Finally! After months of waiting and thousands of miles of travel Joey is home.
Having departed Guangzhou 28 hours earlier, we arrived at Dane County Airport at 7:25 am (Sunday, April 15) and were greeted by very excited Grandmas and Grandpa. The homecoming was nicely documented by MB's uncle Bill.
Our home was festively decorated both outside and in by family (thanks Jim and Emily) and neighbors (thanks to the Scotts). After donuts and juice and a little playtime, the grandparents departed. Before we returned to the house a few neighbors gathered in the driveway to welcome Joey.
After a 5 hour nap Joey and Bagheera were introduced without much reaction from either.
Joey has already settled in and has explored much of the house (including many drawers and cupboards) and has either played with or "eyed" the toys which many of you so kindly gifted to us. He is not yet sure how he feels about grass, but he's coming around!
We want to thank everyone for supporting us during the adoption process. We are so thankful for being blessed with Joey.
The Kirschbaums
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
A New Day...
Refreshed from a night's sleep, regardless of the quality, has brought a more positive outlook toward our journey home. Hopefully, the next bed we sleep in will be our own.
The new travel itinerary is as follows:
Leave Guangzhou 9pm 4/14 on flight #327 arrive LA 6:50pm 4/14
Leave LA at 11:50pm 4/14 on flight #136 arrive O'Hare 5:40am 4/15
Leave Chicago 6:55am 4/15 on flight #5818 arrive Madison 7:46am 4/15
We'll determine how long to stay in the comfort of the hotel before traveling to the airport. We do want to try for the bulkhead seats so may go early.
Tom, MB and big Joe!
PS: There were no pretty pictures from yesterday!
The new travel itinerary is as follows:
Leave Guangzhou 9pm 4/14 on flight #327 arrive LA 6:50pm 4/14
Leave LA at 11:50pm 4/14 on flight #136 arrive O'Hare 5:40am 4/15
Leave Chicago 6:55am 4/15 on flight #5818 arrive Madison 7:46am 4/15
We'll determine how long to stay in the comfort of the hotel before traveling to the airport. We do want to try for the bulkhead seats so may go early.
Tom, MB and big Joe!
PS: There were no pretty pictures from yesterday!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Day from Hell
Unbelievable Day. At 11:00 an we were told that all of the children in our CCAI group would get their visas today except Joey. Tom had been on the phone trying to contact ANYONE (Dean's Lobbyist, Michael Heifetz for access numbers, Feingold, Kohl) to help us, but to no avail. Finally, after calling the Consulate endlessly for two hours, we were told that Joey's visa would be processed today. That's the good news.
Unfortunately, when our Guides were told that we could not receive Joey's visa today, they booked the last two tickets on tomorrow night's flight to LA. So, once they learned that Joey's visa was going to be processed today, they immediately called the airlines to have our original tickets rebooked. No such luck. Instead we were waitlisted and therefore had to go "stand by" and hang around the airport for 2.5 hours with a fussy little boy. The plane was overbooked, and we did not get on the flight.
So, we're back at the White Swan Hotel for another night. Everyone is extremely nice to us as they feel very sorry for us! We just smile and nod. This day has been almost as emotional as the day that we got Joey...just different emotions.
Hope to get home Sunday.
Guess we'll eat at the buffet again,
mb, tom, joe
Unfortunately, when our Guides were told that we could not receive Joey's visa today, they booked the last two tickets on tomorrow night's flight to LA. So, once they learned that Joey's visa was going to be processed today, they immediately called the airlines to have our original tickets rebooked. No such luck. Instead we were waitlisted and therefore had to go "stand by" and hang around the airport for 2.5 hours with a fussy little boy. The plane was overbooked, and we did not get on the flight.
So, we're back at the White Swan Hotel for another night. Everyone is extremely nice to us as they feel very sorry for us! We just smile and nod. This day has been almost as emotional as the day that we got Joey...just different emotions.
Hope to get home Sunday.
Guess we'll eat at the buffet again,
mb, tom, joe
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Homeward Bound!
Hi Again:
This will probably be the last entry from China, but maybe not the last entry for the blog. We'll likely provide pictures of how the trip ends at the airport and how our new life with Joey begins in Madison. We may send a note around noon if all systems are go but anything more than that update will be bad news.
