OK....so the minivan isn't that bad afterall....LittleMouse 1 absolutely LOVES it and has spent part of each day since we've had it playing inside the van - from pretending its a Tim Horton's drive thru (what a boy!!) to pretending to drive his sister to Punta Cana (did they build a bridge?), he just can't get enough of it! The only trouble is its becoming less fun for Mom or Dad to supervise all this 'van playing' in this hot, hot weather :(
LM2 seems less sure about the van....each day she asks "But why did we have to get rid of the other car? Where is it?"
On to more pressing topics.... I may be absent for a while from the blog....not sure if I'll be able to continue while IN CHINA!!!! We depart in just a few short days and since this is my 'secret' blog, I may not get around to posting on here as much as on my more 'public' blog...gotta appease the family with pics and detailed info...but I will try to visit/post a bit. I'm really hoping to find some "Chinglish" signs to post here for your viewing pleasure...that is if there are any left in Beijing, since they've begun more careful translations in preparation for the Olympics. I'm betting that I find some 'in province' though...keep your eyes peeled :)
Gotta go...need some nourishment (read: chocolate) after a very busy day with the mice.
Toodles for now!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Carol Brady....you are my hero!
I am now officially 'domesticated'.....after years of avoiding it, years of resistance - today I made a major purchase - one that makes me blend in to the crowd, puts me in the running for 'soccer mom of the year'. I bought a minivan. Never say never, my friends...because if you were ever like me - drove a cute two-door sports car until the day my first child was born - vowed I would never drive a minivan - you too will one day eat those words! I refused to test drive the van, since the one we chose was not for its ability to run the Daytona 500....I figured that we need it, we are buying it regardless....let's just get on with it. Oh and I chose a blue one - that was the one they had in the car lot - it had a big white streak of bird crap all down the driver's door - it must be destiny, I figured....the birds agree with me, at least! I just know that tonight my dreams will be full of Brady Bunch references ( I alway dream in "TV", BTW)...perhaps tonight the family will travel to the Grand Canyon in the oversized automobile that looks like it has a wooden box around it. Or perhaps, I'll drive the beast to the supermarket with Bobby (LittleMouse1) and Cindy (LittleMouse2) and get in a fender bender with the lying whiplash man.....
I get to pick up my new van Friday....maybe I'll be closer to the window at the drive-thru at Tim Horton's.......oh my, maybe there is an upside to being domesticated ;)
I get to pick up my new van Friday....maybe I'll be closer to the window at the drive-thru at Tim Horton's.......oh my, maybe there is an upside to being domesticated ;)
Monday, June 18, 2007
Chu Ju's House by Gloria Whelen - 2 thumbs up!
Since we are just over a week until we travel to China to meet our LittleMouse3, sleep has not been my friend. When I don't sleep, I read. Over the weekend, I read a wonderful book, written with the pre-teen in mind, called "Chu Ju's House" by Gloria Whelen. Since I finished teacher's training several years ago, I have made a promise to myself to read at least one children's/pre-teen book each summer, just for fun. Since I anticipate being very busy over the course of this summer, I thought I would keep my promise a bit early :)
I am glad to have found this book. It is clearly written, in language that is both appealing yet challenging and since it is written from the POV of a young girl as she grows into a young woman, it is especially sweet. Although a work of fiction, the author seems to have taken great pains to be accurate, yet sensitive to the issues of baby girl abandonment in China. I wanted to read this book long before my daughter is old enough to read it.....we are still several years away from 'chapter books'...lol. In my search for book about adoption, Chinese people and culture, I am trying to compile a library for my daughter (and sons, for that matter) to someday take as her own....I guess its my attempt to provide her with links to her past....however flimsy they may be..... I worry that she will not understand her circumstances, how she came to be where and what she is and will be in the future. I fear that she will suffer because of the choice of so many adults (including me) in her young life. I fear that she will resent me....
I just want for her what any parent wants for their child.....to be happy.
Wow....I guess I digressed a bit from the book review. As you can see, the book really brought up a lot of questions and feelings for me....which is why I appreciate it so much....if you haven't already read it, I recommend "Chu Ju's House" by Gloria Whelen.....but get ready to bring out the tissues and to strap on that 'thinking cap'.
