free day!

So, it's 3:50 a.m. and we have a very busy day planned today. We're taking a 2 hour bus trip with our group on a "temple tour", among other things - although I'm unsure exactly what or where. Meeting in the lobby at 8:30 a.m. and returning at 5 p.m.

Sweet Lucy Mei. Yesterday was difficult for her. Let me start at the beginning.....

She woke up around 6 a.m. (her "normal" wakeup time per the orphanage) and responded well to me. I changed her diaper and we cuddled for a minute in the chair with her favorite pink blanket. Then she pointed to the bottles, "uhhhh uhhhh". Greg, again, made her a bottle that she did not drink. Since it was a "free day" we weren't in any rush for breakfast. We straigtened up the room and Greg worked on photos while I showered. Lucy sat on the floor outside the bathroom and looked at the 2 photo albums of the kids for almost an hour. She also ate her Cheerio snacks from the duct taped snack cup and proceeded to take them out one by one, place them on the floor, and then eat them. So sad. 

She LOVES looking at pictures of the kids and trying to say their names. Her little voice is so sweet. It just warms my heart to see her get excited when she points to each of them. 

Clearly, throwing toys is the norm in the orphanage. Not in a dangerous way...just rough play. We're working on that and it's completely normal. She's not a delicate little flower, that's for sure!!!! She is not aggressive or angry - ever. I would describe her more as "in charge". :)

She and Ben (and I know it's 100% unfair to compare them....but, they were both raised in instituional environments until about the same age) are very, very different. I suspect Ben was given a lot more attention, training and discipline. For example, Ben knew songs, animal sounds, playful games, etc. It's all new to Lucy Mei. Also, Ben was extremely, extremely remorseful and upset if we ever used a discipline tone or corrective action with Ben. Lucy Mei, not so much. Ha!

For example, the "throwing the toys" issue. I would correct her and show her the correct way to play and make a big exciting deal about it. I would walk back into the bathroom and she'd throw them again and I'd correct her....same routine...again....and again. Finally, I took them away. She could not have cared less. On the other hand, Ben would have been extremely remorseful - terrified to be disciplined in any way - and tantrumed for an hour if we took the toys away. Yep, very different!

I think it's important we try to show her how to "play" nicely and gently - as much as we can - before we arrive home. :) Riiiiiight. Oh boy.

We did skype with the kids and it was a horrible connection. The kids were completely blurry and Lucy Mei was confused when I was trying to point out each child. She would wave and say "Hi" but I'm not sure they could see her. It was a quick call. Said we'd try again later that night after school.

We were heading down to breakfast and I thought we should try the stroller. I know it's new....and she's be afraid....but, "free day" = lots of walking = stroller. :) So, I put her in (well, more like pushed her). So sad. She cried and fought it....and loved it! :)

We arrived at breakfast and guess who she saw? Yep, Warren!!! Always a good start to her day! We were seated next to their table. Warren had been eating nonstop for over an hour! Kid cracks me up! I asked the waitress to bring us a high chair - another first for Lucy Mei and something she was not into yesterday. I was on a mission with breakfast - she needed to eat something other than dry Cheerios....and sit in the high chair. :) 

I held Lucy up so she could see all the choices on the buffet. Girlfriend knows what she likes and doesn't like! She's a hoot. She became very animated when she saw the watermelon and canteloupe. She also pointed to the sweet rolls, scrambled eggs and sausage. No noodles, or rice or dumplings.

I wasn't sure she'd actually eat them though...or sit in the high chair. But, she did both!!!! She sat facing Warren and two of them ate away. She ate 3 servings of watermelon, a sausage, a few scrambled eggs, a fried dough stick with syrup, an apple sweet roll and canteloupe.....and banana chips. We filled our snack bowl with those! :)

After breakfast we headed to the kids play room in the hotel. It's small but packed with cool stuff. A tunnel for the kiddos to climb through, a huge ball pit and a few rocking toys. Another family from our group was already in the room - a 2 year old little boy and his older sister. Lucy Mei loved watching them play. She wanted no part of being in the ball pit, but loved throwing the balls. She wouldn't climb through the tunnel....despite Mama climbing through ahead of her or sit on any of the toys. She enjoys children soooooo much and lights up around them.

We then met Warren's family to walk to the park near our hotel. It was a beautiful day! Perfect temperature and no smog!! The park was beautiful and packed with families and children. Lucy Mei was in the stroller and loving it. She loves to be outside too. She is mesmerized by all the hustle and bustle outside our hotel. The cars, buses, bikes, scooters, people, noises - a LOT of stimulation. It tires and overstimulates her though. The park had a little amusement park area and a toddler carousel type ride with 3 animals. Warren and his sister, Jaden, hopped on. Lucy Mei wanted no part of it. The ride started and the laughter began. The kids were cracking up!!!! Lucy Mei started to push away from me - like she wanted to ride it. So, I put her on - and she did it!!!!!! I couldn't believe it!!!! She was smiling so big. God love her. Made this Mama soooo happy. :)

We stayed in the park for an hour or so.....drawing quite a crowd whereever we went. The Chinese people are very interested in us and our new children. Many will try to speak to us. They love for their children to offer treats to our children or engage in some way. We saw a lot of "split pants", elderly people "exercising" and one man on a bike with an umbrella wearing a bra packed with large fruit. So, there ya go.

