This morning we toured a Buddhist Temple. It was beautiful architecture and an important part of the Chinese culture, but I have to say that it was sad to see so many lost people bowing down at feet of Buddha instead of at the feet of Jesus. Our guide said that 80 percent of people in China are Buddhist. We saw the largest Buddha in China. It was huge! Levi told the guide that he was worried the statue would fall down. :)
Levi was very good at the temple. He walked along looking at everything and was quiet. Then, our guide took us to a children's park. Levi had a great time riding in the bumper cars with Daddy. It was hilarious to see Rich try to get in one of those cars. The adult Chinese people--like our guide--had no problem squeezing in--but us big Americans had a little more trouble. ha!! Rich looked like he was in a clown car. :) See pictures. Levi got on the trampoline, but was too scared to jump. He also rode a little train, but after going around and around several times, he began to panic and asked in a pleading voice to get him off. :) Thankfully our guide was with us to help us understand what he was saying. Although, I knew he wanted off the train. Some facial expressions are universal! :) The language barrier is at times very frustrating for us as well as for Levi. It is difficult to not understand him or to not be able to explain things to him. We use a lot of sign language and pantomime when talking. It is like playing charades some days. :)
Levi is taking a nap, so I am going to go rest as well.
More later.....
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Fun Dazzle
Today we had a change of plans. Instead of going shopping, we had to rush back to the Civil Affairs Office to finish up paperwork. Then, it was off to the Notarization Office to take Xiaolei's passport picture and apply for his passport. Now all of the paperwork is done for Beijing, so now we just wait for his passport for many days. Then, we fly to Guanghzou to do more paperwork at the American Consulate. Then, back to Beijing and onto Dallas!
Now the sightseeing tours begin. Beginning on Wednesday--today for our time, we will visit the usual tourist sites. I will send pictures and updates of where we go each day. :)
After the paperwork took all morning and Levi had a nap, we took him to a place called Fun Dazzle. It is a spot where locals take their children to play. It is kindof like a really big McDonalds or Chick-Fil-A indoor play area. Levi was apprehensive at first. I think he might have been a little overwhelmed with all the toys. He did not want to go down the slide, but then did eventually go down a little one later on. We realized today for the first time how some things will be more challenging for Levi. For example, he cannot pull up the slide or climb because he cannot use his right hand/arm to help him pull up. His right arm was almost limp, and he just kindof slid on his belly through the tunnels like a soldier in the trenches. He was very excited to play and didn't seem to be bothered about his lack of arm strength in the least little bit. His favorite toy was a little toy roller coaster that he had Babba-Rich put him on over and over and over again! He got excited and a little loud while playing. We had to tell him to "Shhh". :) He shared a ball with another boy. Levi gave the boy a ball and said something to which the boy threw the ball down the slide. They did it over and over again laughing. He really liked the other children--especially babies! He had a wonderful time. It was an adventure for us as well. We hailed a taxi on our own, showed the driver the translated card that told the driver where we wanted to go, and we survived the ride and actually ended up back at the hotel. It was really very easy. Levi did not want to get into the taxi at first. He was scared, as this is not the usual van we have been riding in each day provided by our adoption agency. We assured him he was safe (as safe as you can be in a taxi-ha!), he sat on my lap and was okay then.
When we went to eat dinner, Levi wanted to try getting on the escalator by himself. He had been scared and always asked Rich to hold him. He was brave and did it all by himself with a little support from Momma and Babba. He was thrilled. Now we know he isn't terrified of heights. He just didn't know about escalators.
At the Civil Affairs office this morning, Levi saw one of his little friends who was in the same group/class with him at the orphanage. She and apparently one other little girl were being adopted today as well. I think knowing this helped all of the children adjust better and be happy for each other. The children colored together while we signed and waited for paperwork. The little girl was very shy--not like Levi. Ha! He talks to everyone everywhere we go. We never know what he is saying. Most people smile, but some people give us weird looks. We wonder what he is saying. :) You never know with a 4-year old! ha!