I am glad to have found this book. It is clearly written, in language that is both appealing yet challenging and since it is written from the POV of a young girl as she grows into a young woman, it is especially sweet. Although a work of fiction, the author seems to have taken great pains to be accurate, yet sensitive to the issues of baby girl abandonment in China. I wanted to read this book long before my daughter is old enough to read it.....we are still several years away from 'chapter books'...lol. In my search for book about adoption, Chinese people and culture, I am trying to compile a library for my daughter (and sons, for that matter) to someday take as her own....I guess its my attempt to provide her with links to her past....however flimsy they may be..... I worry that she will not understand her circumstances, how she came to be where and what she is and will be in the future. I fear that she will suffer because of the choice of so many adults (including me) in her young life. I fear that she will resent me....
I just want for her what any parent wants for their child.....to be happy.
Wow....I guess I digressed a bit from the book review. As you can see, the book really brought up a lot of questions and feelings for me....which is why I appreciate it so much....if you haven't already read it, I recommend "Chu Ju's House" by Gloria Whelen.....but get ready to bring out the tissues and to strap on that 'thinking cap'.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Do you know of a good dry cleaner?
I must attract the nutbars....perhaps I look like I WANT to talk to all the crazies out there?
Note to self: Do something to change appearance, as to not attract attention from every nutbar, ingoramus, bigot in town!!!
Yesterday, LittleMouse2 and I were running some errands in the afternoon....pharmacy, pick up dry cleaning.....First, the lady at the dry cleaners asked when we were going to China to 'get another one'. I just replied with a 'Sorry, what did you say?'. She then goes on to explain in an o-so-eloquent way that her daughter works at the shoe store where my husband shops and he was telling her all about 'it'. 'It' being the new kid! She wanted to know, 'Does it already come with a name?'. After pausing to collect my thoughts, I told her that 'he' is a child and yes, 'he has a name'. Wish that was the end of the story....but nooooo....there's more....
A nosy lady (in this case, I use the term very loosely) sitting nearby pipes up..."Where are you going? I couldn't quite hear." The first lady yells over to her, "They are going to China.....to adopt another one!" Nosy Lady then proceeds to ask, "Just how do you go about buying one of those kids. I heard it was a lot of money? Are you gonna pay a lot?" I stood there dumbfounded for what seemed like an eternity and I finally managed to say, " Did you REALLY just ask me if I was buying a child?" And she said, "Yeah....that's what I'd like to know". I then said, " Not that its any of your business, but NO, I will not be buying anyone. We will adopt a child very soon, but we will not be buying anyone. He is a person. You don't buy people." She just kept on going while I was trying to get my dry cleaning an go.... "Yeah, but you must have to pay something?" I said, " Well, Air Canada won't be flying us there for free and we will be staying in a hotel...so yes, there is a cost for a trip....but NOT for a child. I can't beleive you would even think of asking that....and in front of my daughter!!" By then I had my dry cleaning and I headed quickly out the door.
What more can I say....
Note to self: Do something to change appearance, as to not attract attention from every nutbar, ingoramus, bigot in town!!!
Yesterday, LittleMouse2 and I were running some errands in the afternoon....pharmacy, pick up dry cleaning.....First, the lady at the dry cleaners asked when we were going to China to 'get another one'. I just replied with a 'Sorry, what did you say?'. She then goes on to explain in an o-so-eloquent way that her daughter works at the shoe store where my husband shops and he was telling her all about 'it'. 'It' being the new kid! She wanted to know, 'Does it already come with a name?'. After pausing to collect my thoughts, I told her that 'he' is a child and yes, 'he has a name'. Wish that was the end of the story....but nooooo....there's more....