Lucy Mei was very, very overwhelmed and tired at this point. She was crying in the stroller and wanted to be held. :) I pulled out my Boba carrier and strapped her in. Thumb in the mouth, head down, hood up and she was off to sleep....for a few minutes anyway. I carried her for quite a while in the carrier and she loved it. Plus, it's a great workout for Mama. :)

We arrived back at the hotel around lunch time. Lucy Mei had eaten a huge breakfast (late) so she wasn't too hungry. She did manage to slam down 2 of those weird sausage thingys from yesterday and a yogurt drink. She laid down in the crib exhausted and slept for 90+ minutes or so. I watched a movie on my iPad ("The Wedding Date" - thanks LR for the recommendation!) while Greg posted photos.

When Lucy awakened from nap, she was very sad. She was crying a lot, very tired and irritable and only wanted out of the room. She kept pointing towards the door and her shoes. So, we bundled her up (a must in China) packed her in the stroller and went for a walk.

We walked to a very nice bakery across the street from our hotel. We asked the workers what they thought Lucy Mei would like. They showed us several items, we purchased the little round sponge type cakes and some muffins. Both she LOVED. I think she ate 6 or 7 total!

The worker ladies in the bakery wanted to talk to Lucy. I motioned they could and thought it might be interesting to see how she responds. Well, they touched her. NOT good. She screamed in utter terror. They backed away and we quickly left. Not a fan of strangers. In time.

Lucy will only drink HOT water or formula. Nothing even room temperature. This presents problems when you've eaten 7 bakery items and the water in Mama's bag isn't HOT. Our guide says, if she's thirsty enough, she will drink it. She has started taking little sips...progress. 

We walked and explored for a few hours and headed back to the hotel. Lucy cried a lot in the stroller - especially when we stopped. She wanted to be held too. I finally picked her up and carried her for the last leg. She was sooooo sweet. She would point at things and say, "wow" - or something that sounds like wow! She would wave at everyone and say, "hi" or "bye bye". I started teaching her "nose", "mouth", "eyes" and "ears". She's very receptive to learning....but short attention span. I did get a few laughs too! :)

We don't speak any Mandarin with her. Even her name. The orphanage called her Yun Yun (pronounced like, "wion wion" - ryhmes with onion). Well, we can't say it - she doesn't respond to it. So, Greg just calls her "Funyon". :) She is beginning to respond to Lucy Mei and understand simple instructions - "put it in the garbage", "hold my hand", "come over here", etc. We're also trying simple sign language with her....she's not interested. It's just all so much to take in for our little girl. So, we're letting her guide the way and not pushing it.

Once at the hotel, Lucy wanted to walk. She's also wearing "squeaker" shoes - and I swear the people on the 5th floor can hear them! Ha! A family from our group was in the lobby so we stopped and chatted. Lucy Mei offered their little girl some of her bannana chips. She smiled at the little girl too. She just loves kiddos. Praise the Lord!!! She's got a home full of 'em!!!!

Lucy was also sharing her snacks with Baba and at one point, Baba got to rub her back!!!! This was HUGE folks!!!! He also left the room and she was very concerned. When she saw him she said, "Baba" in a very happy voice. Awwww. It's progress.....slow and steady. Greg still isn't able to hold her or change her or have any contact with her. He tried playing with her on the floor today and she just stared at him. She seems less terrified of him each day though. :)

We headed back to our room and stopped at Warren's room to say hello (Lucy needed a little Warren time :). The highlight of the day for me. Watching these two interact and play and laugh and communicate is the best feeling ever. We sat in the hallway and watched Warren and Jaden run back and forth, Warren nearly exploding in belly laughter and Lucy Mei just observing it all with huge smiles. She's so beautiful.

At one point, another family exited their room and asked me to come inside to smell it....it smelled of sulfur or something just awful. In the brief 5 seconds I was in their room, Lucy completely freaked. Terrorized. Trembling and screaming. Poor girl. I ran down to pick her up and she was still shaking. I'm thankful for the bonding but so sad my girl is experiencing such anxiety and stress. Please pray that she begins to open her heart to the security, trust and unconditional love that a family provides. It will be a tough transition for her in a lot of respects. It's just her personality. The orphanage forwarned us.

People used to ask me about Ben, "Is he afraid of anything or anyone?". I would say, "No, everything and everyone is new to him. He has no filters. He goes with the flow". I realize now, Lucy's filter is much different and delicate.

A lot of families were going out to dinner but we decided room service would work best for our sleepy and overstimulated girl. Mama gave her a long, HOT bath (our guide said HOT water) and she loved it!!! She played with all the toys and did not want to get out. Her poor fingers and toes shriveled up and she was very concerned. Obviously, another first! I also cleaned her ears and she was ok with that! Definitely a first, as the q-tip would attest!

I lathered her in lotion and put on her jammies - a short sleeved, short pants set. She kept trying to pull the sleeves down to her wrist and the pants to her ankles. I don't believe she's ever slept unbundled in multiple layers of clothing. So, I got a pair of socks and pulled them up to her knees. She seemed confused, but went with it. 

Room service arrived and she wanted no part of it. Greg ordered fried shrimp, rigatoni with meat and cheese pizza......and 2 bottles of TsingTao. :) We tried a HOT bottle and she wasn't interested. Thinking the bakery and snacks filled her up.

We then skyped the kiddos again, the morning of Halloween at home! The kids were waiting for us and looked soooooo cute!!!! Ben was dressed in his farmer overalls for "Harvest Day" at preschool. Hair slicked to the side. Soooo handsome. The Good Shepherd kiddos were all wearing Halloween shirts and excited for the day ahead. We had a much better connection this time and they were able to see Lucy Mei clearly. She waved a lot and said, "Hi".

The kids  are going to LOVE her. I can't wait for our entire family to be together again. It kills me being away from my kiddos. I truly ache for them. It's just too difficult to even think about. I love and miss them terribly. I know they are in wonderful hands with my folks though. Mom and Walt are doing a tremendous job and the kids are doing great. They will never know how much we appreciate all they're doing....we know, it ain't easy!!!

