Great Wall, Pandas, and Mcdonald's

Today, someone posted that they are looking for families who'd be interested in providing respite care for people who have come back from China and can not handle their new children.  I'm guessing Angie will volunteer.  If this leads to more kids, we are going to need a bigger house.

Michelle had a good day for her 10 year anniversary.  She got a candy egg thing she wanted.  I posted about her day on Facebook.  I had a picture of her eating Panda Express.  I talked about ten years ago we got to hold this bundle of joy.  I explained that the picture was fitting.  It was fitting because when we got her, we asked the orphanage director about her and she pointed and said "That one, she likes to eat!"  She has not changed. This was the adoption that started our many Chinese adoptions.

Elana can be a real picky eater.  It would be great if she could just tell us what she liked or disliked, but that is not how you find out.  You find out after you give her something.  If she likes it, she eats it.  If she does not, she spits it out.  She also has a habit of spitting it out when she needs a drink.  Then she will continue to eat it.  At the end, if she spits it out twice, she is done with the meal.  She did not really like many of the Thanksgiving foods.  Last night, I pureed some turkey and added mayo.  She would not eat it.  So, I put it on a sandwich roll.  At this point, she ate it.  She still had moments where she would spit out the meat part of it. On Saturday, I brought Elana and Michelle to Taco Bell.  We were going to go to Ikea for food, but Angie did not want to go.  Michelle got a little upset.  I guess I should not have told her until it happened.  So, I decided to bring t...

It was ten years ago today, that we got to finally hold our bundle of joy.  Because of joy this adoption, we decided to continue adopting from China.  I remember that first day clearly.  We had met in the lobby of our hotel to go to the adoption center.  Once there, we went inside.  They led us into a room where we were to receive our children.  Then we found another group there.  They led us into the hallway.  It was in this hallway that the started announcing the children. When we got Michelle, her diaper was barely on.  We did not know if they knew how to put on a diaper.  Unfortunately, she was wet.  We went over to the side and changed her.  Then, they told us that the children were probably hungry.  We mixed up a bottle. She refused it.  At this point, we discovered that she liked her formula extremely hot.  If it was not hot enough, she would reject.

When I was a kid, Sam Kinison was a popular comedian.  One thing he did was to yell when he was trying to emphasize a punchline.  Unfortunately, he died as he was hitting the heights of his career. I think he has been reincarnated.  Elana can be a funny girl.  At times, she likes to scream.  When I listen, it sounds just like Sam Kinison.  Maybe she will grow up to be a blind comedienne in the same mold as Sam.

We went to Sam's in search of diapers and samples.  The samples were just starting, but we were able to get some.  After the shopping, we sat down to some was lunch.  I was people watching.  I saw an Asian child with her mother, not Asian.  I turn to Angie and say look.  She recognized the woman. They were a part of our first adoption.  Their daughter came from the same province as Michelle.  Michelle and the girls got to meet again.  Hopefully, we will get together with them again. Michelle reminded me that tomorrow, we will be celebrating her 10th Gotcha Day.  Of course, she is treating it like it is a second birthday.  She even says we need to buy her gifts.

Today, is Black Friday.  I went to Wal-Mart.  They were acting like it was already over.  I started looking at movies.  Employees kept getting in my way.  They kept consolidating things as people took things from the displays.  Luckily, I found what I was looking for.  At the front, they had three lanes open.  This is a super box store.  Two lanes were 20 items or less.

The girls got to experience their first Thanksgiving.  I thought Elana would love the food.  She did not.  Haley did.  I was hoping they would eat turkey and it would knock them out.  Now they are getting exercise.

Angie accuses me of being a backseat driver.  Today, the shoe was on the other foot.  She sat in the passenger seat.  I was not driving fast enough. I was not in the right lane.  Snails were passing us.  She even saw a turtle passing us.