Updates on the two big events for today. First, the important Consulate appointment to get Joey's visa into the USA. We received a call from our Guides that our paperwork was accepted. Now we cross our fingers that receiving Joey's visa goes smoothly. As we told you yesterday, the computers were down at the Consulate, so several families did not leave on time. Bummer. We're all a little anxious as there are no more hotel rooms available starting on Saturday, as this kicks off the bi-annual Electronics Trade Show in Guangzhou and it runs thru the end of April. Think positive thoughts for us if you would. We would REALLY, REALLY like to leave on time. (We will find out more tomorrow morning around 11 am.)
The other more interesting, but less important item of the day was the photo session on the famous "red couch". As you can see from the photos Joey was decked out in traditional male Chinese garb for the occasion. Probably won't ever wear that again or let us dress him in such attire.
Shopping was concluded and packing initiated today. Suitcase space occupied by food on the flight over is now occupied by some souvenirs and gifts on the flight back.
Tomorrow we will get up and eat at our final buffet. It has been our favorite meal. How many days in a row can you eat french toast and bacon...the answer is at least 16! We may make a couple last minute purchases, take a couple extra photos and repack.
We'll leave the hotel for our 2pm Consulate appointment after lunch. Immediately after the appointment the bus will take us and 8 other families to the airport. We'll leave Guangzhou at 9pm travel thru LA and Chicago and arrive in Madison at 7:30 am Saturday morning - hopefully! Wish us luck as we travel with a VERY ACTIVE little boy.
The trip will have ended but the adventure just begins. It will be fun to introduce Joey to our family, friends, his new home and Bagheera (his nanny told us he didn't care for furry stuffed animals) so that will be interesting.
Once we're all settled in and sure that Joey has once again adjusted to another major change in his life, we'd love to have you meet him.
Thanks for traveling along with us on this amazing journey!
The Kirschbaums
This will probably be the last entry from China, but maybe not the last entry for the blog. We'll likely provide pictures of how the trip ends at the airport and how our new life with Joey begins in Madison. We may send a note around noon if all systems are go but anything more than that update will be bad news.
Updates on the two big events for today. First, the important Consulate appointment to get Joey's visa into the USA. We received a call from our Guides that our paperwork was accepted. Now we cross our fingers that receiving Joey's visa goes smoothly. As we told you yesterday, the computers were down at the Consulate, so several families did not leave on time. Bummer. We're all a little anxious as there are no more hotel rooms available starting on Saturday, as this kicks off the bi-annual Electronics Trade Show in Guangzhou and it runs thru the end of April. Think positive thoughts for us if you would. We would REALLY, REALLY like to leave on time. (We will find out more tomorrow morning around 11 am.)
The other more interesting, but less important item of the day was the photo session on the famous "red couch". As you can see from the photos Joey was decked out in traditional male Chinese garb for the occasion. Probably won't ever wear that again or let us dress him in such attire.
Shopping was concluded and packing initiated today. Suitcase space occupied by food on the flight over is now occupied by some souvenirs and gifts on the flight back.
Tomorrow we will get up and eat at our final buffet. It has been our favorite meal. How many days in a row can you eat french toast and bacon...the answer is at least 16! We may make a couple last minute purchases, take a couple extra photos and repack.
We'll leave the hotel for our 2pm Consulate appointment after lunch. Immediately after the appointment the bus will take us and 8 other families to the airport. We'll leave Guangzhou at 9pm travel thru LA and Chicago and arrive in Madison at 7:30 am Saturday morning - hopefully! Wish us luck as we travel with a VERY ACTIVE little boy.
The trip will have ended but the adventure just begins. It will be fun to introduce Joey to our family, friends, his new home and Bagheera (his nanny told us he didn't care for furry stuffed animals) so that will be interesting.
Once we're all settled in and sure that Joey has once again adjusted to another major change in his life, we'd love to have you meet him.
Thanks for traveling along with us on this amazing journey!
The Kirschbaums
Sunshine!
Hello:
At long last we had some patches of blue sky and sunshine today. It didn't make the headlines of the local English printed paper, The China Daily, but it should have. We have been diligently saving each day's edition of this newspaper for Joey so he can see what China was like when he came to America. We haven't seen much sun since we arrived due to clouds and smog. As we boarded the bus for our final field trip today many in our party donned their shades. I left mine in the hotel thinking I'd jinx the whole thing if I wore them. The lack of sun has contributed to the "Ground Hog Day" condition that was described in the previous entry.