Lucy Mei was beyond exhaustion at this point. She actually pointed to her crib!!! I laid her in, rubbed her back and head for a few minutes, sang her a song and she was out. Such a beautiful blessing. This girl is amazing. Her strength and courage and trust in me - just 48 hours in. She is grieving and utterly terrified at most times though. There are glimpses of her personality and true self. God knew what He was doing when He chose her to be a Schultz!!

Greg and I were about 10 minutes behind her. Seriously, I'm not sure we've stayed up past 8 p.m. since we've been here! Makes the 3:30 a.m. wake-up time doable! :)

Gotta run folks. Lucy Mei is talking in the crib (awwww, she just said "Hi" to Baba) and we need to move fast to meet our group by 8:30 a.m. Thanks again to everyone for following and commenting. We truly treasure each and every comment!!! If you've made it this far in the post, God love ya!!

Blessings,

it's official!

3:30 a.m. again. Jet leg is killer. On the flip side, we were asleep by 8:00 p.m. last night! Too tired even for dinner!

Greg is off to 7-eleven for Coke Light and who knows what.

I'm going to blog our journey yesterday, taking no time away from our precious Lucy Mei. She is sleeping peacefully behind me in her crib. :)

The day started with Lucy Mei waking up. This was a big deal.

In a new place, strange people - how would she deal. Greg checked on her periodically and at 7 a.m. he noticed her eyes were open, thumb in her mouth. I walked over and said "Good morning, Lucy Mei. It's Mama." and I reached for her. She looked confused.

I grabbed her blanket, picked her up and we sat in the chair. I turned to look at her and she smiled....big!!! It was soooooo sweet! She even did it twice!!!

Then she pointed (more of a "uhhh uhhh" type sound) towards the bottles. Greg quickly made her a bottle but she only took a few sips. We decided this girl needs some real food! Decided to try the breakfast buffet.

We were meeting our group at 9 a.m. for the ride to the Registration Office to finalize our adoptions so we had to get moving.

We got Lucy Mei dressed - new outfit, new shoes, socks - everthing. Clearly, this girl has never worn jeans. The material and buttons and zipper were all very intriguing to her. We believe she's worn mostly legging type pants or pajama type bottoms. She's very cooperative getting dressed and loved looking at herself in the mirror. I slipped a little hair clip in to hold back her bangs. She wanted no part of that.

We headed to breakfast and Lucy quickly spotted Warren. She became very excited and animated and walked right over to him. In fact, she wouldn't leave his side! We sat a few tables over and the kiddos couldn't stop looking and smiling at each other! Cracks us up!!

Greg gathered some breakfast food from the buffet.....a huge variety because we have no idea what she likes. Fruits, cereals, rolls, donuts, croissants, eggs, sausage, dumplings, noodles. She wanted none of it. Wouldn't try a single thing....except Cheerios.

She also wanted no part of a high chair. Something new, I'm assuming. Mama's lap worked fine. Cheerios aren't messy anyway. :)

We left promptly at 9 a.m. with our group and headed back to the Registration Office where we met Lucy Mei yesterday. It was a beautiful day, clear skies.

We arrived in front of the building and she freaked. She clung very tightly to me and began crying. Breaks my heart. She didn't know what was happening. Were we returning her to the orphanage? I held her tightly and we walked inside. The kids all began playing in a little gated in play area at the end of the room. Lucy was timid, but she entered when she saw Warren playing. :)

Lucy Mei also reached up for me to hold her....a milestone!!! (Now it's all the time. She's learning to say, "Up"). She also takes my hand a lot and always wants to know where I am. She's comfortable walking around by herself (in the lobby, at breakfast, etc.) but always with an eye on me. :) I love her independence.

After 30-45 minutes or so, all the adoptive parents and children were told to stand in a semi circle in the middle of the room. One by one, we would each be called up to receive our official adoption certificate. This is the moment when Qian Geng Yun officially becomes Lucy Mei Schultz! Forever.

It was so touching watching each family walk up to the Officers and receive their certificate. After everyone received their certificate, our guide announced, "It's now official. Congratulations to all the families." Everyone clapped and celebrated....for ourselves, our children and the other families. What a moment. 9 families celebrating 10 less orphans in the world. Wow....a moment I will never forget.

We then headed to the Notary Office to have all of our documents notarized for the U.S. Consulate appointment in Guangzhou (to receive Lucy Mei's Visa to enter the US and become an American citizen!!). I think Lucy Mei was relieved to be leaving the Registration Office still in our arms. :)

The Notary Office was up 8 or 9 flights of stairs...holding our sweet, solid Lucy Mei. :) Glad I've been hitting the Y at lunch! Ha! We finished this process rather quickly and headed back to the hotel. We had 1 hour before meeting Warren's family for the 2.5 hour drive back to the kid's home city of Zhoukou to file for their passports.

Back in the room, we tried feeding Lucy Mei the cold leftover pizza (no microwaves, so sad). She wanted none of that. Bottle? Nope. Snacks, heck yeah! The problem, sweet Lucy likes to take the lid off the snack cup and inevitably, snacks are everywhere....and she's eating them off the floor. We experienced this same issue with Ben in China and knew what we needed - duct tape. Georgette stated she had some so Lucy Mei and I wandered down to their room. 

As soon as we walked in and Lucy saw Warren, her personality changed....a LOT. She is much more outgoing, talkative (gibberish or maybe Chinese....who knows?) and assertive. She walked right up to Warren and grabbed a vienna sausage type thingy he was eating. Georgette, Rusty (her husband) and I were cracking up!!! Then, Lucy proceeded to grab 2 additional sausage thingys from Jaden (Warren's sister). She then walked directly into the bathroom (alone) and we heard the toilet seat slam. Sure enough, she threw one of the sausages and the empty bag into the toilet!!! What a hoot! Oh my....