A nosy lady (in this case, I use the term very loosely) sitting nearby pipes up..."Where are you going? I couldn't quite hear." The first lady yells over to her, "They are going to China.....to adopt another one!" Nosy Lady then proceeds to ask, "Just how do you go about buying one of those kids. I heard it was a lot of money? Are you gonna pay a lot?" I stood there dumbfounded for what seemed like an eternity and I finally managed to say, " Did you REALLY just ask me if I was buying a child?" And she said, "Yeah....that's what I'd like to know". I then said, " Not that its any of your business, but NO, I will not be buying anyone. We will adopt a child very soon, but we will not be buying anyone. He is a person. You don't buy people." She just kept on going while I was trying to get my dry cleaning an go.... "Yeah, but you must have to pay something?" I said, " Well, Air Canada won't be flying us there for free and we will be staying in a hotel...so yes, there is a cost for a trip....but NOT for a child. I can't beleive you would even think of asking that....and in front of my daughter!!" By then I had my dry cleaning and I headed quickly out the door.
What more can I say....
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Trying times with the two Mice....
Today, LittleMouse 1 and LittleMouse 2 had their fittings for their school uniforms....actually, I'm not sure if it could be called a fitting, since neither one of them would try anything on. I used the drape it overtop/see if its long enough/wide enough method. I guess we'll see when the order arrives next month if we got the sizing right. I'm trying to think of ways - other than holding them down while I get them dressed - to get them excited about their uniforms. Really, HM2 won't be much trouble - its her brother who is very picky about what he wears. No buttons, no pockets, only jeans - the exact opposite of his school uniform! Should be fun come September.
It was quite hot while ordering the clothing today at the kids' school (they both start pre-K in Sept). HM1, being the thinker that he is, has an epiphany of sorts...he asked me, "Mom, its summer, right?" I answered, "No, but it will be soon." He thought about it for a few seconds and then replied, "No, I think its summer. Spring got cancelled." Sure did feel that way today :)
Getting prepared for the hot days in China.... 16 days away!!!!
It was quite hot while ordering the clothing today at the kids' school (they both start pre-K in Sept). HM1, being the thinker that he is, has an epiphany of sorts...he asked me, "Mom, its summer, right?" I answered, "No, but it will be soon." He thought about it for a few seconds and then replied, "No, I think its summer. Spring got cancelled." Sure did feel that way today :)
Getting prepared for the hot days in China.... 16 days away!!!!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Our baby boy!
I haven't really posted about our 'soon to be adopted child' b/c I've been trying to just get the feel for this blogging thing...but I recently realized that without a bit more personal info, the blog just seems a bit bland. I am hesitant to put very personal info (real names, pics showing my kids 'faces, name of our town...) out there b/c I'd like to blog about my kids and sometimes about the more controversial topics out there is IA land...without the possible repercusions that would come from giving up too much identifying info.
Since we will be travelling in the near future to China to adopt a son/baby brother, I will discuss some of the details.....the main reason being b/c we are adopting a Waiting Child and I would like to encourage others to find out more about the program....
Our son (LittleMouse 3) was born with a cleft lip and palate. He is over 12 months old and has yet to have any surgery to correct the cleft...this will be done soon after he arrives in Canada (his first medical consult is just a few weeks after we get home). He is a gorgeous, strong, chubby, and bright boy - if his referral info is correct. Developmentally he seems to be advancing quite well...perhaps ahead of schedule in a few areas. He has been in foster care, so he has had the opportunity to be given more attention, possibly more food and a more stable home environment than had he been in an institutional setting. We are grateful for this! We anticipate that he may be quite angry with us for taking him from his foster family, but we are prepared to help him adjust. His older brother and sister are so excited to be travelling to China....They are both experienced travellers, so we don't worry about them not being able to roll with the punches. If you've read earlier posts, you'll have seen that I've already been packing ...wish we were already there!
I've noticed that I've been getting a few more hits lately on the blog...I'd love to see comments from you is you've stopped by...even just to let me know you exist ;)
HM
Since we will be travelling in the near future to China to adopt a son/baby brother, I will discuss some of the details.....the main reason being b/c we are adopting a Waiting Child and I would like to encourage others to find out more about the program....