Today's "distraction attraction" was a 20 minute trip to Baiyun Mountain Park. Baiyun means "white cloud". It isn't really a mountain but it is the highest point in Guangzhou and provides an excellent view of the city. Today was the clearest day we've had in 19 days so it was a good day to go (smog was still a limiting factor in visibility though). We took electric cars similar to an extended golf cart holding 12-15 people (12 if American, 15 if Chinese) up the "mountain" to another Buddhist Temple. Then we had to walk about 15 minutes to the top (most of which were steps). I had an additional 26 lbs of flesh strapped to my hip so I'll feel it tonight. MB was right behind with the back pack containing provisions for the excursion. You know such necessities as diapers, wipes, change of clothes in case one of us soils himself, photo equipment and all the makings for a toddler's picnic like juice, hot water for oatmeal, oatmeal, and a bib - don't forget the Cheerios! Remember RULE #1 WHERE JOEY GOES SO GO THE CHEERIOS!
I should mention Joey's limited English vocabulary (don't ask me his Cantonese or Mandarin vocabulary) includes "up" and "down" so we chanted together "up, up, up..." as we ascended the mountain. I think it was his way of encouraging "his old man".
Once we reached the summit, we were rewarded with a bird show. There is an aviary at the top of the climb and Joey sort of liked the birds...he was a little apprehensive though. We congratulated ourselves for completing the endeavor by taking a gondola down the mighty slope. Quite fun, even for those with "height fright" like me! We were then served a traditional Chinese meal. (Is that my stomach growling!)
It was so nice outside that we squeezed in a another swim. Joey did well the first time (almost a week ago) but we had been unable to get back to the pool due to the weather. He continues to like the water.
Tomorrow (Thursday) has two important events. First, our guides take Joey's visa paperwork to the US Consulate. It is our appointment but we don't go - only the documents. We must stay in our room from 11am-noon(ish) - until we receive a phone call letting us know everything is acceptable. Our "in person" appointment is on Friday at 2pm when we take Joey to the Consulate. We leave for the airport immediately after that appointment. This is the appointment that lengthened our trip by an additional week. (Most adoptive families only stay in China 2 weeks to finalize their adoption.) I'd like to inquire, as a US citizen, why they couldn't work with our agency to reduce our stay, but think it best not to broach the subject while they are holding Joey's US Visa!
I spoke to a gentleman tonight who's paper work was hung up today because the Consulate's system was down. I think only 8 got out and maybe 22 did not. That could be a total mess with air travel and hotels as there is a huge international trade fair and every hotel is booked. He missed his evening flight and had to reshedule. Lets keep our fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly.
The second event is the traditional "red couch" photo. Apparently, all of the adopted children pose for photos on an actual red couch (if you haven't noticed red is a very important color for the Chinese) on the second floor lobby of the White Swan Hotel. The children are dressed in traditional Chinese attire. MB has her eye on a traditional Chinese outfit (white) already. I have my eye on one that makes him look like royalty - a little emperor. Put your money on the white one!
Well, I've described tomorrow's activities and it is really our last day to blog. Friday we pack, go to the Consulate and catch our 9PM flight home. We're really looking forward to it!
T, MB & Joey
At long last we had some patches of blue sky and sunshine today. It didn't make the headlines of the local English printed paper, The China Daily, but it should have. We have been diligently saving each day's edition of this newspaper for Joey so he can see what China was like when he came to America. We haven't seen much sun since we arrived due to clouds and smog. As we boarded the bus for our final field trip today many in our party donned their shades. I left mine in the hotel thinking I'd jinx the whole thing if I wore them. The lack of sun has contributed to the "Ground Hog Day" condition that was described in the previous entry.
Today's "distraction attraction" was a 20 minute trip to Baiyun Mountain Park. Baiyun means "white cloud". It isn't really a mountain but it is the highest point in Guangzhou and provides an excellent view of the city. Today was the clearest day we've had in 19 days so it was a good day to go (smog was still a limiting factor in visibility though). We took electric cars similar to an extended golf cart holding 12-15 people (12 if American, 15 if Chinese) up the "mountain" to another Buddhist Temple. Then we had to walk about 15 minutes to the top (most of which were steps). I had an additional 26 lbs of flesh strapped to my hip so I'll feel it tonight. MB was right behind with the back pack containing provisions for the excursion. You know such necessities as diapers, wipes, change of clothes in case one of us soils himself, photo equipment and all the makings for a toddler's picnic like juice, hot water for oatmeal, oatmeal, and a bib - don't forget the Cheerios! Remember RULE #1 WHERE JOEY GOES SO GO THE CHEERIOS!