Georgette stated the orphanage director gave her these "treats" on Gotcha day. Said the kiddos love them. Lucy Mei was holding one (and had to be starving) so I cut it open and she ate it in 3 bites. Girlfriend was hungry!!! Georgette gave us 2 more + the duct tape and we were on our way. 

Back in the room, Lucy Mei wanted another sausage thingy. Again, 3 bites and gone! She also snacked on crackers and cheerios and drank a yogurt milk drink popular in China.  

We wrapped her snack cups in duct tape....Lucy Mei, NOT a fan. We also tried her in the Baby Bjorn type carrier I brought. She was facing me and it was soooo comfortable. These are popular in adoption for bonding....better than a stroller. Perhaps we'll try it out today in the park. Not sure how she feels about it yet.  

At 1 p.m. we met our guide, Rita, and Warren's family for the drive to Zhoukou. The van had 3 rows and was not entirely comfortable. We were in the back and surprisingly, no motion sickness for me! Lucy Mei fell asleep in my arms almost immediately (nap time) and slept the entire way.

It was an interesting drive. All interstate, but countryside. Something we haven't seen before in China.

We arrived at the Zhoukou City Police Station and the orphanage administrator from yesterday was there to greet us and file paperwork for the children's passports. He tried assisting Lucy Mei out of the van and she freaked. She wanted no part of him and was terrified. Her little arms clung around my neck so tightly. God love her. She has to be so confused!!!

The orphanage administrator indicated there are 200 children in the orphanage and 100 of them are about Lucy and Warren's age. The other 100 are older. He stated Lucy Mei and Warren are very close and she calls him brother. :)

We completed the passport paperwork and inquired with the orphanage administrator if we could visit the orphanage. Not surprisngly, he said no. Our guide indicated the larger, wealthier orphanages often allow visitors. :( We asked if we could drive by and take pictures. He agreed. 

I recognized it immediately. We drove to the front entrance and a guard approached our guide. She explained, and he indicated we could stand back (not approach the gate) to take photos. Lucy Mei recognized it too, I think. Again, she held on to me tightly but loosened up once we were all outside the van. We spent about 5 minutes taking photos and left. As we were getting in the van, I placed Lucy Mei in first. She screamed for me in utter fear. I think she thought she was leaving and I was staying!!! Seriously, this kid has been through the ringer!!! Poor girl.

We cuddled in the back seat....sang songs, played pat-a-cake (she loved!).....until she and Warren (seated in front of her) started to play. Ohhhhh my. These two. Lucy would grab his hands and squeeze them tightly and make some kind of sound. At one point, she grabbed his ear. She would tickle him. She would take his stuffed tiger and they would throw it back and forth over the seat and belly laugh. It's sooooo amazing to see her true personality. What a gift and a blessing to be traveling with this family. To boot, they are a hoot!!!! We love them. They are soooo fun. Can't wait to connect with them back in the US.

I'm so glad we visited the orphanage....even just for pictures. Just standing in the spot where our baby girl lived her entire life until now.....was very emotional and a blessing. To experience the sites, smells, sounds - all of it matters. It's the only bit of history we have. We were unable to visit either of the children's "finding spots". They were 40 minutes each in opposite directions...and it was a long day already. Our guide did indicate that Lucy Mei's finding spot was located very close to a hospital. 

We arrived back at the hotel around 7:30 p.m. - completely wiped out. No dinner. Gave Lucy Mei a bottle, changed her diaper, jammies on and right to sleep. Greg and I - asleep 10 minutes later. Luckily, the rooms here are fabulous. Comfortable beds and great air conditioning.   

Lucy Mei is still lukewarm with Daddy. She did feed him Cheerios at the Notary Office today. A huge first step! He also got a smile in the van ride to Zhoukou. It will come in time. She is a child very weary of change.....and ohhhhh, the change she is experiencing. I can't begin to imagine. At this point, I am her safety and security. She will open up in time. The orphanage administrator told us today that men at the orphanage play with the boys and the women play with the girls. I'm sure she's had very little interaction with men. I'm confident she'll be a Daddy's girl in no time....giving Ellie Sue a run for her money!!!

We are getting to see more of Lucy Mei's personality and trust and love each day. It's a truly amazing experience to watch her trust blossom and grow. She cries when she's tired or scared (any moment of transition), but for the most part, she's extremely well behaved. No tantrums, just pitiful cries and alligator tears. She wasn't reaching for the door today, although we weren't in the room much. :) 

She's very strong and solid physically. Not sure what she's been eating but she hasn't missed many meals! She doesn't seem to understand how to "play" - more of an observer - and we're thinking she may need some training in the sharing department! She's very interested in looking at the photo albums of the kids and learning their names. She loves balls and being around children, in general. She has shown absolutely no aggressiveness or anger towards us....but, when she's with Warren, we can tell they were very physical. Lucy Mei was in charge....let's put it that way! :)

Lucy Mei is starting to stir, so I must go! Thanks for following along!! We love connecting with everyone back home and your comments and posts will be treasures for Lucy forever in this travel "journal". Please pray for Lucy to open her heart a little for Greg. Today is a completely free day - looking forward to lots of good bonding with our girl!

P.S. Photos! - top of the blog! Click to see our Lucy Mei Shutterfly site with all the photos daily. Greg is in the process of updating now. Once on Shutterfly, click "Pictures & Videos" at the top of the page in the menu bar. :)

 

lucy mei day!!!

