Be Home

my little girl

I realized today that for all the many pictures and tours that I have blogged about I haven't told you much about our little girl.

Annika is in a word, simply precious. There are times that I look at her and still see an infant curious about everything. And then other times she reminds me that she is almost four and very smart. Every day we are with her we find new things that she is capable of doing on her own yet she has patiently let us baby her indefinitely. 

One of those moments was on the second day we had her and she was her pulling up her socks. I had them neatly folded over and when she awoke from her nap she just laid there and straighted them up ever so slowly and then pulled them up as far as possible to the knees. Since then we have witness other particulars like adjusting her pant legs after you put her down or making the folds of her dress go neatly over her knobby little knees. This trend also follows suite with the hair items. Annika finds herself very pretty in the mirror when anything is put in her hair. Yes, I do believe we have a girlie girl - yippee!

Annika says MaMa quite well. Which at this point is mainly used in reference to getting my attention. She has also figured out who Ba Ba is and has said it once or twice. As far as a first English word I think it must go to the word "fish" - without the "f". But it counts nonetheless! We have koi fish in the lobby of the hotel and of course many other places we go so it has gotten good use. Other than that however, she doesn't say much except little muffled phrases to herself when she is particularly interest in something that is truly fascinating to her. Of course it's all Chinese to me!

We knew that Annika was diagnosed with a delayed speech development. But this seemed like such a common issue with institutionalized children that we wondered if we would be met with some other undocumented reason. A few days ago that was indeed brought to light. Our little girl is tongue-tied. Yes, it is more than an expression it's an actual medical condition that is quite common apparently. We've done a bit of research already and it seems to be very fixable. It excites us in a way, to know that through a simple procedure our baby girl will be free to communicate as well as we all see she wants to so badly.

Annika has enjoyed drawing with Nicholas. She has a small box of crayons that I had brought and loves to organize them just so, several times. Actually, she seems to be a very observant young lady. She notices every piece of food that falls to the floor, and tries to pick it up and eat it mind you! If something has dropped - food or otherwise - she gives a big gasp to let you know and then points to make sure your aware of the situation.

Most importantly though, Annika loves to cuddle. Mostly with Andrew and I. Although get her in the right mood and Peter can make her giggle to no end! A couple days ago she discovered my hair and since then loves to run her fingers through it when I hold her. Oh, there is no surer way to a mothers melted heart then that!

Today, we went to the Haidian district where Annika was found. Although we did not go to the exact location, something about even traveling on the streets of where her life began made my heart rich and full with the astonishment of how vast a privilege it is to hold her tight. I marvel at the journey this little girl has made in life so far. A brave little girl so happy and open to our love. May I be the adequate mother she so wonderfully deserves.

temple of heaven

I had heard that even if you have seen the Forbidden City with it's yellow tiled roofs and also the Summer Palace with its beautiful halls, you still must visit the Temple of Heaven for the most amazing architecture of its kind. We were not disappointed.

The history behind such a place is truly fascinating. It is what it sounds like, a place of worship. Basically, a place were the emperor subjected himself to "one" higher then himself. The buildings are in a circle shape to signify heaven while others are in rectangular form for earth. As you make your way past each gate you eventually end up at the massive temple itself. When I first laid eyes on it I got a sweeping sensation of awe per the great size that it fills up as you stare at it into the sky. 

 

:: All of the grounds are constructed in gorgeous marble, all imported from another province.

   

:: These architectures have bright blue tiled roofs; blue for the heavens - yellow for royalty.

 

:: And here it is in all its glory - the Temple of Heaven.

As much as I loved the building itself, that wasn't the only joy in the journey. On either side of the guided tours there were beautiful parks streaming with locals. Cindy said that when older people retire they come to the parks to spend their days relaxing, dancing, playing music, and maybe a game of cards. Oh, it was an atmosphere to envy the days of the aged.

 

And a bit of snack on the drive home...

 

Signs of the times:

 

:: Did we obey all these? Do we even know what are all these?!

 

:: aka just plain garbage!

Carrefour

This is our market around the corner from our hotel. Andrew has been visiting here daily for various needs usually taking one of the boys with him. But yesterday we decided to all venture out and take the camera with us. Just so ya'll could have a bit of the real deal.

:: I can't remember where I parked my bike?!

