already started gathering items needed for the trip. Many of these items were generously given to us from KTB. Once we come back with Gi, whatever items that have not been used or can be reused will be passed down to the next PBChina momma, Andi or Kristen. Thank you, KTB!!!

Father's Day Dinner

My Parents and Jackass???

Goofy hubs thought it would be amusing for my parents to watch the movie, Jackass, on t.v. last night while waiting to chow. So with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he flips to the channel playing the movie while my parents sit quietly on the sofa half bored and nearly asleep. Within seconds of the movie appearing on the screen, my quiet, little, immigrant-like parents perk up as if they have just been given a shot of adrenaline. I felt for certain that my parents would find the movie disgusting, childish and a complete waste of time. NOOOO, NOOOOO, NOOOO. They were intrigued. Sure they thought it was distasteful but continued to watch the movie like someone watches a train wreck. You know it's going to be horrible but you just can't look away. Mom and Dad, welcome to one genre of American cinema!

Happy Father's Day

Hugs and kisses for those new and old fathers in my circle: my dad, Ed, Todd and now, my hubby!!!

What's Up, Doc?

Today, hubs and I had our first consultation with Gi's future pediatrician, Dr. Liang. We were very impressed with her knowledge, skills and warm demeanor. She seems to possess indepth understanding of adopted Chinese children and the country of their birth. In fact, she has about 70 little patients who are from China. Dr. Liang gave us encouraging news about Gi based on her interpretation of the initial medical records provided by the orhanage. She also wrote two prescriptions for Gigi to be used in China if the need arises. Gi will have a battery of tests done once she comes back with Mommy and Daddy. All in all, a great first visit with the doc. Thanks for the recommendation, Wendy!

What a Treat!

A big shout-out to the LaRosa's---they have sent an adorable package for Gi. Gigi has just received her first lucky dollar and bathtime book. Love the tiny pink sweater. Thank you for thinking of our "little cherub."

Hanchuan SWI (State Welfare Institute)

playground at the SWI
exterior of SWI
exterior of SWI
front entrance of SWI
exterior of SWI where the elderly is housed
interior of SWI---bathroom facility
interior of SWI---director's office
interior of SWI---babies' room
exterior of SWI
exterior of SWI
exterior of SWI---possibly the courtyard or front entrance

I downloaded these pictures from my Hanchuan Yahoo group. They were taken by a member several years ago. This SWI was most likely where Gigi started her life. She is now in foster care in the same city. I have been told that all of the children of this SWI are in foster care. However, they come back to the SWI once a month for medical check-ups and social interaction with the other children. Our agency will most likely have us stay in Wuhan (capital of Hubei). Gigi will likely be brought to us from Hanchuan. So it is uncertain if we will have a chance to visit her birth city or the SWI where she was most likely "processed." I have been told by my Yahoo group that many parents of children adopted from Hubei province receive a photo album chronicling the first few months of their life in the SWI or in fostercare. I pray that I will be one of those lucky moms who will receive this precious gift.