We get many stares on the street because people are interested to know why an American family has a Chinese boy with them. Our guide gave us an explanation card written in Mandarin explaining that we had adopted Levi and that we love him and will take good care of him. We haven't had to show anyone yet. We do feel a little bit uncomfortable walking down the street with Levi in hand with all the stares, but we just smile back and they usually smile then too. I think the people are just curious.
Levi has figured out how to use the western potty. He even tells me "Momma potty" now when he has to go. He is very good about repeating words in English to us and trying to learn them. He likes to push the elevator button and knows exactly where our room is. We decided that he must think the hotel is his new home. Instead of the cute children's story "Eloise at the Plaza"--we say he is "Xiaolei at the Plaza" (We are in the Poly Plaza Hotel). We'll have to write a book about his adventures at the plaza when we come home. ha! He teases us by calling me "Babba" and Rich "Momma", which he just cracks up over. He thinks this is hysterically funny. He is so witty!
Xiaolei LOVES to sing. He sings all the time--while playing, walking (except when eating). He sings familiar songs like "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star". When we sang it back to him in English, he loved it. Now he says "twinkle, twinkle" and the rest of the song in Chinese. :)
At bedtime, he had us play our nightly game of cars and bus on the bed where he directed us on what to do. We figured the game out a little better tonight which made him happier. It is a sweet time playing with him each day. EVERY day is full of new discoveries for him, and it is so fun to watch and be a part of his new life.
We have been reading the children's Bible before bedtime and talking about Jesus. He is beginning to sing the "B-i-b-l-e" song with us. It is so cute. Last night I told him that Jesus loves Momma, Jesus loved Babba, and Jesus loves Xiaolei. He repeated me and grinned a huge grin. We are so happy that God found a forever family for this little boy. He is going to have a happy and successful life--but most importantly, we pray that he will come to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
Now the sightseeing tours begin. Beginning on Wednesday--today for our time, we will visit the usual tourist sites. I will send pictures and updates of where we go each day. :)
After the paperwork took all morning and Levi had a nap, we took him to a place called Fun Dazzle. It is a spot where locals take their children to play. It is kindof like a really big McDonalds or Chick-Fil-A indoor play area. Levi was apprehensive at first. I think he might have been a little overwhelmed with all the toys. He did not want to go down the slide, but then did eventually go down a little one later on. We realized today for the first time how some things will be more challenging for Levi. For example, he cannot pull up the slide or climb because he cannot use his right hand/arm to help him pull up. His right arm was almost limp, and he just kindof slid on his belly through the tunnels like a soldier in the trenches. He was very excited to play and didn't seem to be bothered about his lack of arm strength in the least little bit. His favorite toy was a little toy roller coaster that he had Babba-Rich put him on over and over and over again! He got excited and a little loud while playing. We had to tell him to "Shhh". :) He shared a ball with another boy. Levi gave the boy a ball and said something to which the boy threw the ball down the slide. They did it over and over again laughing. He really liked the other children--especially babies! He had a wonderful time. It was an adventure for us as well. We hailed a taxi on our own, showed the driver the translated card that told the driver where we wanted to go, and we survived the ride and actually ended up back at the hotel. It was really very easy. Levi did not want to get into the taxi at first. He was scared, as this is not the usual van we have been riding in each day provided by our adoption agency. We assured him he was safe (as safe as you can be in a taxi-ha!), he sat on my lap and was okay then.
When we went to eat dinner, Levi wanted to try getting on the escalator by himself. He had been scared and always asked Rich to hold him. He was brave and did it all by himself with a little support from Momma and Babba. He was thrilled. Now we know he isn't terrified of heights. He just didn't know about escalators.