Today we ate our breakfast with Kayla.  We got a late start.  Angie had me start driving.  That did not last long.  The van was low on gas.  When getting more, Angie said I was driving too slow.  At Cracker Barrel, Elana was being clingy.  I had to hold her.  Just about everything I put in her mouth was spit out.  She ended up settling on biscuits.  Kayla ate chocolate chip pancakes.  She loved them.  It was a great morning visit.

I have written about Elana's screaming at night.  I finally think I found out how to calm her down.  I started play children's lullaby's through Spotify.  The first time, she screamed and then calmed down.  Every time the song would change, she would get upset.  Lately, she seems to be happy when I play it for her.  I'm glad I found something.  The only alternative I could think of was noise cancelling headphones.  

Every Tuesday, I tune into a site called Ain't It Cool News.  They publish a post that give deals at Amazon on great movies.  With Christmas right around the corner, I figured I would share the link with you.  If you are looking for some good deals on classic Blu-Ray films, then check it out.  You can get Coraline and My Big Fat Greek Wedding for $5.00 each. http://www.aintitcool.com/node/73802

On the way home last night, I had Michelle and Elana in my car.  I started to talk to Michelle about horror movies.  She turns to me and says "Dude, Halloween is already over!"  I kept asking about movie titles and would describe them to her.  She would say no.  I told her these were all classics.  She told me that I was freaking her out.  When I got home I showed her some of the covers to the movies.  Each no was more emphasized then the previous one.

I just had to list Kaley.  She is a cute child that is in need of a forever family.  She is two and has a heart defect.  It might have been repaired, but there may be need of further surgeries.  If you know someone who is adopting or just want to give towards her adoption, please go to the link.  Feel free to share.   http://reecesrainbow.org/100704/kaley

Angie had some doctors look at Haley.  Just on a spot check, they gave us some ideas of what she might have.  We will have to wait until she gets insurance coverage.  This is what I keep saying.  If you adopt, whether it is domestic or international, have your child checked out by a doctor.  They have to start shot records and you want to start your child's health history.  I guess this is coming from my foster training, but it is a wise thing to do.

Michelle and I went to see The Good Dinosaur.  Another great movie by Pixar.  The first thing that you see will amaze you.  If the whole film was created by computer, then they have just moved up animation to new heights.  The water and land look real.  It is a well done movie with a theme of making you mark in life.  Once again, they picked great voice talents.  If you are looking for a film for the family at Thanksgiving, this is your film.

I met Angie after work to pick up Michelle for a movie.  I walked into the restaurant and went up to their table.  Within seconds of arriving, Elana sensed I was there and grabbed my leg.  Then she started burying her face in my leg.  I guess she wanted me to know she was there.  I picked her up and she was happy.

When Haley came to us, she was weak.  She did not move around a lot.  We did not even know if she could walk.  We still don't know that one.  She is one determined child.  As she has grown stronger, she keeps trying to walk.  She will pull herself down and stand.  When she goes to take a walk, she falls.  I am hoping it is just from no use, but we will have to wait until she sees a doctor.  I know that she is not scared to try.  It's great to see her transformation.

Elana is not a fan of pizza.  I cooked up a pizza yesterday for the family.  I tried to feed it to Elana.  It had beer brats on it.  She liked the meat.  When I put some pizza in her mouth, it did not stay long.  I tried three times.  Finally, I gave up.  At her feet where the pieces that I had put in her mouth.  So I made her a peanut butter sandwich.  She loved that, with her big glass of milk.

I was feeding Elana and Haley today.  I had some carrots left over.  They were too tough for Haley.  I started to break them down with a plastic spoon.  Haley started laughing.  She did this for a couple of minutes.  She thought it was the funniest thing.  Good to see her laugh.

I did not post yesterday because I forced myself to get something done around the house.  My first goal was to work on Michelle's room.  I wanted to move the futon to Mia's room.  I cleaned it while watching Goldfinger.  I accomplished that.  Then I had to go shopping for Thanksgiving groceries.  When I got back, Elana desired my attention.  When I sat her down, she would scream.  I had to come up with a way for her to be happy and let me move the futon.  I brought her in the room.  She liked the light and I saw my opportunity to finish.  Part of the moves are done.  I will have to help move a crib and clean up Mia's room.  At least I did something.