Apologies to everyone for the delay in posting. It is 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning here. We have a very busy day ahead and I know I won't have time to post.....so, here goes!!!

Meeting Lucy Mei Day

Lucy Mei is amazing. She is truly stunning. Her eyes, her lips, her beautiful skin and her adorable personality, with a little feistiness sprinkled in.

Our day started at 9:30 a.m. when we met the 8 other families adopting that morning in the hotel lobby. (Yes, Tiger Woods is in the house. 1 floor above us. A member in our group saw him getting off the elevator while she was getting on!!).

But I digress, everyone was so excited - for their families and for the other families! Traveling with a large group is amazing!!!! Such a gift to get to know these families and witness each of their first moments with their blessed new children. Miracles in the making.  

Our large tour-type bus arrived, and I started to cry. This was really, really happening.

We loaded the bus and our guide, Yisha, began explaining what was about to happen, how the children may react, how we should care for them, etc. I couldn't concentrate. I was already in tears...on the verge of the ugly cry.

After 15 minutes we arrived at the large governmental Registration Office. As we were walking towards the office, Georgette (Warren's Mom), turned back to me and said, "Kim, they're here. I saw them get out of the van."

That's when I glanced up (very, very briefly) at the building and saw her standing there. And lost it. Completely. I couldn't walk. Another Mom (I have no idea who it was because I was already in "ugly cry" mode with my eyes shut!!) helped me walk to entrance. Greg was ahead of me and already inside.

It was chaos. People everywhere. Orphanage workers, families, children, Registration office officials. I walked inside the office and couldn't find her - or Greg - through the crowd and my tears and my shaking legs.

Finally, I saw her. My very first thoughts...

Wow, she's very, very tall, breathtakingly beautiful and utterly terrified.

She was dressed in the outfit we sent in her care package. It was size 18 months!!!....and intended to be a donation to the orphanage. She was dressed in 3 layers of clothing and wearing a diaper.

I bent down to her level. I was crying and it scared her. She started to cry. Her orphanage director stated (through our guide) that she is very scared of strangers. They knew this would be tough for her. They were very sweet and loving with her. We could tell she loved them too. :)

I offered her some treats, toys, a sucker.....she wanted none of it. Our guide began showing her the photo album we sent and pointing "Mama", "Baba". Still, not interested.

Finally, (after having been through a similar experience with Ben), I just picked her up.

I walked away from the orphanage staff (who she didn't see again) right over to visit Warren! :) She lit up!!!! What a blessing!! That's when the bonding started and the tears stopped.

I held her in the Registration Office for nearly an hour as the other families received their precious kiddos. We played ball, cars and ate lots of snacks. She even shared her snacks with me.

She was very fearful of Greg and the chaos in general. I think Greg's huge camera and constant photos freaked her out. Sadly, she would not go to him....or even let him touch her. We had to sit for a passport photo and she was terrified sitting next to him. :(

After her orphanage directors left (discreetly), Lucy Mei began pointing outside and crying. It was heartbreaking. But, I would distract her and it worked! She loved the red wall at one end of the office. She would point and in the sweetest voice seem to say, "Wow". She waves bye and even imitated me by saying, "bye bye". The girl is a genius! :)

She is also grieving. She is terrified. Her world has been turned upside down and she has no idea who we are or what is happening. She wants her "home", and I can't blame her. It's all she's ever known. But, all will be ok. She is our daughter and will learn to love and trust us, day by day. We definitely see glimmers of hope through the tears and fears.  

For example, she would reach for my hand in the Registration Office when walking. :) She would look for me when she was playing with the other children. Another Mama offered her snack but she would only accept it from me! Seriously, how amazing is that?!

I noticed almost immediately that Lucy is not going to be a tantrum kiddo. PTL!!! She cries a sad kind of cry with big alligator tears. BUT, she's easily calmed and assured. Food, water, a toy....and she loves to play with other kiddos. And Warren, well, they are 2 peas in a pod!!! She lights up and becomes very animated when she sees him. Although, I will say, Georgette was holding Warren with his back facing us. I carried Lucy Mei over to see him....and she slapped him right on the back. Ha! These two are cracking me up!! They're like siblings!

We learned from the orphanage that Lucy Mei and Warren were roommates. :) 3 kiddos to a room. They were and will always be close. Georgette and I are committed to that!

The entire experience was surreal. Meeting our new daughter and witnessing 8 other families meeting their children. It was something so special. I will never, ever forget. I can't understand why everyone doesn't adopt?? Seriously, we all boarded the bus with our new little ones thinking, "Why are there orphans?". We can't personally adopt them all. But, wow. Unless you've been through it, you can't possibly imagine the feeling, the joy, the gift. Impossible to put into words.

The bus ride back to the hotel was precious. Lucy Mei stared out the window. In a daze. Yawning at times. Her eyes fixating on the world passing her by. She laid her head on my chest for the first time and waved at people in the cars. Deboarding the bus and entering the hotel was another trigger of stress. She started crying. It was someplace new. Very different than anything she's ever experienced. Greg walked through the huge revolving door....I thought better to carry her through the side door. It's the little things. Every single thing is new and scary for our precious girl. 

We arrived back to the room - she walked a little while holding my hand - down the long hallway. She would stop at nearly every mirror. I don't believe she's ever seen herself. She was scared entering the room - I had to hold her. We started by playing a little and ordering room service.

Then, it was bath time (my absolute favorite! I've dreamt of this for months!). Textbook adoption will say, no bath. Wait 2-3 days. The kiddos have been through so much and it's traumatizing to remove the only thing familiar to them (their clothing).

