From China with Love: Ava-Meiying's Adoption - fromchinawithloveavameiying

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A few pics of Ava-Mei riding her bike; on her new V-tech "laptop"; and asleep w/ Eliza on dad's lap.  Can't upload anymore video unless I pay; I've used up my "free" storage allowance.  I'll try to upload video to blog.

...and she is still a firecracker!  Here's a few pictures from yesterday and today.  More when I get some of the homecoming photos from my friends and silly-me, forgot to bring the camera along for her first bike ride, so we might need a re-do on that one!  All is going well other than this massive jetlag that I'm experiencing.

I'm amazed as I look at the stream of pictures from Metcha Day, to the grieving days, to the last few days...her resilient spirit.  Good bye China and hello America...oh what awaits her.  You know it's bittersweet leaving your child's homeland, but you also know the life and the opportunities she has ahead of her.  I will cherish every moment of this adoption journey here in China...yes, even the most difficult days...for this journey with Meiying has fulfilled me in a way that I could not have imagined.

Only a few pictures today and another fun Meiying video.  Sorry, but my camera is not acting right.  I don't know if it's something Meiying has done to the settings or if I just need a new camera?  So many of the photos keep coming out blurry and dark; that shouldn't be happening on this camera.  Oh well.  It was a great day as you'll read in my blog.  Enjoy today's pictures and the video of little chatter-box firecracker herself! 

She has changed a setting on my camera, so just about every photo from today was blurry.  She also has been deleting pictures, so I'm missing some of the good ones that I had taken!  Urgh!!  Here's the few that were remaining.  Go to the video's section at the bottom of this page to watch some of the videos from Metcha Day and today in the shop on Shamian Island.  Also, she's friends again with the 2 bears that I bought her and w/ her pillow that I bought her for the plane as you can see in the pictures from tonight.  She made the bed for the bears again; first time in 3 days, and she is asleep with the pillow.  These items have been piled in the corner of the room for the last 3 days.  Progress!  The photo of the doll was taken by Meiying at the pool.  She had undressed her, taken out every braid and ribbon, and brought her into the pool with her.  So this is the doll, dressed again, and lounging in the sun.  LOL

Finally uploading some pictures from touring the garden in Guangzhou today; they're hosting the Asia Games in 2010 in Guangzhou.  The orchids were breathtaking.  Sort of reminded me of a version of the Duke Gardens; not as nice though.  The rose garden was also beautiful.  Some very sad-looking photos of Meiying; amazing to look back at Metcha Day photos compared to these, but you can see the grief and anger on my daughter's face, can't you?  There's a photo school on Shamian Island so there's models and camera's flashing all over the streets; these "models" were breathtaking.  Meiying took these photos.  Starbucks smelled so good as we came around the corner.  I got a iced coffee though; what was I thinking ordering ice.  20 minutes later; stomach cramps and not good.  Back at the White  Swan hotel in the playroom, here's Meiying and Amei having fun.  Also, some pics of the buildings and the Catholic Church on Shamian.

Zoo day.  Not bothering to post most of those pictures; I don't like visiting zoos where the animals aren't in as close to their natural habitat as possible.  I did think these fish tanks were pretty cool though!  I also thought it was funny that we were actually the exhibit during most of the zoo outing!  Check out the pics of these 2 Chinese girls' fascination with the Americans and the American boys.  Hmmm?  And this last one is of Meiying and Aiden (from Oregon, he's 5).  They're having a good time together and she loves holding his hand and walking around.   Lots and lots of smiles today and lots of needing mommy.  A good day; a full day.

Highlights of the day was shopping and swimming.  In these photos, Meiying is showing her new bear and a new dress.  I'm so thankful to Craig and Heidi from Oregon who are so generous by including Meiying and I in their fun.  Craig is entertaining Meiying in the pool in these pictures and tonight we went to Pizza Hut together.  Meiying is playing with their 5 yo son though she's a bit too girly for his tumbling nature.  The lowlights of today are written in the blog.  The day has ended good though.

Check out the album above entitled From China with Love for todays photos.  All is going very well.  Meiying is smart, happy, and helping me fumble through being her mom!  More on the blog when I can post.  She's beautiful!