Angie made a soup last night.  It had kale, sausage, potatoes, etc.  I had my doubts as to whether Elana was going to eat it.  I started with the meat.  She ate it.  I added the kale and other vegetables with the meat.  I waited.  I was expecting her to work it out of her mouth.  It did not happen.  She ended up eating the whole bowl of soup.

With all the terrorist activity going on and our politicians talking about needing to know more information for security purposes, it reminds me of the latest Bond movie.  If you have not seen it yet, go see it and make up your own mind.  It seems to come from the incidents we are now living through.  I wonder if Spectre has their hand in this?

I have one day to finish The Girl in the Spider's Web.  I only have about 200 to read.  I have to turn it in tomorrow.  That is why the post have been a little spotty.  I have enjoyed the book so far.  I found out that one of the film companies are thinking about making this into a movie and changing the actors.  I actually liked the original and the remake.  I thought both had great actors.

I have not given up on listing children.  Since I have started my new position, things have been busy.  I still plan to list children.  I hope people will go to their pages and help get the word out.  If I was responsible for finding a family for one child, that would mean a lot.  I wish I could do that for Audra.

Elana started screaming again last night.  I don't know why she is doing this.  Not only is she screaming, but she is also crying.  I finally open the bedroom door.  Then I made Angie mad.  I did not know what to do.  I figured she wanted to be out with her sisters.  Guess I was wrong.

I got to attend a meeting at work in my new job capacity.  It was interesting.  Raters do not attend these kind of meetings.  Now I am part of the Underwriting team.  I was welcomed with open arms.  I look forward to working with the people I will be working with.  The best part of the meeting was that we got lunch.  Usually, I had to wait for the leftovers.  Now I will get a warmer meal.

Well, I might not have won the contest for the Just Share it culture contest, but I did get a certificate.  I wonder if they did this because I was being vocal about it?  Who cares.  I understand that I will not win every contest.  I tend to be a little competitive.

I should just give up while I'm ahead.  I lost the dessert contest.  I was not even in the top three.  I think there were a lot more entries than in the past.  One person even made 3 cheesecakes.  Compared to his, everyone probably thought my cake was plain.  Michelle, Haley, Elana, and Angie liked my cheesecake.  That is good enough for me.

Today, we are having our Thanksgiving meal at work.  One thing they do is a dessert contest.  I won a couple of years ago.  I decided to try again.  I am entering a cheesecake.  We'll see how I will do.  I don't know how many entries there will be this year.  I do believe there are prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd.  The funny thing is, my mom came up with the recipe and she does not like to eat it.

Elana was having major issues last night.  When I got home, she was acting tired.  When she is tired, she will walk around and throw anything she can get her hands on.  I quickly made dinner, so that I could get her to bed.  Once we got in the room, she kept screaming.  It was a repetitive scream, not continuous.  She would scream and then take a break.  It lasted for two hours.  I finally got up and we gave her some medicine.  I hope that was it.  She can really scream.  

For those in the US, have you got your turkey?   I got ours the other day.  From what I hear, they will probably have enough to meet demand.  There may not be a lot of deals offered.  This was due to the bird flu that happened earlier in the year.  If you see a turkey, you might want to buy it.

I started as an underwriter today.  It feels like rating.  Actually, we are trying to get things done the holidays.  Our system is being checked.  I have to find things to keep me busy.  Earlier today, I posted on China Cultures Facebook site.  I just wanted to let my fellow entrants know that the contest is over.  I think they should have sent consolation prizes, since they decided to change the rules.  I should sent that to them.  I'm sure they'd ignore it.  

I finally got my response about the photo contest.  Guess what?  They decided to change their rules.  They felt that they did not get as many entries as they hoped for, so they cut it to one winner.  They gave me a name, but I can't read Pinyin.  The name given is Chinese.  Not only that, but it would be interesting to see what kind of votes that person got.  That would be hard to do, since the took down all the votes.  Will I enter a contest like that again, I don't know.  It just seemed that it was rigged in their favor.  Just like gambling in a casino.