Our son (LittleMouse 3) was born with a cleft lip and palate. He is over 12 months old and has yet to have any surgery to correct the cleft...this will be done soon after he arrives in Canada (his first medical consult is just a few weeks after we get home). He is a gorgeous, strong, chubby, and bright boy - if his referral info is correct. Developmentally he seems to be advancing quite well...perhaps ahead of schedule in a few areas. He has been in foster care, so he has had the opportunity to be given more attention, possibly more food and a more stable home environment than had he been in an institutional setting. We are grateful for this! We anticipate that he may be quite angry with us for taking him from his foster family, but we are prepared to help him adjust. His older brother and sister are so excited to be travelling to China....They are both experienced travellers, so we don't worry about them not being able to roll with the punches. If you've read earlier posts, you'll have seen that I've already been packing ...wish we were already there!
I've noticed that I've been getting a few more hits lately on the blog...I'd love to see comments from you is you've stopped by...even just to let me know you exist ;)
HM
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Books by Peter Hessler
If you are looking for something to read that pertains to China, but not specifically about adoption, I fully recommend one of Peter Hessler's books. I am currently reading "Oracle Bones" after just finishing "River Town - Two Years on the Yangtze".
Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a book nut....a reading nut, for that matter. I MUST read - books, magazines, blogs, cereal boxes...you name it, I read it! I have been slowly compiling quite a library of books about China and adoption over the past few years, and I am constantly searching for something new to read. I must say that Hessler's "River Town" is one of the best China-related books I've ever read. He writes in a really fluid, clear, not textbook-y kind of way. The book is humourous and eye-opening...the first time I have actually felt that maybe China isn't all that mysterious was when reading this book. Because he lived and worked (and studied Mandarin) for two years in China, Hessler does a great job at demystifying some of the differences he sees between Western and Eastern cultures...and he does this with a great deal of humility. I don't want to give too much of the book away - I really do hope that more people will read it.
BTW - what initially drew me to this book was the fact that the author was writing about his time living in the city of Fuling (Sichuan Province). I know that Fuling is one of the places in China that has an orphanage that participates in the IA program....I personally know of one beautiful girl in my own town from Fuling. So, I guess even though adoption is not a theme in this particular book, it still really jumped out at me as something I should read. Glad I did!
Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a book nut....a reading nut, for that matter. I MUST read - books, magazines, blogs, cereal boxes...you name it, I read it! I have been slowly compiling quite a library of books about China and adoption over the past few years, and I am constantly searching for something new to read. I must say that Hessler's "River Town" is one of the best China-related books I've ever read. He writes in a really fluid, clear, not textbook-y kind of way. The book is humourous and eye-opening...the first time I have actually felt that maybe China isn't all that mysterious was when reading this book. Because he lived and worked (and studied Mandarin) for two years in China, Hessler does a great job at demystifying some of the differences he sees between Western and Eastern cultures...and he does this with a great deal of humility. I don't want to give too much of the book away - I really do hope that more people will read it.
BTW - what initially drew me to this book was the fact that the author was writing about his time living in the city of Fuling (Sichuan Province). I know that Fuling is one of the places in China that has an orphanage that participates in the IA program....I personally know of one beautiful girl in my own town from Fuling. So, I guess even though adoption is not a theme in this particular book, it still really jumped out at me as something I should read. Glad I did!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Group Dynamics...
I found out today that there may be another family in the WC (waiting children's) Program, like us, that will travel to China at the same time....but to another province for week 1, and we will join each other in Beijing. We already know that we will travel with another family to the 'province' and then meet up with a group of NSN adopters from other Canadian provinces (not Ontario).
I have mixed feelings about travelling with the group in Beijing...kinda wishing it was just the 3 WC families. On the plus side, we will save a bit of $ on the Beijing part of the trip due to group rates/discounts. On the negative side, we will be herded around on a bus as the group travels, does sightseeing and meals. We may opt out of some of the group things...we'll see. Some of you reading this may think I'm being unreasonable about the big group travel, so I'll try to explain a bit more. Last time we went to China (to adopt LM2), we travelled with mnay other families in a large group, and it was great. We have maintained close friendships with several of the families since adoption and we get together 4 or 5 times a year. All of our children on that trip were healthy (a few had colds, repiratory illness - but nothing serious), the dynamics of the group were awesome - for the most part, everyone got along extremely well (there was one parent who had a meltdown of sorts one afternoon - but no biggie) and for the most part, it was a fun, exciting trip. I guess I'm just thinking that this trip can't compare to that one, so I'm setting my expectations lower.....just for the group dynamics part...not the adoption of our precious LM3. I think that perhaps it couldn't be any better than the last trip...so then that means it can only be equal or worse. Last time we knew names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses months in advance for each family in the goup. This time, we don't have any of that info...it will arrive next week and I will make an effort to contact some families by phone or email. Last time, the majority of families were from Ontario...this time, the NSN families are all from provinces other than Ontario.