At the Civil Affairs office this morning, Levi saw one of his little friends who was in the same group/class with him at the orphanage. She and apparently one other little girl were being adopted today as well. I think knowing this helped all of the children adjust better and be happy for each other. The children colored together while we signed and waited for paperwork. The little girl was very shy--not like Levi. Ha! He talks to everyone everywhere we go. We never know what he is saying. Most people smile, but some people give us weird looks. We wonder what he is saying. :) You never know with a 4-year old! ha!
We get many stares on the street because people are interested to know why an American family has a Chinese boy with them. Our guide gave us an explanation card written in Mandarin explaining that we had adopted Levi and that we love him and will take good care of him. We haven't had to show anyone yet. We do feel a little bit uncomfortable walking down the street with Levi in hand with all the stares, but we just smile back and they usually smile then too. I think the people are just curious.
Levi has figured out how to use the western potty. He even tells me "Momma potty" now when he has to go. He is very good about repeating words in English to us and trying to learn them. He likes to push the elevator button and knows exactly where our room is. We decided that he must think the hotel is his new home. Instead of the cute children's story "Eloise at the Plaza"--we say he is "Xiaolei at the Plaza" (We are in the Poly Plaza Hotel). We'll have to write a book about his adventures at the plaza when we come home. ha! He teases us by calling me "Babba" and Rich "Momma", which he just cracks up over. He thinks this is hysterically funny. He is so witty!
Xiaolei LOVES to sing. He sings all the time--while playing, walking (except when eating). He sings familiar songs like "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star". When we sang it back to him in English, he loved it. Now he says "twinkle, twinkle" and the rest of the song in Chinese. :)
At bedtime, he had us play our nightly game of cars and bus on the bed where he directed us on what to do. We figured the game out a little better tonight which made him happier. It is a sweet time playing with him each day. EVERY day is full of new discoveries for him, and it is so fun to watch and be a part of his new life.
We have been reading the children's Bible before bedtime and talking about Jesus. He is beginning to sing the "B-i-b-l-e" song with us. It is so cute. Last night I told him that Jesus loves Momma, Jesus loved Babba, and Jesus loves Xiaolei. He repeated me and grinned a huge grin. We are so happy that God found a forever family for this little boy. He is going to have a happy and successful life--but most importantly, we pray that he will come to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Day 2 with Xiaolei
This morning we went to the Office of Civil Affairs to make the adoption final. Levi is officially ours!
Xiaolei made tremendous strides today--he took a nap after insisting that he didn't need one. Most importantly, he took a bath and let me dress him this morning and again before bedtime. He also is now taking off his shoes to sit on the bed. He even walked around in just socks tonight. Yesterday he absolutely refused to take off his shoes.
I am constantly amazed at the bravery of this little boy. He has not shed a tear yet--for what he left behind. He seems very comfortable and happy with us as his parents. We are enjoying a peaceful time of bonding. Tonight Rich, Levi, and I sat on the bed and played with his cars and bus. He was talking his little heart out trying to teach us how to play a game. We did our best but didn't understand much if any of what he was saying in Mandarin Chinese. :) He did not get frustrated with us--he just kept explaining it over and over again and laughed along the way. He told the guide that Ba-Ba is studying because Rich is always looking in his Chinese-English book for words and phrases. Levi laughs at his daddy and tries to help him learn some new Chinese words. He is so funny! He keeps us in stitches laughing all day long.
The driving in China is a little scary. The people are constantly honking at each other and driving in each other's lanes. They drive very close together and apparently pedestrians do not have the right-of-way here. ha!!
We tried some Chinese food today. It was very delicious. So far Rich and I have survived. Levi is eating every morsel put in front of him. He literally licks his plate clean. He doesn't talk when he eats--eating is very serious business. When he is finished eating, he is exceedingly happy! Boy do I relate to that! Again, another way he truly is our child! Ha!!:)
I posted a picture of him eating with his chopsticks. It is so cute. There is a picture of him taking his first bath tonight with his rubber duckies. He liked to put soap on the ducks and clean them.
