Reed Flute Cave and the Pearl Factory in Guilin

Today we took a tour of one of the local famous caves, Reed Flute Caves. Such an amazing sight to see. Pictures can hardly show its beauty. Afterward, we went to a pearl factory where we saw a fashion show and then had an opportunity to shop for pearl jewelry. While we were shopping the ladies who worked there fell in love with our Chandler. Hopefully soon I will be able to post photos of her hamming it up at the pearl counter.

Later this afternoon we went for a long walk around the lake near our hotel here in Guilin. I was in Heaven with all of the beautiful photo opportunities not to mention along the way I found a vendor who sold "Coca-Cola Light" which is very similar to Diet Coke. Diet soft drinks are not common here so I was thrilled to finally find some. Chandler took a "longevity nap" in her stroller while we walked. Longevity naps are common for all here and apparently help promote a long and healthly life. I really wish these were the "in" thing back in the U.S. :)

We leave Guilin in the morning for a quick flight to Guangzhou where we will spend the rest of our time in China. We will complete the adoption processing there and do LOTs of shopping with the precious pumpkin!

Li River Cruise in Guilin

Yesterday we took a cruise on the Li River. This landscape on this river is one of the most beautiful in all of China. Chandler enjoyed the trip too and enjoyed visiting with all of the other tourists on the boat. She is not shy at all and loves to entertain a crowd.

After the cruise we had an hour to shop in the village. Now that was an experience! The locals just flock to the tourists with souvenirs and will barter relentlessly. Our group split up during this time so we could shop at our leisure. It was a hoot to catch up with Nana after the hour. She was loaded with bags on both arms. We all know she can barter like no one else so likely she landed some very good deals.

When we returned to the hotel and after dinner, we learned that Channie LOVES music. We turned on the Chinese Music TV and she went crazy dancing to the beat. Nana and I laughed so hard we couldn't stop. I'm so glad I bought some Chinese music CD's at the Wal-Mart the other day. I think she'll definitely enjoy them.

Seven Star Park in Guilin

Our whole crew at the Seven Star Park in Guilin. Lots of fun for all!

We're in Guilin now ~ very beautiful city

Hello! We took a five hour bus ride on Wednesday from Nanning to Guilin. It is so gorgeous here. Our guide says it is one of the most beautiful cities in China. On Thursday morning we went to The Seven Star Park to see two panda bears. The weather is subtropical here, very hot and humid. Chandler's grampa definitely would not have enjoyed the heat today but Chandler nor any of the other babies seemed to mind it one bit. I guess they are quite used to it by now. The pandas were darling and very interesting to watch. One of them hammed it up for photos while the other hung out resting in his house.
Later we went to a silk factory where we saw a demonstration on how silk is made. I never knew it came from the cocoon of a worm. Very cool!
Okay, now back to this beautiful baby girl of mine. She is growing right before my eyes! She took her first big girl bath with Mama on Wednesday and loved it. It was a good thing we brought lots of bath toys. We tried a little swimming on Wednesday night. She liked it okay until she got splashed by some of the other swimmers and then was ready to go. We may try it again tonight since I know she loves the water. Today we're headed out for a river boat cruise. I hear it is absolutely beautiful. I will be sure to take lots of photos.
Unfortunately, the Internet connection is very slow here at this hotel so I'm not able to upload photos to my blog right now. Luckily our guides have uploaded photos to my adoption agency's website. We are not able to view the pics from this hotel but I believe there are many photos of our group there. The address is http://www.lavida.org/

Happy Baby Day 2

I'll make this quick since I'm needing to catch up on a few missed hours of sleep which was no fault of Chandler's considering she slept through the night! It was me who kept waking up every hour to see if she had moved. So, not only is she a happy baby, she's a great sleeper too. What an added bonus!

We enjoyed another heavenly day together. We started with a trip back to the civil affairs office where the adoption was made legal. Woohoo! Then on to a notary office, lunch, nap and believe it or not, a trip to the Super Wal-Mart. We were able to pick up Chinese formula and other things we needed for the babies there. And the best part, Chandler loves to shop. Now that's an added bonus indeed. It was over 80 degrees in the store and while I was wilting Chandler enjoyed stopping to chat with all of the employees and of course to share a grin or two. We went to a special restaurant for dinner this evening where they had a wonderful Chinese dance performance. The dancers even invited the audience to participate towards the end of the show. I gave it a try while Chandler watched in delight. She was probably thinking, "Boy, my mommy sure can't dance very well!"

Nana and Channie are asleep so I better get going myself...please enjoy a few pics from our day and thank you so very much for all of the kind emails and blog posts. Chandler can't wait to get home and meet everyone. Good night!

