Xuanwu Lake and stuff about Carsen

Sorry for no post yesterday to all of you who were waiting. We just didn't really do alot so I didn't have alot to say. We went back to the civil affairs office where the adoption was finalized. We saw the couple from Ohio that we met at O'Hare, their little girl is adorable. Then we came back to the hotel and basically just hung out. Carsen has got to see all his grandparents yesterday and today via facetime and skype. It's really cool that we can talk to them when they are on the other side of the world. Carsen is doing wonderfully so far. He is eating and sleeping very well. He is starting to smile and giggle more with us as well. He is getting to like taking a bath. He loves scrambled eggs, carrotts, rice and cabbage. They told us he likes fruit, but the only fruit we have gotten him to eat is baby food fruit.
Today we went to Xuanwu Lake, otherwise known as Dragon Lake. It was very nice weather wise as well as very beautiful. There is a very nice path that walks around the lake. There is a big statue of the Goddess of Lotus and a Buddhist temple on the grounds. Then we went to a Jade showroom and a traditional Chinese lunch. After lunch our guide took us to a clothing market where we got Carsen some more pants, because most of his are too big in the waist. We paid less than $5 for 2 pair of athletic pants. We are now back in the room for the day and Carsen is fast asleep.

Jamie and Carsen sporting the MU gold and black.

Carsen really likes hanging out in the stroller.

Carsen

Wow what a day! I don't really know how to explain it. We arrived at the civil affairs office before Carsen and were waiting with another couple for their little girl. We were standing in the lobby and I see a lady walking up with a little one in her arms and I realize it was Carsen. He has done fairly well. We were told he likes toys that make noise and light up. So we gave him a little phone that plays music and lights up, well until he became so tired he didn't know what else to do that phone was in his hand. When we got back to the hotel he began to play with some other things as well. Just like in the last pictures we received he really likes the beach ball as well. He has taken a liking to my phone already and played with the Tom the Cat app, which actually brought out a few giggles. Then shortly after that it was over, he was very tired from the long day and all the changes. He fought it very hard and cried for what seemed like forever. My heart just broke for him, because I knew he was so very scared. He is fast asleep right now, so we will see what happens when he wakes up. Here are a few pictures from today.

Today is Carsen Day!!

In a couple of hours we will meet our guide in the lobby of our hotel to go and meet our little Carsen!! We are getting excited, nervous, anxious and anything else you might think of. We arrived here in Nanjing yesterday afternoon. Our hotel, the Holiday Inn Aqua City is very nice. It is attached to a mall, where there are many Western choices to eat and shop at. We found that Papa Johns pizza is just as good here as in Missouri. We will try to post pictures this evening. Prayers are much appreciated at this point!!

Day 2 in Beijing

Today we went to Tiannamen Square and the Forbidden City. It was very interesting to see all of the buildings and hear some of the history surrounding them. Our guide told us that many older Chinese people wait in line to see the Chairman Mao, who is entombed in his crystal casket. After walking through the Forbidden City we then went on a tour through the Hutong, which is the original neighborhood of Beijing, and there are still people who live there now. We were driven through the Hutong by a man on a rickshaw. Jamie says he defintaly earned his money today. We also had lunch in the Hutong in the home of a family, it was very good and we really enjoyed it. Jamie is also getter a little better with his chopsticks, since that was his only choice today. Tommorrow we will be off to Nanjing where we will meet Carsen Monday morning.

First Day in Beijing

Today we went to the Great Wall and the Summer Palace. The Great Wall is so incredibly steep and we did not attempt to climb very far, but there were alot of people who did. There were older ladies with canes trying to climb, I really doubt if I would advise any of my patients who use canes to attempt this. It was really neat, but they need a gondola or something so those of us who don't really trust ourselves on the stairs can get to the top to admire what I'm sure is a tremendous view. The Summer Palace was really nice, lots of shaded ares so it was cooler. We got to take a dragon boat ride there. We met a Marine family there that is stationed in Korea and they are over here taking in as much as they can before they go back to the US next summer. Our guide is really nice and helpful. Tommorrow we go to the Forbidden City and take a Hutong tour. Here are some pictures of the Great Wall. I forgot to take some with the phone at the Summer Palace so those will have to wait until we get home.

We are in Beijing!

After a very long 26 hours or so we are in Beijing and finally settled in our hotel room. We are resting up for the Great Wall and the Summer Palace tommorrow. We may not be posting many pictures as I believe my camera usb cord remains in the US, but we will take some with our phones and post them.

China Intinerary

We area leaving for China next Wednesday, August 31st.  I can't believe the day is almost here when we will meet our sweet little boy.  We are very excited and very nervous!  We appreciate any and all prayers for a safe travels and a successful transition.

Itinerary for Jiangsu Province

Date	Week	Itinerary
Sep. 1	Thu	Arrive in Beijing at 3:15 p.m. on United flight 851. A guide will receive your family at the airport and help you check in at the hotel.
Sep. 2	Fri	Vist the Great Wall and Summer Palace. Have a Chinese lunch.
Sep. 3	Sat	Visit the Forbidden City and do a Hutong Tour.
Sep. 4	Sun	Transfer to Nanjing
Sep. 5	Mon	Meet Carsen at the Jiangsu Civil Affairs Bureau in the morning.
Sep. 6	Tue	Complete the adoption proceedings at the Jiangsu Civil Affairs Bureau in the morning.
Sep. 7	Wed	Visit the Xuanwu Lake and have a Chinese lunch.
Sep. 8	Thu	Visit Xuzhou SWI
Sep. 9	Fri	Receive Carsen’s Chinese passport in the afternoon and fly to Guangzhou
Sep. 10	Sat	Complete the medical exam and review paperwork.
Sep. 11	Sun	Visit the Chen Clan Academy and have a Chinese lunch.
Sep. 12	Mon	Visit the Yuntai Garden.
Sep. 13	Tue	U.S. Consulate appointment at 10:00 a.m. to deliver paperwork and do oath-taking ceremony.
Sep. 14	Wed	Receive Carsen’s U.S. visa at the Consulate in the afternoon. Departure for Hong Kong by train in late afternoon.