Well, this Mama couldn't wait. Not for cleanliness reasons. She smelled wonderful and seemed very clean and well cared for when we met her. There's just something about a bath for me. :) A bonding moment. Also, for me, it's so important to see your child, the whole child - her precious little inny belly button, her Mongolian birth marks, any rashes or scratches or marks. Sorry folks, just gotta do it. 

She was terrified as I began removing her clothes (shoes first, which is very traumatic) but quickly calmed down once in the bath. She enjoyed the toys once we started playing. It's obvious she's never sat in a tub of water. She was holding on to both sides and had difficulty keeping her balance when letting go. She loved the toys and we got our first real smiles. :) I washed her hair quickly and poured water on her head to rinse....not a tear!

It was nap time by then so I put her in pajamas and we cuddled in the chair to eat lunch. The food had arrived and she wanted no part of it. Congee and noodles. She adamantly shook her head and made a "seeeee" kind of sound. Cracks me up! We tried a bottle with formula and again, she wanted no part of it.  She fell quickly asleep and slept in my arms for an hour. I then moved her to the bed so she (and I) could rest more comfortably. She laid on her back, thumb in her mouth, playing with her nose and staring quietly at the ceiling for an hour or so. She never fell back asleep.

By that time (3 p.m.), Greg needed to meet our guide, Yisha, to fill out adoption paperwork Lucy Mei and I decided to spread out the toys on the floor and play! It was sooooo fun. She's a hoot. She would point towards the door and say, "Baba, bye bye" and wave! She LOVES looking at the photo albums of our family....especially the kiddos. She's even trying to say their names! She did say Jack. :) I have learned, she loves balls, cars and balloons. Dolls, stuffed animals and stacking cups? Not so much.

She also loves to snack (cheerios, Gerber puffs, yogurt melts) and just like Ben, she ripped the top off the snack cup right away. Smart kids. Will need to find some duct tape today.

The orphanage said she takes a bottle with formula every 5 hours. We went to Wal Mart on Sunday evening with our group and purchased the formula and an extra bottle along with some Goldfish and chocolate cookie snacks.

I tried a formula bottle again but she wanted no part of it. The orphanage also said she drinks warm water from a bottle. She loved that. So, we sat on the floor, playing.....each with our bottles - hers water and mine Coke Zero. :)

I started "cheers" with our bottles and we would each take a drink. Then I started making the "ahhhh" sound after each sip. And so did she! This girl is killing me!!! I also started feeding her Gerber Puffs with my lips. I would hold one between my lips and she would open her mouth wide and eat it. She loved that. So far, she seems to be a very good natured child....loves other children...and isn't going to take any smack. LOVE HER!

We tried playing dolls. I would hold the baby and say, "awww, Mama give the baby love." I offered her the baby, and she slapped it. Not a fan. So sad. 

She also had her first (very messy) diaper. It has been a while since I've changed one of those. Wowza.

Greg finally returned (with a new pink umbrella stroller!) and then it was my turn to meet with the guide and sign the paperwork. I took Lucy Mei with me. We found Warren in the hall and she became very animated. Warren's sister was running around the group in circles and I heard my baby girl's first belly laugh! She's going to love the shenanigans awaiting her at home!!!

Greg ordered pizza and fried rice (takeout) for dinner. Guess which one Lucy Mei liked? Yep, pizza! She wanted nothing to do with the rice. Daddy fed her the pizza which was a great bonding moment. Greg has held her once, while I was in the restroom.....and she screamed. Poor thing. It will come with time and Greg is ok with it (I think)....but, I know it's hard.

I believe it's just her personality. She's going to bond with one parent initially - which the majority of newly adopted children do. Within a few days she will be daddy's little girl, no doubt!

Lucy fell asleep in my arms after eating....love. I held her until it was time to Skype with the kiddos and my parents at home. She was exhausted by then. I woke her up by brushing her teeth, giving her a Flintstones chewable (which she did not care for!) and changing her diaper.

We watched TV (Chinese cartoons) until the Skype call to keep her awake. She was in a zombie like state but loves TV. This may be helpful in the future, just sayin'. :)

Finally, at 6:35 a.m. in the US, we called the kids. They were so excited to meet their baby sister. She was very tired and eventually started to cry. Although the call was brief, they got to meet their baby sister. What a blessing. The kids looked great and so did my parents!!!! They are kickin' it! Beds made and kids ready for school by 6:35 a.m. Gramma is rockin' it!!!! 

It was 7:35 p.m. here and her orphanage paperwork stated she goes to sleep at 8:30 p.m. and awakens at 6:00 a.m. She sleeps on her back in a crib. So, I tried it. I put her in the crib next to our bed....and she screamed in terror. She stood up and wanted no part of it. Motherly instinct kicked in and I thought - maybe a warm formula bottle??? 

Greg quickly made a bottle and she sucked it down! I laid her down in the crib and she whimpered a bit. I held her hand and rubbed her beautiful little head through the bars. She sucked her little thumb and slowly fell asleep. The thumb fell out. Arms above her head....lying on her back. A beautiful thing! She has been sleeping since 8:30 p.m. last night and not a cry!!!! It's 5:50 a.m. now!!! 

Today will be a very, very busy day. We are meeting our guide and the other families at 9 a.m. to finalize the adoption!!!! We will arrive back to the hotel around noon. At 1 p.m., we will travel with Warren's family and our guide to Zhoukou City to apply for Lucy Mei and Warren's passports. It's a 2.5 hour trip each way. We may or may not have the opportunity to tour their orphanage. Knowing Lucy Mei's personality, I'm a little nervous about her returning to the orphanage. But, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to see her first "home". 