I changed my profile on Facebook.  There is an app or something like that, that allows you to put the colors of the French flag over a picture.  I chose one of Angie, Michelle, Kayla and I in front of the Eiffel Tower.  It was about a year or two after we had finalized their adoptions.  Angie had won tickets through her job.  It was an amazing trip.  I can't wait to go back, but it will probably be after retirement.

I was trying to be nice yesterday.  I decided to take Elana grocery shopping with me.  That way, she is not upset when I am gone.  I had this plan that she would sit in the cart.  Reality: I had to carry her and push the cart with my other hand.  Luckily, she was in a good mood.  Next time, I bring the carrier.

Elana woke in the middle night.  She started singing Mia's Bumblebee song.  I told her it was not time to wake up.  She turned to me and said day daaa! She stressed the last word.  Mia has been doing that with certain words.  Elana is picking up those speech patterns.  She eventually went bake to sleep.

We loaded in our van to enjoy a nice breakfast.  Chick-fil-a in our town is is doing a fundraiser for the foodbank.  We were able to get a chicken biscuit for most of the kids.  Michelle and Kiersten had other plans.  Luckily, we had a coupon for free nuggets.  It was a real saving to us.  At onepoint, I had to bring Elana outside.  She kept screaming.  She might be getting sick.

Haley Fahey is closer to being ours legally.  We will be going into a 90 waiting period after the lawyer submits it to the courts.  She is doing well.  She gets stronger everyday.  We hope to bring her to the doctor, but we have to set up her insurance.  It may take some help to get that to happen.  The family refused to give up her Chinese information.  I mean her passport and other information.  I am hoping the agency can assist with that.  I don't see the reason for keeping it.  I guess they wanted a souvenir of their adoption.

Yeah!  I finally got my Kindle.  I can't wait to go home and see it.  They shipped it quickly after this last correspondence.  If you'd like a change to win contests like this, like/follow China Daily on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram.  I still don't know about the China Culture contest.  I might just write the person who contact me for this prize.

When Haley came into our house, she could not stand on her legs.  We thought she might have a leg disorder.  Over the last week or two, she has been moving her legs around.  Today, she actually stood on her own two legs.  It is looking more like the deafness might be her only issue.  We won't know until we bring her to a doctor for a full checkup.  She is doing good.  She eats most of the things we fix her. Elana, on the other hand, is very picky.  We are trying to get her to eat more solid foods and get off the formula she was drinking.  I have noticed that she will eat when she is hungry enough.  I don't think it would hurt her to lose any weight.  She was a well fed child in China and has not been having any issues eating at our home.

I woke up around 4:00 am and noticed my phone was flashing.  China Daily was letting me know that they would be sending the Kindles soon.  I was happy to see that.  I only wish China Culture would release the list of winners, but I am guessing there might be none.  When I was replying to my text, I noticed Elana sitting up twirling some clothing.  She did not even make a sound.  After a minute or two, she got up and started going in circles.  I checked her diaper and sure enough she was wet.  I changed her, but she was not ready to go back to sleep.  I just went back to sleep.  When my alarm went off, she was back in bed asleep.

I had hoped to get things done, but my boss had other plans.  Elana ran around the house doing things.  I eventually blocked her in the living room.  She finally took a nap.  Meanwhile, I caught up on The Walking Dead and Fresh Off The Boat.  I did get the food shopping done.

Today I am off.  Our work is honoring Veteran's Day.  It's kind of weird having a day off in the middle of the week.  I am going to get some shopping done and maybe some cleaning.  That is only if Elana lets me.  She is sort of the boss today.  I'd like to get some things done.