If you were listening in to Beijing right now it would sound as if we were under attack---they have been shooting fireworks day and night for Chinese New Year. This is the last night they can shoot them off. It is soooooooo loud--at least we know Levi can sleep through thunderstorms now. HA! As I type, Levi is sound asleep in the bed. He went to bed without any problems tonight. He is such a sweet sweet child!!!
Gotta go get some sleep even if it is noisy outside our window with the fireworks.
Have a blessed day! God is so good!!!
Xiaolei made tremendous strides today--he took a nap after insisting that he didn't need one. Most importantly, he took a bath and let me dress him this morning and again before bedtime. He also is now taking off his shoes to sit on the bed. He even walked around in just socks tonight. Yesterday he absolutely refused to take off his shoes.
I am constantly amazed at the bravery of this little boy. He has not shed a tear yet--for what he left behind. He seems very comfortable and happy with us as his parents. We are enjoying a peaceful time of bonding. Tonight Rich, Levi, and I sat on the bed and played with his cars and bus. He was talking his little heart out trying to teach us how to play a game. We did our best but didn't understand much if any of what he was saying in Mandarin Chinese. :) He did not get frustrated with us--he just kept explaining it over and over again and laughed along the way. He told the guide that Ba-Ba is studying because Rich is always looking in his Chinese-English book for words and phrases. Levi laughs at his daddy and tries to help him learn some new Chinese words. He is so funny! He keeps us in stitches laughing all day long.
The driving in China is a little scary. The people are constantly honking at each other and driving in each other's lanes. They drive very close together and apparently pedestrians do not have the right-of-way here. ha!!
We tried some Chinese food today. It was very delicious. So far Rich and I have survived. Levi is eating every morsel put in front of him. He literally licks his plate clean. He doesn't talk when he eats--eating is very serious business. When he is finished eating, he is exceedingly happy! Boy do I relate to that! Again, another way he truly is our child! Ha!!:)
I posted a picture of him eating with his chopsticks. It is so cute. There is a picture of him taking his first bath tonight with his rubber duckies. He liked to put soap on the ducks and clean them.
If you were listening in to Beijing right now it would sound as if we were under attack---they have been shooting fireworks day and night for Chinese New Year. This is the last night they can shoot them off. It is soooooooo loud--at least we know Levi can sleep through thunderstorms now. HA! As I type, Levi is sound asleep in the bed. He went to bed without any problems tonight. He is such a sweet sweet child!!!
Gotta go get some sleep even if it is noisy outside our window with the fireworks.
Have a blessed day! God is so good!!!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
GOTCHA DAY
We have our son--Levi Xiaolei Cook! Sunday was his "Gotcha Day" where we went to the orphanage to pick him up. Everything went so smoothly! We could not have asked for a better transition. Levi is the sweetest and most well-behaved child! He immediately went to us saying "Ma-Ma" and "Ba-Ba" (for Daddy). The orphanage prepared him well--he knew all of the people in the photo album went sent him a few weeks ago. He pointed to Theo and Ruthie and said "Brother" and "Sister" in Chinese. He also knew Grandma and Grandpa. We sent him a picture of our backyard--he likes the slide. He can't wait to play there.
We call him Xiaolei for now, and he actually understands us when we say his name. He LOVES to sing and talk. He will really enjoy talking to Ruthie! HA! Those two will probably talk non-stop. On the ride back to the hotel, he was fascinated with the many buses and cars on the road. He had been on a bus once when the Nanny took him to the doctor. The bus number he rode on was 973--so EVERY bus he saw, he would yell out in Chinese "973!!". Too cute!
He also LOVES to eat. He ate up the Cheerios I brought for him. Plus, when we were getting our picture taken at the photo shop, he recognized ice cream on a stick across the street at a local vendor and wanted to go. We told him he could have ice cream after dinner. So, at 4:00 in the afternoon, he said he wanted to eat dinner. He figured out if he ate dinner now, he could have ice cream sooner. Boy, will he ever fit into our family well! God truly hand-picked this little boy to be our son. He ate an entire McDonald's hamburger, French Fries, and an entire bottle of water, cookies from the orphanage, Cheerios and ice cream. He was so happy after eating.