I can't access the blog; it is blocked as I suspected it would be.  I did update to it via an e-mail, but I can't check if it went thru.  So, you'll have to check there for me.  Yes, I'm here.  It's late.  It's been 24 + hours of travel and my bag did NOT make it.  I feel grimey and have no clothes to change into.  More later.  I meet Meiying in 9 hours.  (I think my camera cord to sinc to my computer was in that bag too?)  Ugh.

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3/21/2010 9:36:03 PM - 003024524548
Hi Sarah, you dont know me im barbara Dawn's mom LOVE the pictures especially the one with both girls sleeping on either side of their dad.Your very blessed, and im sure you know that. Thank,s for sharing.

10/7/2009 4:40:23 PM - 002091764272
Sarah - The pictures of Ava are beautiful - as well as all the snapshots of your family together! And what a journey - for you and for Ava! I can't wait to meet her! And I'm so glad you're both home safe and sound - have had you both in my prayers these past couple of weeks! Thanks for sharing your adventures with Ava!
Love ya sis and I'm so proud of you too!
Molly

10/3/2009 2:48:11 PM - 002088895879
Sarah...It is sooo cool to see her home and so happy. Looks like she is getting along with everyone and REALLY enjoyng having a home and family. And what a great place you have for kids to grow up! All your worrying was for nothing! God Bless all of you.

9/29/2009 5:40:26 PM - 001084688676
Sarita: It has been a joy to read your blog! You made me relive my days in Nanning and Guangzhou and I have cried along with you - during your bad days and also during your good days. I am so beyond happy for bith of you and that your bonding has started :)
Thank you for a delightful blog. Have a safe and uneventul journey home. Welcome back! God bless you! Carmen

9/29/2009 2:48:54 PM - 002090335447
Oh Sarah...I just feel like crying right now after reading your last post. Although our first connection was pre-Eliza time and our last was still yet pre-Eliza time which was merely a meeting to try to apease each other's impatience, I still feel so connected to you. It's sad that living so close by we are so busy to have never been able to get together after getting our precious little ones but I just wanted to say how relieved I am after checking your blog about every 30 minutes to see if you had any new posts over the last few weeks. While I am so relieved, I can only imagine how you must be feeling. Wow....the changes that have already occurred over the last few weeks are amazing and now there will be even more changes to come and more relationships that Meiying will grow to love and trust and cherish. Many times we use the phrase "We are so lucky." However, a few years ago I changed that phrase in my vocabulary to "We are so blessed." Somehow I think that makes more sense. I truly believe there is a much higher being than us looking over us and putting his hand in shaping each and every one of our lives.....even lives that are on opposite sides of the world. I can only imagine how excited Derek and the gang back home are to finally have you and Meiying in their arms. Cherish this time and feel the love surrounding you and your family at this time.

9/29/2009 2:13:46 PM - 002080340040
Nikki, I didn't get your comment on my blogsite. Blogger is blocked in China and it seems I'm getting some via e-mail and some, not. Thanks for writing though!

9/29/2009 10:21:19 AM - 002090335447
I hope you were able to receive my last comment on your blog site. I left it when your days were not going so great. I am so glad to be reading the last few days where Meiying has been attached to your hip, literally. Yes...you may have a backache but better that than a headache from stress, screaming and fighting. I'm so glad she has turned the corner and very very glad you are getting ready to come HOME! You are one strong lady. I know there will trials in the future but if you got through this then you can get through anything. You and that little beautiful girl can't come home quick enough. Here's to hoping for a smooth travel home.
Nikki

9/29/2009 2:13:56 AM - 002088491500
oh Sarah! Wonderful wonderful blog! What an amazing new daughter you have! Such personality and wisdom, and still I am in awe of all that you are going through...together- you and her. Wow wow wow! Just can't wait to meet her!
Love to you both!
Jennie

9/28/2009 12:46:15 AM - 002080340040
...woops, meant to say "I don't know why they DIDN'T transition her"...