Recently, we have gone out to dinner with the girls.  If you have read my posts, you know how difficult this can be.  Elana usually wants me to hold her, the whole time.  Angie said we should put her in the stroller.  We did.  She has done well.  She does screech every once in awhile.  If you hive her fruit snacks, it keeps her happy.  After I finish, I get up and wheel her around.

I was looking at the news and saw a picture of smog in Beijing.  I remember those days.  They say it's from coal burning.  Most people in the north burn coal for heat.  It's too bad for the health of the people though.  I wonder what kind of birth defects that could cause.  When I lived in California, they used to have smog warnings.  It was not like the haze Beijing has.  When you would breath in on those heavy smog days, your lungs would hurt.  You could not take deep breaths.  Maybe the government will eventually change things, but it will take time.

Elana has grown quite attached to me.  I usually have to hold her.  When I am around, she likes to be near me.  Last night, I got home after 9:00 because of the movie.  When I walked into the house, I was greeted with screaming.  Elana was having a major tantrum.  It was partly due to being tired, but partly because I was not there to put her to bed.  I quickly got on my sleeping clothes and went to her.  As soon as I was holding her, she stopped crying.

You know there is blind dates.  Tonight I am seeing a Blind Movie.  It is called Love the Coopers.  I have not seen the preview.  Hopefully, it will be good. So, maybe this is not the best way to pick a movie.  If I had seen the preview, I might not have gone to the movie.  It was like a Hallmark Holiday Movie with more or less A level actors.  There were enjoyable moments, but to me it was few and far between.  If you like holiday movies, then this might be your cup of tea.

I was doing some research on Haley's Province.  She comes from Zhenzhou.  It is in the Henan province.  Looking at what is there, I wish we could have gone there.  The thing that stood out is that the Shoalin Temple is there.  I guess we will have to visit when she gets older.  There are also mountains that look like they would be interesting to visit.  

I don't understand the contest I entered.  I wish they would have stuck to their guidelines.  It looks like no one will win.  I have checked everything I can.  I wonder if the winners will be going to next years festival.  It is hard to tell.  As the rules explained it, it was for the festival that began yesterday.  I have written people, but no one responds.  It's kind of aggravating.

Just finished visiting with Kayla.  The girls had fun together.  Kayla is doing great.  When we left, she was informed that she was going on a van ride.  She likes that.  They might do something else, but it depends on their behaviors.  Now we are headed for dinner.

Last night, her school did a movie night.  They showed Inside Out.  We had already seen the movie, but Michelle wanted to hang out with friends.  She also was hoping for popcorn and drinks.  Usually, that is what they have offered.  They did not have those things.  Michelle said they ran out.  I did not see any in the garbage.  They did sell pizza and soda.  The families were eating it up.  The movie was too loud.  Kids were running around.  I was happy when it was over.

At the theater to see Spectre.  Probably going to be a packed theater.  I would have seen the sneak, but it was on the other side of town.  Stay tuned for review. I was kind of disappointed with the review of this movie.  The reviewer said it was the worst in 30 years.  I liked it.  There was plenty of action and it seemed to wrap up the Daniel Craig Bond storyline.  Dave Bautista did a good job as a henchman.  If you like the current Bond movies, then you will like this one.

Usually at night, I take Elana into the room and close the door.  I lay on the futon.  I start Elana on the futon.  She does not stay there.  She will walk around the bed about a million times.  I will pull her back onto the futon.  Eventually she will drift away to sleep.  Last night, she did what she usually does.  One change happened, she climbed onto Michelle's bed and fell asleep.  Michelle's bed is a normal twin bed.  It does not have a side railing.  I could not let Elana sleep there.  I would be worried that she would roll off the bed.  I wonder if she is getting used to everything?  Maybe that could lead up to her sleeping in a bed of her own.

I had to wait outside for Mia.  Elana stomped through the house throwing things.  By the time I got back to the house, it looked like Godzilla and his path of Destruction.  She does this when she is tired.  As I am writing this, she is tossing things off the counter.

