August 2011

     Well we have been trying to establish some sense of order to life with a toddler. Note the word "trying". Olivia is adjusting well to being a member of the family. She definetly has a mind of her own and has a way of working her brothers which I love. They dote on her and she uses it! She looks to Grainger for comfort. He tends to be gentle and soft spoken with her. When she wants to rough-house? Yup, Cole is her man. Cole whips her around and she loves it. I hold my breath the whole time he's doing it.
     Olivia is such fun. We've spent hours playing and singing. She isn't saying words yet but she is trying. She has been walking for about 2 weeks now and is eating from a spoon. Her favorite foods are yogurt, strained fruits and and baby cereal. She has been to the pediatric plastic surgeon who did Cole's work and she'll be having her soft palate repair soon. First she needs to see an ENT, to see if tubes for her ears are in order.
     Besides that, football has begun for both boys and Grainger has begun working at Wegmans. I drive the van. All over. Thank goodness Libby likes her car seat. And Mike? Well he's working- his very favorite thing to do. I have to call the store at times to say, "Come Home!" But, that's nothing new.

HOME......Finally!

Yes, we are home! We had a rough time in Hong Kong. Let me begin by saying that the entire time we were in China, I NEVER used a squatty potty. I always searched out the handicapped bathroom and was all set. I figured my absolute disgusted response to the squatty potties was handicapped enough to use the handicapped bathroom. Well on our van ride from Guangzhou to Hong Kong we stopped at a gas station to refill and to use the bathroom. Apparently the station did not cater to the handicapped because there were only squatties. I had a choice to make. Needless to say, my last bathroom break in China was in a squatty potty. I wanted a shower immediayely following.

Hong Kong was beautiful but they do not want to be associated with China. This includes having their own currency. They would only exchange our yuan- chinese money- at at rate that would be a big loss for us. Mike was not happy. He even went to the airport to exchange at the Bank of China and it was going to be even worse. On top of that, Mike's credit card was shut off for the second time this trip for out of country suspicious charges. We called them twice to say we were out of the country but..... Let's just say, we went to dinner in the hotel then to our rooms. Mike was so angry he played ball in the hotel room with the boys. What a rebel!

Our 15 hour flight home was so bouncey and bumpy I was ready to hurl and praying like crazy. Olivia did very well on the flight. The saving grace were the tv's for each seat. I caught up on movies I'd wanted to see like The Adjustment Bureau, Transformers and The Back Up Plan. I also got to watch the Twighlight Trilogy in order! We put Olivia's Tv on the movie, Up! and she was entranced for quite a while. Then she'd just play with the buttons on the tv.

What a thrill to finally land in Rochester to find 34 friends and family there to greet us! I was in such a fog by that point but we were all so happy to be home and to see all of the happy faces of those who came to see us. Olivia was a champ with everyone around her. We weren't sure how she'd react but she clapped and smiled her way through.

I promise to update this blog with photos and milestones Olivia reaches so check back now and again! Again, thank you all for your messages and well wishes. It has been an enlightening experience. How blessed we are!

The Last Day!

Mike here, Ellen finally let me play on her iPad! We traveled to Hong Kong today to begin our journey home. We had our own personnel chauffeur transport us from Gounzhou in a really awesome Toyota Van! I think Ellen would really like one for herself. We are all ready to board the plane. We agree that we will miss China, but getting back to the States with our Olivia will be GREAT! We have enjoyed seeing everything and traveling the continent. We have had a lot of fun, eaten a lot of different foods, especially Cole, sorry char but he is adventurous, and seen a Whole Different part of the world. The best part was doing all of this together and bringing home Olivia. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and introducing you all to her. I am sure if time allows we will send another update from Nerark NJ. We Are looking forward to going back in time tomorrow. Our best to you all. Thank you for being part of our journey.

Our hotel lobby - beautiful

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Last Day in Guanghou

Flint Family Red Couch Photo

I am having a terrible time with the Internet
I have tried to post 4 times and it keeps dumping me. Here I go again.

As I write this there is a Chinese woman singing 70's tunes in the lounge. Iam trying not to laugh as it only fits with the day we've had. This experience has been a true test of flexibility. We found out that we have no seats for our flight from Guangzhou to Hong Kong. We have a flight but no seats........ So, we are taking a van to Hong Kong. I kept envisioning Kathleen Turner crammed on a hot bus with chickens and pigs from Romancing the Stone. We have been assured we are the only ones riding. Our guide told us it will be a 3 hour trip. We'll see.

today was also our Red Couch photo day. Our agency has all families take a group photo on the red couch in the lobby. Every couch in the hotel is red but nonetheless this is a right of passage. All of the kids being adopted wear silks and Let me say, it was hysterical. The children who have really bonded scream and have a fit being left on the couch. The other just kind of sit there smiling or in a daze. It was a funny thing.
Sadly we said goodbye to the two other families in our group after dinner at the Cow and Bridge. It's amazing how close you get by going through an experience like this together.
I'll try to post from Hong Kong tomorrow before we head home. Love to all!

Trying to get the new kids in the shot. Andrew wouldn't have it.