9/28/2009 12:45:46 AM - 002080340040
Hi everyone, I don't know why they did transition her away from the foster parents. So good to hear from you all. Christa, I don't know if it would be possible for you all to meet us at the airport when we come home. It's a school night and will be late. If you think you can and are up for it, that would be wonderful. Might help Meiying too, seeing and hearing Lucy. I think we get in around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday though. Okay, gotta scoot; she's in the bath.

9/27/2009 8:43:28 PM - 002089382548
Hi Sarah, so relieved to read your last few posts. It sounds like things are starting to calm down a little. One thing we did for Lucy -and not sure if I have told you this already-is we bought Chinese cartoon and movie DVDs in some of the local stores. Lucy was watching one of hers today and it reminded me to tell you. It gives her a little piece of home and comfort and it reinforces her Chinese language. If you can't find them in a store near you-they sell them in the Asian market in Cary-which by the way I can't wait to take you & Meiying with my girls(if you haven't been there already). When Lucy first arrived that store was a Godsend because it had some of the familiar foods and brands of things that she was used to. And yes-it was there that she went right for the chicken feet! BLAH! We can't wait to meet her! We will pray for a smooth trip home-you're almost there!!!
God Bless,
Christa

9/27/2009 6:13:50 PM - 002088491500
Hey Sarah,
Why didn't they let her go back to the orphanage for the separation time??? Poor thing! I am so glad you and Leiba have found strength in each other....I just can't imagine how you are holding up-as Dad would say - the Chantry women are strong!!! I can't wait until you are both home. ....
sending more hugs
Jennie

9/27/2009 4:09:43 PM - 002089429496
Hope you have a safe trip home and she adjusts favorably to her new family on the farm including all the animals!!! I am so anxios to meet her and see her response to Eliza and Allie, May the airplane be exciting and help her to enjoy the new experiences as they begin for her. God be with you as you come home. I love you. (mom) Kathryn C.

9/27/2009 2:57:13 PM - 002080340040
Hi Frankie! You can meet Ava as soon as you want to. You and Ava are going to have fun being cousins together. She loves playing with dolls and games. I can't wait to see you. Ask you mom if you'll be coming to NC or if we're coming to Richmond, ok? Love ya! Miss ya! Aunt Sarah

9/27/2009 2:16:37 PM - 002089374869
when can i meet ava? (this is from frankie sarah) i cant wait to meet her. i'll teach her some words. not long now. love you, frankie

9/27/2009 2:05:23 PM - 002089374869
Sarah, I just read your latest blog and am smiling from ear to ear. Finally feeling more hope and joy! You must be feeling it! Hang on to it even if there's more rough roads ahead. This is the turning of the corner for sure. I am so happy she said you were her first mommy. Sugar stories were hysterical too! Gosh how excited we are to hear good news. Get home soon. Love you! Cilla

9/26/2009 5:05:52 PM - 001069503448
Hi Sarah, I've been out of town and just caught-up with your blog. My gosh! A lot sure has happened. I know it is hard for you-- all this, but I think the way Meiying is reacting is normal and healthy. Hang in there and stay strong. It will get better, eventually.

Big Hug!
Reena

9/26/2009 5:14:50 AM - 001084688676
Sarita:
My heart goes out to both of you. Just like your friend Jennie says, Meiying must feel torn between her two worlds - she is leaving behind everything she knows, but is also drawn to the new world she is seeing. You must be heartbroken for her and that is normal. Pls don't give up amiga! Soon MYing will appreciate and UNDERSTAND everything you are doing for her. You are doing great! Don't despair. After the storm comes the calm...Carmen

9/26/2009 12:59:48 AM - 002089382548
Hi Sarah, I just wanted to send you a hug and tell you to hang in there. You are doing everything right, you have very good instincts. As I said in my email-the adoption of an older child is such a journey, and so very tough at times. I remember the desperation I felt at times in dealing with Lucy's moods and the inability to closely communicate with her due to language barriers. It all seemed so sureal at the time. When we were in China last year we did alot and kept very busy exploring China- with our family and with the rest of the adoptive families. I think these "distractions" helped us to bond and kept her mind occupied so maybe her loss was not so apparent. I'm not sure if I am adequately explaining my point of view-but I say go out and explore China together. I think it will be very bonding and will keep her away from the constant temptation of the foster family being a phone call away. Hope to hear that today in China is a little smoother. These troubles will be only a memory when you have that well adjusted, happy, and loving child at home. I hope to have Lucy visit Meiying when you get home to help her with the transition. She can talk to her in her in Manderin. Will continue to follow the rest of your time in China. God bless.
Christa