Today, I left work lunch with Michelle.  It is called fine dining.  Michelle wanted Taco Bell.  I don't think that qualifies for fine dining, but it is what she wanted.  I stopped by to get her order.  Soon, I was sitting around a class of 5th graders.  Michelle enjoyed her lunch.

In addition to our adoption, I just found out that I am getting a promotion at work.  I am moving up to Underwriter.  I have been working as a rater for 10 years.  It's time for change.  I will have to work hard, but I think I can do it.  I have a great group of people to assist me.

If we had gone to adopt Audra, it would have meant another trip to China.  It looks like I'll have to wait.  I still hope to win the picture contest, but who knows.  I check it everyday.  Nothing.  If that does not work, then we save for a mass family trip for the girls to see their homeland.  I don't know if we would have been able to afford a full adoption.  This time we only need to pay the lawyers fees for a domestic adoption.

So, our new addition is 3 years old.  She is deaf.  She is very quiet.  I think she is coming out of it.  She slept really well last night.  By the way, we will be naming her Haley.  She does not cry much.  Only when tired or hungry.  I will post a picture shortly.

I'm still waiting on the picture contest.  Nothing has been announced.  I have emailed people, posted on their site, etc.  I guess I should take a breath and just wait.  I look like a have a good chance to win, but who knows.  I guess I am a very impatient person.

As you might have read, we are not going to pursue adopting Audra.  We dearly wanted to, but China had its concerns.  This week, an opportunity opened to us.  We took in a child for respite care.  A family had recently got back from China and were having issues.  We were willing to help.  It is looking like we might have a chance to adopt this child.  We have to wait until the end of the week, but she is still with us.  She is 3.  As far as we can tell, she is deaf.  She does sign a little.  We will have to bring her to the doctor to have a thorough checkup.

I did not know this, but Lexi had an adoption disrupted.  What that means is a family went over to China to adopt her.  For some reason, they did not want to go through the adoption.  It happens.  That is why people need to research before going.  At least, she still has a chance to be adopted.  I have heard of others that have been moved off the adoption list after an adoption.  Think how it scars the child to meet someone and then does not want them.  Believe me, we live in a small world.  Our lives have intersected with others that might pertain to Lexi.  Please look at her file.  If you consider adopting her, do research on special needs and her specific needs. http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=lexi

If you have ever driven through Orlando on I-4, then you might have heard of the curve.  This is an area that is notorious for accidents.  Today was no exception.  I was just about to get on it and Angie calls to find out where I am.  I tell her and she informs me of an accident.  I still went on 4.  I made it close to the area of the accident.  Then, I pulled off, took a back road and used Fairbanks to get back on 4.  I was able to get to work on time.  I did not have time to write.  Here I am with the first posting.

As you know, Angie and I have been trying to adopt Audra from China.  At first, we were approved, but when we tried our agency said that we could not.  We were to wait until getting home.  We got home and China said no.  It was not a solid not.  After our 6 month report went in, we tried again.  China is still leery about granting us approval.  Now a big thing happened this weekend.  I will get into it another day, but we will have to stop trying for Audra.  We won't be able to afford the adoption and do not have the space.  I will continue to advocate for her.  Hopefully, someone will fall in love with her.

I woke this morning expecting the list of winners to be announced.  There was nothing.  I am still second in votes.  I don't know when the voting stopped.  I guess the announcement will come tomorrow.  There is a lot going on that I have not written about that will change our lives.  I hope to write about it soon.

Last night was an adventure.  We started trick or treating around 6:30.  It started out okay.  Then, we were attacked by a group of bloodsuckers.  I swatted at them as much as I could.  Eventually, they went away.  Some of our neighbors set up haunted house type set up to give people a scare.  One of those scares was set up like the movie The Purge.  They had an alarm blaring.  A group of people in masks with bats and other weapons.  Michelle saw this and knew what it was.  The girls got lots of candy.  Mia even participated.  By the end, we got news that the bear had been sighted near our pool.  It was dark in that section.  The pool is across from our house.  We made it home safely.  Angie did tell me she had heard a crash outside.  Nothing could be found.