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The kids with Jocelyn, our guide. Olivia loves her.

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Our travel group for one last photo.

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Night, night

 


Libby and her Daddy are stuck like glue to each other.

The 6 story mall! Ooh, it gave me the chills.

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Honestly, there is a 7-11 on every corner!

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Grainger with friend-the only one who doesn't mind the weird voice he's been using!

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Consulate Appointment Day

Well today was a big day. we left the hotel  for our appt. at the US Consulate. We took at 7:10 am an oath stating all of our info was true etc. We then paid our fee and the final step was when. They went over all of our documents for her visa. in true form, they had an old document that said we wanted a non special needs child. I told them

they had the wrong form but they assured me that was what they had. For those of you who saw my document binder, you know I was meticulous files on this adoption. I didn't cry as I thought I might. I just said I would fax a copy of the form ihad at the hotel. They told me I needed all these other people, our agency even the National Visa Center. I was on pins and needles for most of the day until I got the call that the Consulate "found" it. Hmmmmmmm.

We journeyed to a mall that was 6 floors high and it held the pearl market. It was fun and I wished I had cash to burn because I really needed some pearls. Olivia got some but not me. Oh well.

Tonight we went on the Pearl River Dinner Cruise. The food was terrible but touring up and down the river was great. At night everything is lit with colored lights and it is cool. Apparently they spruced everything up for the Asian games which were held here a few years ago. Our cruise even included a magician! This man did his best to amuse the crowd. Of course after each trick Grainger would say,"ancient Chinese secret, huh?"  We had fun even if we did come back hungry.

Tomorrow we wait for Olivia's visa and passport to be delivered to us! That means we head
to Hong Kong on Wed. in our trek to get back home.

We are so homesick. This has been an awesome experience. 

Love to all! 

The Flint Five

Pearl River Dinner Cruise

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Mike's lunch. Which came first, the chicken wing, the fried egg or rice?

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Grainger thinks he can lull Olivia to sleep if he acts asleep. Ok, he's new at this.

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I'll have the filet mignon!

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Sunday in Guangzhou

Today we toured around Guangzhou. It was very interesting to see the living areas and all the markets with the meet and chickens etc. just hanging out front in the heat. The temp. was brutal today. We took the bus to an Arts and crafts museum. It used to be a family school that was later converted into an institute for artisans. There was. Carvings out of bone, jade, ivory. there was amazing embroidery and painting of pictures and pottery. The workmanship was incredible.

After sweating through that we went on to the 3 Banyan Budhist Temple. The area was well attended by adoptive families as well as residents there to pray. Olivia was able to be blessed by a Budhist monk while we were there. Thank goodness he played a drum-like object because it held her attention for the whole time we were being blessed.

Did I mention it was hot today? We were wiped out by the time we got back to the White Swan Hotel. Cole and Mike went to the pool while Gray, Olivia and myself crashed for a nap. We awoke, did some shopping then had dinner at Lucy's-a restaurant with a western menu. mike and I had grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, which turned out to be spam and cheese. I loved seeing the Chef's face as he ate his spamwich.

Tomorrow is our big day. We have our US Consulate appointment where we take the oath to protect and care for Olivia for the rest of her days. We then apply for. Her visa to travel to the US. Tomorrow we are also going to the Pearl Market and on a Pearl River Dinner cruise. woo hoo!

We hope you are all well. We can't believe we are almost done with our China trip.

love to you all, 

Us

Too Cute!

Shop keeper Amy just loved Olivia! I have good deal for you!

 

Sculptures on Shamian Island

Folk Art Museum

Olivia gets blessed at 3 Banyan Budhist Temple.

Too hot to handle-the weather, that is.

Our little Asian flower girl.

And our bigger Asian flower girl.

We've arrive in Guangzhou

Picture: The brothers help Olivia through her ENT exam.

Hello! I feel as if we were cut off. From society yesterday. We had a 2 1/2 hr. Flight from Zhengzhou to Guangzhou. (pronounced Gwan Joe) Olivia hated every minute of it. she drank every single bottle I packed and screamed for most of the trip. Can't wait for the 15hr. Flight back to the US.

Gia Zhou reminds us of what New Orleans looks like. it was a French and English colony at one time so it is not very China-like. There are many adoptive families here because they all have to go to the US Consulate here to be able to travel with their new children.

Olivia had her medical appointment today. It wasn't very high tech but in theatre of the doctors, she was swell. we could have told them that. the funny thing was at each station, either Grainger or Cole was holding her for the doctor. mike and I just stood there and answered questions if asked. the brothers took care of their sister very well.

I also got to complete about 1 1/2 hrs. Of more paperwork to finalize everything for the. Consulate appointment. what fun!

This evening we ate at a Thai restaurant called the Cow and Bridge. Olivia finally ate something other than formula! She ate applesauce but only if Mike dipped her alligator into it so she could lick it off. Don't know why she hates spoons.

Good night for now. We only have a few more days left! Can't wait.
Love to all!

Elle, Mike, Gray, Cole and Olivia

She passed with flying colors!

Olivia goes to her medical appointment.

True love. Xoxo

Do you think she has enough body life guards?