Whew. What a crazy 24 hours it has been. I cannot believe our beautiful baby girl is asleep in her crib behind me. Never again without a family. Her sparky personality, playfulness and sweet demeanor will capture everyones' hearts. She certainly has won us over. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is the outside. What an amazing blessing. I'm still in shock. There are no words to describe the love and gratitude I have for this amazing child. She is - and always has been - a piece of me. My daughter. Our child. Forever.

For those wanting photos (HA!), Greg has loaded over 100 photos from yesterday on Lucy Mei's Shutterfly site. The link is at the top of this page. "Photos!". Then click on "Pictures & Video" on the Shutterfly site. Enjoy! Thank you all for following our journey. We love to read your comments. :)

Blessings,

 

almost time

Our beautiful Lucy Mei is in transit at this very moment. She has no idea why or what is about to happen. We are going to rock her world!

She (and her little buddy, Warren) are being escorted by an orphanage director and enduring a 2 1/2 hour drive to the Registration Office in Zhengzhou, Henan.

People often ask, "Does Lucy know about you?". Folks, even if she were told, she would not understand. Lucy doesn't know parents or families or siblings exist. Her world has been solely institutional. Sadly, it's all she knows.

My heart truly breaks for her. She will grieve and be overwhelmed with sadness, confusion, fear and over stimulation. At the same time, my heart is overflowing with joy and love and unbridled excitement. Knowing this beautiful, sweet girl will be loved unconditionally, extraordinarily adored and cherished, forever - in a family, melts my heart.

As you likely know, Lucy Mei will be our 5th child and our 5th adoption.

The anticipation, excitement, nervousness and overwhelming love does not lessen with each adoption or child. If anything, the emotions intensify because the fear lessens. Heck, we got this adoption/parenting gig kicked!

Riiiigght. Maybe it's the jet lag?!!

So, how does one begin to prepare for this moment? The moment you are about to meet your child.

It's very surreal, stomach in knots, butterflies....yet strangely peaceful. 

We will leave in exactly 1 hour for the Registration Office where we will meet our sweet Lucy Mei.

We will likely begin completing paperwork. Soon after, the children meeting their forever families begin to arrive. There are 9 families in our group - adopting 10 kiddos. Oh the joy!!!! The children will have journeyed from destinations all over the Henan province. We will anxiously await Lucy Mei's arrival - perhaps looking out the window as the vans arrive. She will enter the room and we will be handed our daughter. Chills. 

Think for a moment, as parents, how much love, affection, physical contact, encouragement, guidance, attention, adoration, nurturing, comfort, discipline, experiences, routines are showered on your newborn to toddler age child.

Imagine instead, if your child were raised in an orphanage through 2 1/2 years of age. An environment comparable or worse than most poorly-average run daycare facilities....24 x 7, their entire life. Rotating caregivers, rotating children. Very few, if any, life experiences. Very little variation in food/diet. Very little love.    

These children are in survival mode. They bring with them  many coping mechanisms and institutional behaviors. Some intensely cry or melt down (think Ben Ben :) or some withdraw and must learn to cry because their cries have always gone unanswered.

Love changes lives. We cannot wait.

Ellie asked me last week, "Mommy, why didn't you just adopt a girl with Benny so you wouldn't have to travel again?".

I said, "Because, Lucy wasn't available to be adopted then". She smiled. :) 

Please pray that Lucy Mei will open her heart to us, welcome our love and.....smile. Beyond anything else, I look forward to seeing our precious girl smile. Oh, what joy awaits us.

Last post as a family of 6!!!

gratitude

Today, my 45th birthday (soooo sad) and the eve of our journey to Lucy Mei, has been emotional.

My heart is overflowing with gratitude and appreciation for the countless blessings in my life. 

* My partner in life, my best friend, my biggest supporter - my sweet husband. After 17 years, he still makes me laugh every day. He is the world's best dad and his genuine excitement and enthusiasm for Lucy Mei makes my heart smile. :)   

* My 4 beautiful, talented, spirited children, each with amazing hearts. Their love makes me happy, their hearts make me proud. Far from perfect, they are each special little souls.    

* My children's birth parents....in Heaven and on Earth. Those we know and treasure, and those we'll never meet. Each one made me a Mom, and helped create our family. 

* My inability to conceive children. Yep. For those readers who may be experiencing the same, please know, I mean this with every ounce of my being. God knew what he was doing. I can't imagine life without my children, these children. 

* Our very loving, supportive and understanding families. Your excitement, encouragement and unconditional love for us and our children means more than you'll ever know.  

A very special thank you to my parents for graciously agreeing to watch our 4 kiddos during the trip! We couldn't do it without you!

* Friends who are like family. I have been blessed with a circle of friends that I absolutely treasure and adore. We may not hang out as much as we'd like (life, kids, yada, yada...), but I know they're there for me, and our family. I have never taken our relationships for granted. 

I received a special gift in the mail yesterday from a dear friend. A friend I have never met. Her name is Jennifer, and we connected through adoption. Someday, I hope to follow her on a similar journey. Her thoughtfulness made me cry and reminded me how treasured true friendships are.      

* A job that is way more than a "job". DCM is my 2nd family. I truly love and appreciate going to work every day. I adore my co-workers, their spouses, their children - they are my friends and my extended family. Things happen for a reason. Truly God's blessing.  

Gift from my DCM family: hoping it will offset some of Gramma's "treats" while we're gone! :)

* Our children's school - the faculty, parents and children. GSCS provides a supportive, loving, nurturing and faithful community - beyond anything I ever hoped for.  

* A parish and Church community where the pews are filled with our beloved friends and family. A Church where the leaders and staff are actively involved in our lives, our children's lives and the youth ministry.   

* My health and the health of my children, family and friends. Not a day passes that I'm not purposefully thankful for this treasured blessing.