Rich and I played with Xiaolei in the hotel room until bedtime. We bought him a bus at the toy store. He loves his bus and the matchbox cars Theo sent for him. He also loves playing with stickers and paper airplanes made by Daddy. Our room has a great view of the city--so Xiaolei stands up on a chair and looks out talking about the cars and buses. He is also ticklish on his tummy and has a great belly laugh! He is truly a very happy and brave little boy. He does not fear us at all. The only thing that frightened his was the escalator. He is just like me--his Mommy and Grandma--we don't like those things either. Daddy "Ba-Ba" held him while on the escalator, and then it was okay.
The orphanage told us that he would go to bed when we told him. Well, it was not quite that simple . (It never is, is it? ha!) He refuses to take off his clothing or shoes. Finally our guide translated for him, and he took off his shoes and climbed into bed. He would not take a bath or take off those clothes. Our guide, Michelle, said this is very common. It will take him a few days to adjust. We may be wearing the same clothes for a few days--ha! :) Shoo-stinky!
We laid down with him, and eventually he went to sleep. No fussing. He tried to get out of bed and when I put him back down he tried to pinch me. I firmly told him,, "No" in English, and he got the message. He stayed in bed laying there smiling at me. He tossed and turned but mostly slept well for his first night. He sucks his first two fingers to settle himself down. It is so sweet. He obeys immediately. He is a good boy. The people at the orphanage said that he really listens to his Nannies and obeys. They kept telling me that he is a good boy. They really loved him and took good care of him at the orphanage.
I posted pictures of Levi Xiaolei.
Thank you for your prayers. God has heard and answered and has helped this little boy to not be as fearful as others. He is truly very brave and very special and sweet!! We are definitely smitten with our little guy. He is just so precious! We are thankful God led us to this sweet child.
We call him Xiaolei for now, and he actually understands us when we say his name. He LOVES to sing and talk. He will really enjoy talking to Ruthie! HA! Those two will probably talk non-stop. On the ride back to the hotel, he was fascinated with the many buses and cars on the road. He had been on a bus once when the Nanny took him to the doctor. The bus number he rode on was 973--so EVERY bus he saw, he would yell out in Chinese "973!!". Too cute!
He also LOVES to eat. He ate up the Cheerios I brought for him. Plus, when we were getting our picture taken at the photo shop, he recognized ice cream on a stick across the street at a local vendor and wanted to go. We told him he could have ice cream after dinner. So, at 4:00 in the afternoon, he said he wanted to eat dinner. He figured out if he ate dinner now, he could have ice cream sooner. Boy, will he ever fit into our family well! God truly hand-picked this little boy to be our son. He ate an entire McDonald's hamburger, French Fries, and an entire bottle of water, cookies from the orphanage, Cheerios and ice cream. He was so happy after eating.
Rich and I played with Xiaolei in the hotel room until bedtime. We bought him a bus at the toy store. He loves his bus and the matchbox cars Theo sent for him. He also loves playing with stickers and paper airplanes made by Daddy. Our room has a great view of the city--so Xiaolei stands up on a chair and looks out talking about the cars and buses. He is also ticklish on his tummy and has a great belly laugh! He is truly a very happy and brave little boy. He does not fear us at all. The only thing that frightened his was the escalator. He is just like me--his Mommy and Grandma--we don't like those things either. Daddy "Ba-Ba" held him while on the escalator, and then it was okay.
The orphanage told us that he would go to bed when we told him. Well, it was not quite that simple . (It never is, is it? ha!) He refuses to take off his clothing or shoes. Finally our guide translated for him, and he took off his shoes and climbed into bed. He would not take a bath or take off those clothes. Our guide, Michelle, said this is very common. It will take him a few days to adjust. We may be wearing the same clothes for a few days--ha! :) Shoo-stinky!