9/25/2009 2:37:55 PM - 002089374869
Sarah, I am having a hard time not crying while reading this. She certainly has a strong will and that's going to get her through this. Remember that. The very thing that causes her spirit to say no, will ease it into sayig yes! She is so lucky to have you as her mom now, and she will feel it with her whole heart, in time. Hang in there sis and I can't wait for you to be home with your newest daughter. And I am so glad to hear your luggage arrived! Yeah! Love you sis, Cill

9/25/2009 1:36:15 AM - 002088491500
Oh Sarah, this left me crying again. I can not imagine what she is feeling, torn between her foster family and this curious, full -of -love and new -things Mommy. She must be feeling somewhat unloyal everytime she melts a bit more for you....somehow somewhen she will realize she has hit the 'jackpot' of Mommies! I wish you could talk to the foster mom to hear what she is saying and what she is morst worried or torn about....a new life? Leaving her foster mom? Leaving China? Or just everything? Hopefully she knows you have been waiting for her a LONNNNGGGGG time.....
continue to follow your exceptional instincts.
Love you Sarah.
Jennie

9/24/2009 8:19:27 PM - 002089309034
Sarah, You are doing great!! You have such a good feel for people. My heart goes out to both of you. She, going into the unknown and you trying to assure her and wanting her love. Little does she know that she is with "super mom"!! Of course, once we all see your famous bathing suit we may view you a little differently!
George is reading your blog daily and we have our fingers crossed that med. tests go well. I'll hike Hogan this evening. Weather is miserable here - hot and muggy!!!
Love, Judy & George

9/24/2009 1:40:08 AM - 001084688676
Love the pink sunglasses my dear! I want to see your infamous bathing suit!! Carmen

9/23/2009 4:35:19 PM - 002088491500
Hey Sarah,
Sounds like things are starting to go a bit smoother..? I am sooo glad your luggage came and how smart of you to have all those goodies in there for her! Do we get to see the swim suit and swim cap? You have to save those as a memorandum! I still can't get over how beautiful she is! Just wow Sar! Little by little....one day at a time. I like the idea of the web cam that Dar C has- to show her pics of the farm and Eliza and Derek and Allie and Brendan and the dogs and the chicken- all in real life moving around.....
I also can't get over how pretty and tropical it looks there. Palm trees!?
Hugs and love, Jennie

9/23/2009 10:04:35 AM - 002088789067
I hope you two are getting along a little better now. It will take her time, right now she is just looking at you as a babysitter, but it will change I promise. She has to grow slowly with you. I know you love her but 7 years old is different than an 18 month old. Her ways are set. Just give her time she will come around and love you. She is in for a bigger shock when she gets home. I hope you have a web cam, have Derek show her everything inside and outside the house. Of course put Eliza, Allie, and Daddy, Brendan if he is around. Pics are nice but seeing movement with the faces may help.

I guess you missed my earlier post.

Dar

9/22/2009 4:13:08 PM - 002089429496
Oh wow, I just saw the last one I wrote. Anyway I was telling you before how beautiful Ava was , just like Aunt Vera! haha You are so patient, kind and loving , I know you will eventually "mesh". I have loved reading your travel journey . You write so well.. Be careful over there . I can't wait to meet and see her. love, (mom) Kathryn

9/22/2009 4:07:13 PM - 002089429496
Congratulations on the completion of the adoption. Sarah, I have sent 2 messages and I hope you find them I can't seem to see them to read them. I must be doing something wrong. I love you and am so very proud of you. love ( mom) Kathryn