 

:: Similar to a Super W@lmart; the housewares are on the second floor and the groceries on the first.

 

:: The Chinese like to buy food fresh or alive - frozen meat or fish is just not acceptable.

 

If I hadn't mentioned it before, Annika likes to eat! Really, the only toddler struggles we've had is when we say no to more food or it's time for a nap. Mmmm...pretty normal 3 year old stuff to me! But we were very proud of our girl when she managed to browse the aisles full of almost any food you could ever want and didn't fuss, waiting patiently till Daddy bought our snacks. Good girl!

 

:: And a nice walk back to our hotel.

The rest of our evening was dinner and some Chinese television. The tv station is on the other side of Carrefour, called BIRTV. I get the impression that it's quite the place to get studio tickets. The show is an interesting mix of Lawrence Welk meets Laugh In. Extremely entertaining even without subtitles.

Oh, and of course we had bath time...

summer palace

The Orlandos are known in the CHI circles as the Beijing family, aka the family that must stay 3 weeks. Therefore, we are here without a group of fellow adoptive peoples such as ourselves to tour around China with. However, this does mean that in all the places we go we are accompanied by our own private guide. Her name is Cindy. And she is wonderful.

This is today's adventures...

The Summer Palace was a place were the emperor spent his "vacation", that is from April to October! Instead of being couped up in the Forbidden City he, or she in this case, had a private lake and gardens for leisure. Also it was complete with a private theater to which you could hear them still performing shows daily as we took a stroll around.

The whole family really enjoyed ourselves here. We took a dragon boat over to the island and then walked back over the beautiful bridge. Just before that was a journey down the longest corridor in the world. We actually only walked about half it's length. Amazing paintings and amazing architecture. Annika enjoyed observing it all from the comforts of her Mei Tei sling. That is of course, as long as we kept moving!

 

:: A lion like this one guards everything from a palace entrance to a storefront restaurant in China. 

 

:: Taking out the local trash...via bicycle!

:: And of course, your daily amusment of signs - Nicholas takes pictures of every one. He's begun his own private collection.

it's all business

We are settling into quite a little routine here in Beijing. Good thing too, because we just started our week long waiting for Annika's passport.

Yesterday we received back our papers we filed at registration on Tuesday in order to have them notarized. We waited in a small room at the notary for a very, very long time. Fortunately, An An was superb and the boys were equally self-entertained. We also enjoyed this time with another family. They have also adopted a little boy from Annika's orphanage. Their two other children, ages 8 and 6, who are also adopted, shared in an instant friendship making with the boys that so often happens when forced to sit idly by.

 

After that we journeyed to applying for Annika's passport. An equally grueling experience. They apparently had to get just the right picture for her photo to which she wanted nothing to do with! I think the final snap had snot running down her tiny cheek in streams.

So that was enough for one day. The rest was spent hanging in the hotel room. We have a nice little restaurant here that Andrew goes to every evening and brings back delicious options. Chinese take-out at it's finest! For those that my be staying at the Radisson Blue in Beijing, check out Jackpot Cafe just around the corner. The only place we have found with a menu using english subtitles. And so cheap too!

These last two pictures are of Nicholas "talking" to Annika via the Chinese phrases on his ipod. Annika thought this was hilarious. She often gives us a little snicker when we say things in chinese. Our feeble attempts must be pretty amusing. But make no mistake she understands us quite well.

simple pleasures

:: Drawing with my big brother!

 

:: Touching the green leaves and seeing one pull off in my hand! pop!

 

:: Watching a big orange ball bring as much delight to my siblings as myself!

 

:: Discovering new textures!

 

:: And that dinner with the family means that Daddy and Peter are coming back to the hotel room with some good, good stuff!

being together

Well its day number two with Annika. Her countenance is such that I think she still likes us! This morning when she awoke her eyes were a bit groggy but she rubbed them and smiled at all her doting family members. 

We made an early morning journey to the registrars office in order to complete the necessary steps for Andrew and I to be her official parents, we were only guardians yesterday. They asked us if we were happy with our baby and did we want to proceed. Really? You have to ask! I just smiled and nodded thoroughly as I held tight to AnAn's hug.