We laid down with him, and eventually he went to sleep. No fussing. He tried to get out of bed and when I put him back down he tried to pinch me. I firmly told him,, "No" in English, and he got the message. He stayed in bed laying there smiling at me. He tossed and turned but mostly slept well for his first night. He sucks his first two fingers to settle himself down. It is so sweet. He obeys immediately. He is a good boy. The people at the orphanage said that he really listens to his Nannies and obeys. They kept telling me that he is a good boy. They really loved him and took good care of him at the orphanage.
I posted pictures of Levi Xiaolei.
Thank you for your prayers. God has heard and answered and has helped this little boy to not be as fearful as others. He is truly very brave and very special and sweet!! We are definitely smitten with our little guy. He is just so precious! We are thankful God led us to this sweet child.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
We are in China!
We are in our hotel room at the Poly Plaza in Beijing. We had a good flight. No problems only a minor detour to Chicago instead of San Francisco due to mechanical problems. We're glad God protected us from that flight! Chicago was beautiful with snow on the ground. We flew over the North Pole and back down to Beijing. It was an interesting route! You can tell the kids we waved at Santa! We arrived in China at 3:30 pm China time on Saturday. It is now Sunday morning in China. We are going to eat breakfast and then get ready to meet Levi this afternoon. Wow! Everything is moving so fast!
That's all for now. More later after we have what is known as "Gotcha Day!"--when we meet Levi. We sign paperwork on Monday.
Love to all.....
That's all for now. More later after we have what is known as "Gotcha Day!"--when we meet Levi. We sign paperwork on Monday.
Love to all.....
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Our Bags Are Packed!
Our bags are packed, and we're ready to go! The kids safely made it to G'Ma and G'Pa's house. They are having a great time. Rich and I finished packing tonight. Now we are going to catch a few zzzzz's before our early wake up call to the airport.
We received our updated Itinerary today and learned that we will be arriving in Beijing on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday afternoon, we will go to the orphanage to meet Levi! SUNDAY!! Wow! We can't believe we will see our little guy on Sunday.
Please continue to pray for safe travels as we fly to Beijing and for a smooth first meeting with Levi (Xiaolei).
Next stop...Beijing! See you in China!!
We received our updated Itinerary today and learned that we will be arriving in Beijing on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday afternoon, we will go to the orphanage to meet Levi! SUNDAY!! Wow! We can't believe we will see our little guy on Sunday.
Please continue to pray for safe travels as we fly to Beijing and for a smooth first meeting with Levi (Xiaolei).
Next stop...Beijing! See you in China!!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
We Leave on Friday!
Well, it is official. We leave this Friday--February 6th! We spent much of the weekend cleaning and packing and preparing. We also took time to be with Theo and Ruthie. We slept in, had tickle-fights, and just laughed and talked together. Rich also took the time to take the kids on a bike ride.
Superbowl? What Superbowl? Ha! We didn't even realize this was Superbowl weekend; although Rich did turn on the TV for a few minutes just to check the score. :)
We decided that we would push ourselves to get everything done because we could sleep on the airplane for about oh....16 hours! I know Rich will sleep well....I hope I can too. I don't usually relax that well on airplanes. At least it will be a quiet and calm time of just sitting--something I don't get to experience very often with a 6-year old and a 4-year old!
Back to packing.....
Superbowl? What Superbowl? Ha! We didn't even realize this was Superbowl weekend; although Rich did turn on the TV for a few minutes just to check the score. :)
We decided that we would push ourselves to get everything done because we could sleep on the airplane for about oh....16 hours! I know Rich will sleep well....I hope I can too. I don't usually relax that well on airplanes. At least it will be a quiet and calm time of just sitting--something I don't get to experience very often with a 6-year old and a 4-year old!
Back to packing.....
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