9/22/2009 3:33:39 PM - 002088491500
Oh Sarah, I am sitting here crying...how amazinf she sounds, and how very hard for her, and you. She is absolutely beautiful! Keep up with what you are doing, your instincts are leading you in the right direction, she feels your love and that you care, she just has to accept it..
I wish I could be there with you, sending you and Ava a hug. I can'twait to meet her. Please keep the pics and the blog coming. Hope you get your suitcases soon! and tell us how to approach her when we meet her...
rain here today, hope there is sun and smiles there for you.
Love you Sarah,
Jennie

9/22/2009 2:46:23 PM - 001069503448
Oh the swimming looks like so much fun! I hope your bags are waiting for you when you wake up. Lots of prayers for you and Meiying from me and Josie Dong Dong. Josie still refers to herself as "Dong Dong." Occasionally Josie, but mostly Dong Dong.

9/22/2009 11:30:48 AM - 002084632169
Thank you for sharing your day, feelings and emotions with all of us...Meiying is lucky to have such a open, loving mother...

9/22/2009 2:10:03 AM - 002088693000
Meiying's so very pretty and obviously a tender hearted sweetheart too!! Gosh my heart aches for the both of you knowing of the tearful moments. Again , though, your instincts for comforting Ava seem right on. Just keep being the intuitive sweet natured mom that you are. You two are in my thoughts and prayers this evening.

9/22/2009 12:52:30 AM - 002080340040
Thank you all so much for your comments, e-mails...I'm sorry that I'm not replying, but the connection is so slow and I also don't want her to think, "my mom is always on that computer!" I'm getting all your messages and I appreciate them so much. All the comforting words, suggestions, mandarin phrases (Kelly). Xie Xie!!! All the zen energies (Cheryl) and mommy compliments (Jill, Reena). Everyone!!! Thanks so much.

9/22/2009 12:26:01 AM - 002089309034
Sarah, I read about your first night and you both are in my prayers. Have Derick and crew coming tomorrow night for dinner. All seems well here. Hold it together. Your instincts are so good. Don't respond as you have somuch to do. Love ya, Judy

9/21/2009 3:40:50 PM - 001069503448
Hi Sarah, thanks for pointing out the obvious to me on how to link here. I hope your luggage arrives soon. Gosh, it will be probably be bigger than Christmas for Ava with all the wonderful gifts you brought for her.

Reena

9/21/2009 2:27:12 PM - 002089309034
Sarah, Hope your luggage has found you. Loved the pictures and can't wait to meet Ava. Hogan was a dear. Threw tennis ball a few times to wear him out and then off we went. Derric and Eliza are doing well. My visitors gave cat a few new names - Leroy and Fang!!
Miss ya. Hugs from George and I

9/21/2009 1:48:53 PM - 002088895879
Congratulations Sarah,
I had a feeling from the start that Meiying was a very special girl. She is a beautiful, joyful, and amazing girl. I think she will bring such joy to your family and you will give her the wonderful home that she deserves.
I will show Melissa the new pix when she gets home from school. She will be so excited to see Ava Meiying with her forever mom.

9/20/2009 9:33:06 PM - 002084632169
Glad you are in Nanning, hoping for a wonderful metcha day tommorrow!!! Hope your bags come soon, but once you meet your beautiful Meiying all will be behind you...Best Wishes for beautifu moments ahead! Mary Kate, future mom to Wei shasha...

9/20/2009 8:03:10 PM - 002088895879
So sorry to hear about your bag getting lost.
Your comments did get on your blog! I hope the rest of your trip goes better. We are all praying for you and wishing you the best.

9/20/2009 5:03:52 PM - 002088693000
Thinking of you and blog stalking ;-)

9/20/2009 3:22:24 PM - 002088491500
Sarah,
did you get there ok? Are you doing ok? Check in when you can, more pics too please!!! Love you Sarah-
Jennie

9/20/2009 10:14:14 AM - 002088789067
I hope your flight went smoothly. XOXO Dar

9/9/2009 2:27:39 PM - 001043413006
Hey, KellyB316 is me - Kelly/Katie & Ella's Mom/Truly Blessed!

9/8/2009 3:12:32 PM - 002080340040
Welcome! Hope you enjoy following Ava's adoption. Please leave a comment; I'll no doubt be homesick and looking forward to hearing from everyone.