I should mention Joey's limited English vocabulary (don't ask me his Cantonese or Mandarin vocabulary) includes "up" and "down" so we chanted together "up, up, up..." as we ascended the mountain. I think it was his way of encouraging "his old man".
Once we reached the summit, we were rewarded with a bird show. There is an aviary at the top of the climb and Joey sort of liked the birds...he was a little apprehensive though. We congratulated ourselves for completing the endeavor by taking a gondola down the mighty slope. Quite fun, even for those with "height fright" like me! We were then served a traditional Chinese meal. (Is that my stomach growling!)
It was so nice outside that we squeezed in a another swim. Joey did well the first time (almost a week ago) but we had been unable to get back to the pool due to the weather. He continues to like the water.
Tomorrow (Thursday) has two important events. First, our guides take Joey's visa paperwork to the US Consulate. It is our appointment but we don't go - only the documents. We must stay in our room from 11am-noon(ish) - until we receive a phone call letting us know everything is acceptable. Our "in person" appointment is on Friday at 2pm when we take Joey to the Consulate. We leave for the airport immediately after that appointment. This is the appointment that lengthened our trip by an additional week. (Most adoptive families only stay in China 2 weeks to finalize their adoption.) I'd like to inquire, as a US citizen, why they couldn't work with our agency to reduce our stay, but think it best not to broach the subject while they are holding Joey's US Visa!
I spoke to a gentleman tonight who's paper work was hung up today because the Consulate's system was down. I think only 8 got out and maybe 22 did not. That could be a total mess with air travel and hotels as there is a huge international trade fair and every hotel is booked. He missed his evening flight and had to reshedule. Lets keep our fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly.
The second event is the traditional "red couch" photo. Apparently, all of the adopted children pose for photos on an actual red couch (if you haven't noticed red is a very important color for the Chinese) on the second floor lobby of the White Swan Hotel. The children are dressed in traditional Chinese attire. MB has her eye on a traditional Chinese outfit (white) already. I have my eye on one that makes him look like royalty - a little emperor. Put your money on the white one!
Well, I've described tomorrow's activities and it is really our last day to blog. Friday we pack, go to the Consulate and catch our 9PM flight home. We're really looking forward to it!
T, MB & Joey
Monday, April 9, 2007
Ground Hog Day
Have you seen this movie? We feel like we are living it! Every day, around 8 am we go to the same buffet, eat the exact same meal (which is actually very good), wear one of the same 5 outfits that we brought (laundry is cheap to have done here), take a walk around the island, chat with the other adoptive families, go to dinner, put Joey down for the night at 7:30, boil water to clean his bottles for the day, and then go to bed early! We are on day #18 of our 22 day journey and are pretty much ready to come home.
Having said that, we actually couldn't be more pleased with Joey, our travels, our accommodations and the people we have encountered along the way. The group of adoptive parents, our Guides (Maggie & Grace), the hotel staff (that actually push the elevator button for you and hold the elevator door EVERY TIME you catch the elevator) have all made this trip quite special. This truly has been the experience of a life time.
We have really appreciated all of your comments on the blog or the personal e-mails that you have sent during our trip, as it has made us feel so much more connected to home. Every night we quickly sign on to the computer, once Joey goes to bed, to check for any correspondence! (I've even been known to save some of my e-mails to read over again later...how pathetic!)
Well, it is raining here today, so the trip to the Baiyun Mountain Park has been postponed until tomorrow. The trip features an electric car ride up a mountain to an aviary and some type of bird show. With weather like this, there is nothing to do but shop! With all of the bartering that goes on here, you find yourself starting to negotiate over 10 Yuan (just a little over $1)!
They have scheduled a two hour boat cruise on the Pearl River tonight. We think we'll pass as we have a fantastic view of the Pearl River, all of its boat activity and beautiful night time laser show out our hotel window. It is also right at Joey's bedtime and its raining. The Pearl is China's 4th largest river and the largest in southern China. From this vantage point, the river seems equivalent to the Mississippi. There are all kinds of boats. No big barges like the Mississippi, but more numerous freighters, ferries and smaller "working" vessels. (Dad, you would love the view that we have!)
Thinking of you,
mb, tom, & joe
Having said that, we actually couldn't be more pleased with Joey, our travels, our accommodations and the people we have encountered along the way. The group of adoptive parents, our Guides (Maggie & Grace), the hotel staff (that actually push the elevator button for you and hold the elevator door EVERY TIME you catch the elevator) have all made this trip quite special. This truly has been the experience of a life time.