* Last, but not least, I'm humbled and grateful for our beautiful baby girl. Forever in our arms in 72 hours.

We have prayed for this child, indeed.

itinerary

We first saw her face 254 days ago on Valentine's Day, 2012. What a looonng 254 days it has been. 

8 months and 11 days to be exact. 

Nearly a full-term pregnancy. I am fully dilated with no epidural! :) 

Ready to meet our beautiful baby girl!

ITINERARY

10/26 Depart Evansville for Chicago (10:10-11:30 a.m.). Depart Chicago for Beijing (9:05 p.m.).

10/27 Arrive Beijing (11:30 p.m.). 13.25 hrs. flying time! - Qianmen Jianguo Hotel.

10/28 Depart Beijing for Zhengzhou (10:20-11:50 a.m.) - Crowne Plaza Hotel.

10/29 LUCY MEI DAY!!! (10:00-11:00 a.m.) - Provincial Government Office. (US time: 9:00-10:00 p.m. Sunday, 10/28.)

10/30 Finalize adoption in the morning. Travel by van, 5 hrs. round-trip, to Lucy Mei's home city of Zhoukou. We will apply for her passport at the public security bureau and potentially visit her orphanage.

10/31 - 11/2 Free days. Receive Lucy Mei's passport 11/2.

11/3 Depart Zhengzhou for Guangzhou (12:50-3:05 p.m.) - China Hotel (Marriott).

11/4 Free day.

11/5 Lucy Mei's physical. 

11/6 - 11/7 Free days.

11/8 U.S. Consulate Appointment (interview and oath) applying for Lucy Mei's Visa.

11/9 Receive Lucy Mei's Visa. Depart Guangzhou for Hong Kong via van. Regal Airport Hotel.

11/10 Depart Hong Kong for Chicago (11:50 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.). 14.20 hrs. flying time! Depart Chicago (4:50 p.m.). ARRIVE EVANSVILLE (HOME) 5:50 p.m.!!!

orphanage photos, visit?

I recently found 2 photos online of Lucy Mei's orphanage in Zhoukou City, Henan Province. 

I believe this is where she sleeps (or slept as a baby).

Below is a photo I published earlier of Lucy Mei in her crib.

We hope to visit her orphanage, but there are no guarantees and we won't know until we are in China.

We are meeting our sweet Lucy Mei at the Civil Affairs Office in the provincial capital of Zhengzhou - approximately 2.5 hours from the orphanage in Zhoukou City on Monday, October 29th.

Lucy will stay with us for the remainder of the trip - and FOREVER - from that point on. :)

She will be escorted (along with her little friend, Warren, who is also meeting his forever family :) to the office by an orphanage director. Warren's family is with our agency and in our travel group. What a blessing!!!

The following day, Tuesday, October 30th, we will travel (along with Warren's family) to Zhoukou City to apply for the children's Chinese passports. The last family we know that traveled to Zhoukou was not permitted to visit the orphanage. We aren't sure why. However, we know a family that did visit the orphanage last May....so, we're holding out hope!

updated photos and travel dates!

We recently received two new photos and updated measurements of our precious Lucy Mei. 

What a beauty and a blessing. She takes my breath away.

A few observations: :)

• Clearly, our sweet girl needs new shoes. Her little toes are hanging over the edge. Luckily, Mama has sparkly new shoes!!! Sooo cute! 

• Those bangs are screaming for a hair accessory! Once again, Mama is prepared!! (It is typical for orphanages to cut their hair very short. We are thrilled they have kept her bangs, at least for now.)

• It's unclear what she's holding in the photos. A churro style cookie - photo bribe...?? She looks a little unsure herself!

The photos make me happy.....and sad. She appears tired....and lonely. :(

Her measurements (9/24/12) at 28 months of age were 29 lbs. and 35.5" tall. Based on growth charts, she's in the 61st percentile for weight and 56th percentile for height!!!

......I am in awe of her beauty.

There is a depth to her eyes, her expressions, her body language that brings me such peace. It is difficult to explain. She could not possibly be more my child. The term "destiny" is often used (and debated) in the adoption community. I, for one, am a firm believer. 

Oh, sweet Lucy Mei. I love you the whole world. 

I ache to hold you in my arms, to smother you with love and kisses, to (hopefully) make you smile and laugh, to teach you the meaning of family and security and unconditional, forever love.  

We know you will grieve the only life you've ever known. We know you won't understand what is happening. We know you will likely be fearful and scared. Sadly, your life has been purely institutional. You know no other.

It breaks my heart.... 

You've likely laid awake in a crib or bed with no one to soothe your tears or fears, no one to sing you lullabies or read you bedtime stories. You've likely never experienced a full belly, playing in a warm bubble bath or being tickled with boo boo kisses. You've likely never been rocked to sleep while wrapped in loving arms, feeling the warmth and comforting heartbeat of someone who loves you. 

We know love changes lives....yours and ours. We simply cannot wait! 

You were a Schultz the millisecond I laid eyes on you, February 14th, 2012. My heart sank, I knew.

We are so close now!!! 

We received our final Travel Approval yesterday and our flights confirmed today!!!

We begin our travels on Friday, October 26th at 10:10 a.m..

We will meet Lucy Mei on Monday, October 29th in the late morning (the evening of Sunday, October 28th US time).

We will arrive home on Saturday, November 10th at 5:50 p.m.

Sweet Lucy Mei, you are so loved and perfectly destined to be in our loving, crazy, chaotic little family.

As my dear brother-in-law so eloquently stated upon seeing Lucy's updated photos, "She will fit right into the chaos...she has no idea what she is in store for!!!".

Baby girl, hang in there. We are coming very, very soon!!!