Her Life Guards

Bathing Beauty

It was our last day in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. We are having mixed feelings as this is Olivia's birthplace that she won't remember. But we are also excited about having the second leg of our trip done. Tomorrow we fly to Guangzhou. I can't wait to see has Olivia does on the plane. she has become quite the wiggle worm. this should be interesting.

We began the day with some ping pong and a dip in the pool. Olivia loved it. we weren't sure how she'd take the cool water as Chinese children have everything very warm but, no problem.

I took a taxi ride with our guide, Rita, today. I needed more formula for Olivia. I will never make any comments about NYC taxi driver's again. let's just say Rita laughed as I rode with my hands over my eyes.

We had dinner with the other families at Mama Mia's! Italian in China. it was pretty good, too! We can't wait to get back to the Geneseo Mama Mia's.

I am off to pack. what a nightmare. good night.

Love, 

The Flints

Neck pillow fashions. Bored, Cole?

Table Tennis!

Mom comes in to kick their butts!

Arguing with his brother as usual.

Arguing with his brother as usual.

The Show-off

Arguing back-as always!

The girls is a fast learner, I'd say. sock it to him, Libby!

Our Day of Rest

Today we had no paperwork or appointments. It began with a trip to the zoo. Little did we know we would be the hottest attractions there. People tried to discreetly stand near to us to get a photo of themselves with a non Asian. One man told his daughter "I send you to a school to learn English. Can't you practice with them?" So funny. After a while we'd smile and wave then. They would do the same.
I desperately wanted to start a save the zoo fund right then and there. It was a sad place.

Afterward we went to a tea shop. Henan province is a major grower of tea. We were able to get some. After that I brought little Miss O and Cole up to the room for a nap. Cole isn't feeling well today. behind his ear has swollen and it hurts to chew. For any of you who know Cole, this is a fate worse than death. we can't tell if it is a tooth issue, ear or what. We gave him Motrin and will see how the night goes. Olivia is also not feeling well.
She has goop coming out of her eyes and she is coughing. She's also teething.
We'll just keep an eye on everyone.

Tonight the 3 families had dinner together. It really helps to see how everyone is adjusting. Very nice people. At dinner, Mike and Matthew tried seahorse Saki. The seahorses were floating in the jar. I am happy to say they both shrieked at how horrible it was. Really? You had to drink it to decide it would taste badly?
Have a great day today. I am off to bed. Tomorrow we venture off into a cab to find a store that sells Olivia's formula. She still isn't eating. Good night from China. 

Love to all,
The Flint Five

Our whole travel group at the Zhengzhou Zoo.

I want that shiny camera!

More Love for Daddy.

Possessed with the Olympic sized-pool.

It's official! She's ours!

Today we had to do a bunch of paperwork to make Olivia's adoption final in the eyes of the Chinese government. We went back to the registry office then we had to go to the Notary Office for more paperwork etc.  It was long and hot but we got through this major hurdle.

Poor Olivia had only a short nap so this evening she was quite out of sorts. she's only drinking a bottle of milk and eating nothing.  We are being patient and tomorrow we'll try some custard like stuff to see if that may help. Thank you Barnes' family. She's also teething so that hasn't helped her today either.

It's funny. Each of us today said we're ready to come home. Tomorrow is one week that we've been here. It's amazing how isolated we feel. Everyone's posts help so much. We look forward to reading them every day. Thank you so much.

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful fourth of July. I am off to bed. Tomorrow all three families are off to the zoo to pet pandas.

Love to you all!
The Flint Five

It's Official!

Loving her Daddy

When's it my turn to hold her?

Checking things out

OMG! what a day! She's beautiful, sweet, funny smart - and no, I am not confused with myself! after keeping us waiting for over two hours Miss Olivia Flint is now tucked safely in her crib with her family gushing over her.


We are awestruck by the blessing we have received. we didn't even cry because after 5 long years, we have this very tiny bundle of sweetness. even her brothers have been fighting over who gets her next. She is hooked on them all ready.

So, this morning Xu Ke Xin woke as an orphan. Tonight she's a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a niece. Incredible to believe.


Waiting for a daughter for five years............Priceless!

Taste testing Dad's iPod

Crushin' on the sister

My turn!

Mom's turn. soooooo thrilled!

Checking things out

Love at first sight!

The Flint Four in China

We had a great day yesterday. seeing the great wall was a dream come true. Cole and I didn't very high as the steps were about 14 inches high and it was so humid we had trouble breathing. We stood and watched the people. much more fun.

after lunch we went to the Olympic Village. The buildings created for the games are nothing like Lake Placid. everything is on a grand scale.

Last evening we went to a Kung Fu show. well it was more like Kung Fu- the musical. I couldn't stop laughing and Cole fell asleep and had his head practically on the girl next to him. No, not a pick up move. The poor kid was exhausted.

We leave in the morning to fly to Olivia's province, Zhengzhou.  so close now. :)

We are doing well. We are traveling with two terrific families so we feel good about that. This is the second trip for both of them back to China so we appreciate their knowledge.

Love to all. we miss you.
the Flint four


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Planking at an Olympic village.