Meet Chandler Elise ..... A VERY happy baby!!

Today was the day. We met in the hotel lobby at 3pm and took a bus to the civil affairs office. We arrived in less than 20 minutes and by 3:40pm the babies arrived. They were brought in to the room in a group and my name was the second to be called to come receive the baby. She came out holding her photo album I sent to the orphanage a few weeks ago. When they handed her to me she didn't cry but just looked intently at me as Nana snapped lots of photos. It was loud in the room as several of the babies were crying but Chandler just looked around and after about five minutes cried just a bit. All of the items I shipped to the orphanage a few weeks ago including her big soft and colorful ball from Auntie Kelly were returned to us there. We were only at the office for less than 30 minutes but it was the most incredible 1/2 hour of my life. I love this precious baby more than I had ever imagined possible. She's just beautiful from head to toe!
On the ride home she was very content watching the cars out the window while sitting on my lap and then suddenly she looked over at Nana and flashed her the most darling smile I've ever seen. Then shortly after that she gave Brian (one of the adopting dads) a big grin. When we returned to the hotel we came back to the room and played with a bunch of her toys. She tried tasting everything she could get her hands on. Then I gave her a quick bath, changed her clothes and we were off to dinner for some congee. Congee is soupy rice cereal that the babies here love including Miss Chandler. She ate like a big girl and then after she was through is when we saw the real Chandler Elise come out. She began laughing and smiling at anyone who would look at her, especially Nana. She was the life of the party! Everyone kept saying, "My, she sure is a happy baby!" And yes, I agree she sure is.
After dinner we completed some paperwork for the adoption and headed back to the room where the doctor came to give her a quick physical exam. She was very patient with all his checking on her until it came time to check her ears. She didn't like that part at all. The doctor said she is very healthy and strong. She's small at just under 17 pounds but he said nothing a little food can't fix. :)
After her physical she was pretty tired so we rocked a bit and in just a few minutes she was asleep. I hated to set her down in the crib but I know I will get to hold her bright and early tomorrow. What a wonderful, memorable day. Finally after all this time, Chandler and I are family!

We're in China!!!!

We made it! We're in China. The flight from D.C. to Beijing was rather empty so I found an empty row in the back and slept several hours straight. It was great. We arrived in Beijing late in the afternoon on Saturday. Our group took a bus to dinner and then most all of us turned in early. After a great night's sleep we had an early start to an action packed day in Beijing. We toured the Forbidden City, Tianamen Square and then hiked the Great Wall of China (Nana too! She did great and went all the way to the fourth watch tower with the rest of the crew.) Words can describe how amazing all of the sights were today but hopefully a few of these pictures will. Absolutely breathtaking and overwhelming!
We had an 8pm flight from Beijing to Nanning tonight. We arrived at the hotel just after midnight. On the bus ride from the airport our guide announced that we will meet our babies at 3:30pm Monday. I am beside myself with excitement as is Nana and the rest of the families. So be ready because the next post will be our long awaited Chandler Elise... WOOHOO!

Nana's here!!

Yay! My mom made it in safely late Tuesday Evening. No glitches whatsoever. She is one proud nana for sure. Natalie, Ethan (my niece and nephew) and Chandler sure are loved!

We're in the home stretch now. Just 26 hours 'til take off. That's one day of work + one more sleepless night and we're off! :)

Hotel Reservations are CONFIRMED!

YAY! I received confirmation of our hotel accommodations for the trip today. It's really happening!! Okay, so you all know that I'd sleep in a cardboard box all week if I had to just so I can finally meet Chandler but the fact that these places are super cushy doesn't hurt one bit. I just had to google these and here's what I found. Crazy I know, but one of my favorite parts of course is that it looks like most of them have "normal" food either at the hotel or closeby. Phew! No fried scorpion kabobs for Chandler's mommy and nana. Eww!

Here are the four different hotels where we'll stay while in China....
http://www.hoteltravel.com/china/nanning/guangxi_wharton_international_details.htm
http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Henan_Plaza_Beijing.htm#
http://www.holidaycity.com/guilin-bravo/index.htm
http://www.holidaycity.com/white-swan-guangzhou/index.htm

Showered with love...again! Surprise!!!