I know I shouldn't be bitching about this...it not like there's anything I can (or should, for that matter) do about it....its just been on my mind.
I am glad to have the other WC family going to the same province/SWI as us...and perhaps the other WC family that we can meet in Beijing....maybe we can form our own 'group within a group'?
OK...enough whinging for the day...I'm off to use the electronic brain cell buzzer (TV).
I have mixed feelings about travelling with the group in Beijing...kinda wishing it was just the 3 WC families. On the plus side, we will save a bit of $ on the Beijing part of the trip due to group rates/discounts. On the negative side, we will be herded around on a bus as the group travels, does sightseeing and meals. We may opt out of some of the group things...we'll see. Some of you reading this may think I'm being unreasonable about the big group travel, so I'll try to explain a bit more. Last time we went to China (to adopt LM2), we travelled with mnay other families in a large group, and it was great. We have maintained close friendships with several of the families since adoption and we get together 4 or 5 times a year. All of our children on that trip were healthy (a few had colds, repiratory illness - but nothing serious), the dynamics of the group were awesome - for the most part, everyone got along extremely well (there was one parent who had a meltdown of sorts one afternoon - but no biggie) and for the most part, it was a fun, exciting trip. I guess I'm just thinking that this trip can't compare to that one, so I'm setting my expectations lower.....just for the group dynamics part...not the adoption of our precious LM3. I think that perhaps it couldn't be any better than the last trip...so then that means it can only be equal or worse. Last time we knew names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses months in advance for each family in the goup. This time, we don't have any of that info...it will arrive next week and I will make an effort to contact some families by phone or email. Last time, the majority of families were from Ontario...this time, the NSN families are all from provinces other than Ontario.
I know I shouldn't be bitching about this...it not like there's anything I can (or should, for that matter) do about it....its just been on my mind.
I am glad to have the other WC family going to the same province/SWI as us...and perhaps the other WC family that we can meet in Beijing....maybe we can form our own 'group within a group'?
OK...enough whinging for the day...I'm off to use the electronic brain cell buzzer (TV).
Monday, June 4, 2007
Packers...start your engines!!!
Crap! This is my second try at this post....I tried to edit the last one and it suddenly disappeared....here goes again....
OK...so I started packing. Couldn't help myself. DH and the Two Little Mice are all asleep and there is nada on the electric brain cell sucker (aka TV). I managed to get most of the packing done except for the last minute things like clothing (3 days worth each) , medications (must be kept in high cupboard away from little hands until the very last minute), and the gifty type things for Little Mouse 3's foster family and officials (Starbucks ground coffee, maple candies, maple almonds, Grieve's jam in small pots - from Niagara on the Lake, fancy paper napkins and plates in several motifs...and some other things I can't seem to recall). I think I'll pick up a carton of Marlboro Lites before we go - kinda controversial, I know, but still a gift that is appreciated by many in China.
As far as luggage goes, though we won't be going COO (carry on only), I don't think we're doing too bad! This is what we will bring for 2 adults and 3 kids:
- 1 large luggage - for both weeks
- 1 small (carry on sized, but will be checked) luggage - to store at hotel in Beijing for use second week
- 1 carry on bag each - 'regulation' carry- on for me, backpack for DH, kid sized backpack each for LM1 and LM2
- laptop/camera bag - I will personally carry this as it will also contain all important papers/documents
- 2 'umbrella' strollers (will also have a 'Baby Trekker' packed for LM3)
Add to that one small suitcase my brother will carry (which I will be adding some of our stuff to!) and his carry-on , and I don't think that will be too much.....let's hope.
I've included some pics of my adventure this evening for your viewing pleasure....if you are at all crazy like me, you will appreciate the pics - if not, than this isn't the blog for you!!! LOL!
Friday, June 1, 2007
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