Lunch today was a Hot Pot. We thought this might work well for Peter. Basically a hot pot is like fondue only the "dip" is boiling water and the entree is vegetables and beef. Pretty much like making a really good soup and then eating what's in it individually with chopsticks. Andrew and I really liked it but the boys were I'm afraid, a bit overwhelmed by the oddness of its serving style.

The rest of our day was just hang out at the hotel room. We had a family fun time on the bed, laughing and playing. Peter makes Annika laugh so well. And Nicholas loves to find the details of what will make her happy. Nicholas by the way, has been taking most of the pictures I'm posting. It's hard to get the camera back from him when you want it! But he is doing a fantastic job, don't you think?!  She seems to be bonding with both Andrew and I equally as well. I have had the privilege of two nap times on my lap now! Funny its these moments that I remember having with the boys when they were all infants. And in many ways she is very infant like. But O my, she is as smart as a whip too!

This is the second night that she has fallen asleep with minimal fuss. She prefers the room pitch black. No problem for us on that one!

Tomorrow is a free day for us. Thank-you everyone for your comments. We read them every morning. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to feel so connected while you're half-way around the world! And if anyone is wondering, George and Grammy have met Annika too via Skype. Have to say, I'm liken technology pretty much right about now!

Annika Day!

How can anyone adequately describe the day you receive a new child? Right at this moment I'm watching Annika make silly faces at her daddy and brothers. She has thee most beautiful smile and when she turns it into a giggle it just about does your heart in.

This morning at 10:30 we sat in anticipation in our hotel room. From the window we could all see An An being carried out of the car and into the doorway below. Oh, how our heart was leaping out of our chest! Then a knock on our door and she had arrived. Andrew and I both held her and she never cried. We gave her some treats and played with some small toys together for quite some time. I really never thought the first transition would be this smooth.

Of course, there was some paperwork to be done. The orphanage director was here to complete it, along with answering some of our questions about AnAn. The director even gave us a copy of AnAn's finding ad. The baby picture in it is priceless.

After a bit we realized we all needed some lunch. The hotel resturant was wonderfully accomadating. It was so funny to see An An interact with all of us in new ways. While sharing Andrew's fries she dipped them in ketchup and then licked it off - just like George!

The best moment of the day for me personally was her naptime. In a silent room I rocked her in my arms and then she rested there for a good long while.

It has been a simply amazing day. We are ready to make her officially ours tomorrow!

     

sights of China

What a difference a little sleep will do! All of us were up and ready for a full day of lifetime experiences. The breakfast buffet was very western in its cuisine which left our tummies sitting pretty for the day, even for Peter. The boys felt like kings, knowing that this type of spread would be their diet for the next 3 weeks! Can't say that I'm going to mind it either!

We started our journey this morning by walking the stone pavements of Tienanmen Square. It was amazing to say the least. Only to be more out done by the Forbidden City. I personally enjoyed seeing this because it was a place that was under construction while I was here two years ago. And today was so very gorgeous that the pictures turned out fantastic. I thought blue skies were only photo-shopped in postcards for China! Today proved me wrong.

Lunch included the famous Peking Duck. Mmmm...delicious.

Finally the Great Wall. The boys were so very anxious to climb. It is so incredibly steep but everyone maintained their endurance and we made it to a respectable height. Peter claimed he could go and go. And I have no doubt he would have if given the chance. On the way down we picked up our first souvenirs. Small little coins that are replicas of ancient money. We'll see if we get off that cheap next time!

Tomorrow is Annika An Day!!!! We are all just slightly excited!!!!!

we made it!

I'm pleased to announce that the Orlando family has arrived in Beijing, China! And we are all exhausted! Actually the very, very long flight was fairly enjoyable. Peter and Andrew bunked in a row together watching new sights out the window seat. Meanwhile, Nicholas and I were across the aisle relaxing as best we could in a confined location for 15 hours! Bonding, true bonding. We are currently settled into our hotel room overlooking the streets of never-ending movement. People walking, bicycles carting stuff, and vehicles humming still at 11:31PM. I love the rhythm of the Chinese. Andrew and Nicholas have even walked that street below us already. They ran up to the market to buy some bottled waters, as if they were locals or some such idea! Oh, and guess what they found...starbucks bottled FRAPPUCCINO! Coffee, I need coffee... Tomorrow we head out bright and early to the Great Wall! Which by the way, Peter saw out the airplane window as we flew in! All my family has hit the hay so I best follow. We love you all.