We have really appreciated all of your comments on the blog or the personal e-mails that you have sent during our trip, as it has made us feel so much more connected to home. Every night we quickly sign on to the computer, once Joey goes to bed, to check for any correspondence! (I've even been known to save some of my e-mails to read over again later...how pathetic!)
Well, it is raining here today, so the trip to the Baiyun Mountain Park has been postponed until tomorrow. The trip features an electric car ride up a mountain to an aviary and some type of bird show. With weather like this, there is nothing to do but shop! With all of the bartering that goes on here, you find yourself starting to negotiate over 10 Yuan (just a little over $1)!
They have scheduled a two hour boat cruise on the Pearl River tonight. We think we'll pass as we have a fantastic view of the Pearl River, all of its boat activity and beautiful night time laser show out our hotel window. It is also right at Joey's bedtime and its raining. The Pearl is China's 4th largest river and the largest in southern China. From this vantage point, the river seems equivalent to the Mississippi. There are all kinds of boats. No big barges like the Mississippi, but more numerous freighters, ferries and smaller "working" vessels. (Dad, you would love the view that we have!)
Thinking of you,
mb, tom, & joe
Joey turns "21"
Hello:
Joey is a happy, healthy, 21-months old today. Translated, he's on the move all day long! (Even if he doesn't want a nap, Mom & Dad could use one.) Just as we talk about getting him into a routine while we're here, the agency offers another tour and we hate to miss the opportunity to see more of China. So, any sense of "normalcy" is becoming difficult. (Starting Saturday, we will finally be able to try to get him on a routine in his new home!)
We continue to enjoy the confines of our four walls (and our beautiful view). One would think that with two adults and one small child, that keeping watch over his active little life would be easy. I'm not sure if our minds wander, we day dream, or are simply tired, but all of a sudden we'll here the toilet flush! We rush to the bathroom door to hear Joey saying "no, no, no" while waving his finger at the handle of the porcelain bowl! Then he looks over and gives us this big grin! (I think he's mocking me.) I always figured that I'd be the disciplinarian in the family, as Tom really hasn't even taught the dog to obey, but I have a harder time keeping a straight face than Tom. It's been suggested that I use a stricter tone when disciplining Joey as well...I'm always ready to break into a smile or simply laugh out loud at anything he does. Who would have thought...
It is amazing to watch all 16 children in our adoption group transform into active kids with new found personalities. Every parent has commented on how their little one has "come out of their shell" in recent days. What a difference a little one-on-one attention makes in these little peoples' lives. (Their much bolder personalities should make for interesting airplane rides home across the Pacific!)
Well, the weather is warming up here so hope to hit the pool again this week. Tomorrow's itinerary includes a trip to the Baiyun Mountain Park.
Can't wait to be home and have you meet Joey,
mb, tom, and baby kirsch
Joey is a happy, healthy, 21-months old today. Translated, he's on the move all day long! (Even if he doesn't want a nap, Mom & Dad could use one.) Just as we talk about getting him into a routine while we're here, the agency offers another tour and we hate to miss the opportunity to see more of China. So, any sense of "normalcy" is becoming difficult. (Starting Saturday, we will finally be able to try to get him on a routine in his new home!)
We continue to enjoy the confines of our four walls (and our beautiful view). One would think that with two adults and one small child, that keeping watch over his active little life would be easy. I'm not sure if our minds wander, we day dream, or are simply tired, but all of a sudden we'll here the toilet flush! We rush to the bathroom door to hear Joey saying "no, no, no" while waving his finger at the handle of the porcelain bowl! Then he looks over and gives us this big grin! (I think he's mocking me.) I always figured that I'd be the disciplinarian in the family, as Tom really hasn't even taught the dog to obey, but I have a harder time keeping a straight face than Tom. It's been suggested that I use a stricter tone when disciplining Joey as well...I'm always ready to break into a smile or simply laugh out loud at anything he does. Who would have thought...
It is amazing to watch all 16 children in our adoption group transform into active kids with new found personalities. Every parent has commented on how their little one has "come out of their shell" in recent days. What a difference a little one-on-one attention makes in these little peoples' lives. (Their much bolder personalities should make for interesting airplane rides home across the Pacific!)
Well, the weather is warming up here so hope to hit the pool again this week. Tomorrow's itinerary includes a trip to the Baiyun Mountain Park.
Can't wait to be home and have you meet Joey,
mb, tom, and baby kirsch
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