Another wonderful surprise to report.... a surprise shower at work for Chandler Elise! I had a lunch meeting scheduled for noon on Friday. Much to my surprise, when I arrived in the conference room, it was filled with beautiful pink and brown decorations (Chandler's nursery colors), a full vegetarian spread with all of my favorite foods (and hopefully Chandler's too), loads of generous gifts for Chandler Elise and most importantly, 50+ smiling faces shouting SURPRISE!! I was truly touched beyond words. Many of these folks were there 3 years ago when I first announced my decision to adopt while others have recently joined in this journey. Wow! What a kind gesture beyond words. I was actually speechless.... well just for a few minutes, at least! Then came the poem... one of my co-workers, Anna, always writes a custom poem when someone is promoted or leaves the department. This time, she wrote a poem for Chandler Elise, someone arriving and not leaving. Here it is.... grab some Kleenex before you get started: Chandler Elise-Lin by Anna Stone
A gift sent from above
Welcome to a home filled with love.
A long time of waiting, hoping, and praying...
Replaced with you laughing, cuddling, and playing.
You may not share blood, but you share one heart,
Your mommy Nicole has loved you from before your start!
Then came the glorious day in August,
The waiting is over! IT'S BEEN the LONGEST!!
Looking forward to the sweet day in September,
A homecoming to always remember!

I just love it and plan to frame it for the nursery. Needless to say, the shower was wonderful and as I watch the video of it, I still cry tears of joy and gratitude. All I can say is this is one loved and anxiously awaited baby girl. We couldn't be more blessed. Thanks, All!

Surprise ~ We're leaving for China in 12 days!!!

Oh my! I returned to my office on Late Thursday Afternoon from a meeting to find the news from my adoption agency that they received approval for us to travel to China AND had tentative travel arrangements for us to leave on AUGUST 22nd! Woo hoo! That's quick. On Friday I received our actual plane tickets and itinerary. Oh my goodness! I've waited three years for this and now I'm freaking out thinking how can I possibly get everything done by August 22nd. Then I came to senses and realized of course I can be ready. I haven't slept but a few hours since I heard the good news anyhow so I have plenty of time. :) So Mom flies down to NC on the 19th to allow time for any "glitches" in air travel. We leave out on August 22nd at 9am and return on September 4th at 9pm. The best part of course is that I meet my Sweet Chandler Elise on Monday August 25th (her 11 month birthday!). I'll have her with me the entire rest of the trip (literally for those of you who don't know me well, I doubt I will set her down once for a very long time!) Here's our itinerary:
8/22/08 Leave North Carolina headed for CHINA!!
8/23/08 Arrive in Beijing for a brief sight seeing tour
8/24/08 Leave Beijing and Arrive in City of Nanning, Guangxi Province
8/25/08 Gotcha Day! – I will finally meet Chandler Elise and kiss those chubby cheeks!
8/25-8/30 Adoption Processing starts
8/27/08 Depart from Nanning to Guilin City for a 4 day sight seeing excurision
8/31/08 Flight to Guangzhou
9/1/08 Doctor's exam
9/2/08 U.S.C.I.S processing
9/3/08 Pick up visas
9/4/08 Leave Guangzou, to Beijing, to Chicago and finally arrive in NC at 9:05pm WOOHOO!

Showered with love

Wow! Yesterday Chandler and I were showered with gifts from our dear friends and family. It was such a special day and a memory I will always treasure. I can't wait to tell Chandler all about it one day and let her know how much she was truly loved even long before she ever arrived home. I still get weepy with gratitude just thinking about it. My mom and dear friend Kelly Floyd hosted the party at my home. Unfortunately, there was one problem.... Mom's flight was canceled on Saturday night due to bad weather so she was not able to make it. We were so bummed but she was defnitely here in spirit and I can't wait to have her down to visit soon when we leave for China. Kelly made the day so very special. Not a single detail was left out. Her mom Kathy and sister Kristy were amazing too. Kristy made the most adorable diaper cake that I will of course never take apart because its so special. She even placed a pair of little pink tennis shoes on it which is a good luck tradition for new babies in China. Kelly took the time to place special "motherhood sayings" in each fortune cookie for the guests. Mine of course brought tears to my eyes, "Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother. ~Oprah Winfrey"

Besides just the sheer joy of having my house filled with loved ones, the gifts we received are just simply overwhelming. As you can see from the photos, I had lots of little helpers to assist with the unwrapping. Strollers, a car seat, bottles, bibs, wipes, a baby monitor, matching Vera Bradley purses for Chandler and I, high chair, gift cards, toy box, bath time toys and towels, those yummy baby smelling lotions and soaps and more.... you name it, we got it. This baby is set! Now we just need to get her here. I'm still waiting to hear about travel approval from my adoption agency but it shouldn't be much longer. I still anticipate that our flights will be booked in the next 2 weeks and that we will travel in Early September. I'll keep y'all posted....