Ups and Downs

Another day of ups and downs. Today has been a tough day so far. 8:30 am medical appointment with a child that is extremely weary of doctors, with good reason. We also had a photo at the visa photo place and a 2 hour paperwork session. Let the fun begin people!!

As you could imagine the meltdown and constant holding/pushing away started at the doctors and continued until he could yell no more - he finally feel asleep and is napping. This trip is no life for a toddler let me tell you - it's hard. He was tired and hungry and I had a gazillion forms, plus a few more to fill out. Thankfully we appear to have everything we need in order to get a visa for Mr. Xi Tao Chuan, AKA Action Jackson, Chuan Chuan, Squirming Worm, and baby Jackyl and Hyde. Thankfully I did not have to list all his new nicknames on the visa request form.

I really hope that some of this rage goes away - it is really hard to cope with by myself. I have only the people that I am traveling with to occasionally hold him, but it has been so, so difficult. I cannot wait to get home to a familiar place, to my family that I miss like crazy and to provide some consistency for this little guy.

Here are some pictures:

With my buddy, #2 Kern

Red Couch Chaos

I like the madness!

Mom - did you plan for me to match?

Group Photo: Homeland & Hand in Hand Families

Me & Mom

Just waking up

Trying to mingle with the ladies

The bib says it all

Adoption Medical Exam

Hello from Guangzhou!!

Why is it that everything seems better in Guangzhou - it is like the Disney World of Adoption if that makes sense. Maybe because we are that much closer to home! We are at the White Swan - definitely in need of renovations, nothing has changed since 2006, we'll probably since 1980. Anyway, they are all about service here. The scooped us up from the airport, we were all tired and hot and whisked us to the hotel. During the whisking Jackson blessed us all with a very nasty diaper that was changed via a team effort on the white slip covered seats of the bus. Thanks for everyones' assistance - hope your eyes are not still burning - whew.

He traveled like a champ - it wasn't easy - lots of redirection and diversion but we made it. I had a knot in my stomach the whole time just waiting for him to pitch a fit - it was exhausting. He promptly passed out it the stroller as we walked along the Pearl River. Ahhh-the stroller, don't jump on me I know I should be carrying him, but he has been glued to me for the last week and I think for my sanity and preparation for home life a little stroller time is a good thing. I do have to bribe him with treats and I can't stop moving at all or he needs to be either up or out. Addie was this way at 20 months too.

So after sleeping in the stroller we went to Lucy's for dinner - and I decided that he should wake up and eat a little since lunch consisted of snacks at the Nanjing airport - bad move - he was MAD!!! He cried for the better part of an hour and then went to sleep for the night 7pm-7am. He was wiped. This schedule is so hard on the children and the heat makes it even worse. Only a few more days until we are home.

I did some shopping today and got most of the "must haves" on my list at my favorite store next door then I will shop around for a few extras. We spent some time in the playroom at the WS - he loved it and there were a lot of kids there. We also had lunch with Laura G. and Emma at the deli - we had some ice cream. Jackson was not a fan, he will come around.

Here is a few photos to tide you over - it has been hard to take pictures, but maybe now that he is in a stroller it will be easier. We have red couch photos today at 5pm.

Chillin' at the Nanjing Airport

Hangin' with Mom at the White Swan

Our Pal Emma G.

A Brighter Day!

Thank you everyone for your comments and emails of support it really has helped to lift my spirits. I will not lie, it has not been an easy road. So different compared to Addison's adoption trip. Jackson is very sweet, but he also has a nasty temper and is very confused at times to what is happening. Especially after seeing the orphanage staff three days in a row - agh! What must have been going through his little mind. Each day I see more love and less rage and anxiety. He is definitely feeling more secure and feeling better physically. The white oozing has stopped and the stitches are looking better and better.

First a little back story, so of you may know as I emailed you. In his belongings on gotcha day was a note from and young American woman, a teacher that fostered him on and off since the fall of last year. We were able to catch up with her during our visit to Wuxi. Her organization works with several orphanages throughout China visiting, playing with and fostering children. They even raise money for surgeries. So glad I was able to meet this important person in Jackson's life.

The orphanage visit was difficult because Jackson has just finished screaming for the better part of an hour when we pulled in so I was out of sorts. We had lunch, toured, saw some older children, toddlers, and babies (sorry no photos allowed), and met with various officials. I tried so eel at lunch, pretty tasty, also bitter melon, the "famous" Wuxi ribs, and prawns. It was a difficult day, Jackson looked around when we got there and nestled in and wouldn't let me go. I did manage to get a quick shot with him and his nannies.

I stayed on in Wuxi and the group headed back - had dinner at TGIFridays (some good ole' American fare) and the his foster mom and her friend helped me take the bullet train back to Nanjing - so much faster than the 3 hour van ride. At this point though Jackson was melting down every hour or so - totally miserable, but I knew the train would be better than the bus.

Thursday - we stayed in and Dr. Gong prescribed some medicine for Jackson's mouth and helped me iron out a diet that would be better on his stomach. So hard when you're living at a hotel. Last night we ordered Pizza Hut and all hung out in the Stephen's suite - a very nice night in. Jackson loved watching the Kern kids play soccer and even got a few kicks in himself.

Today- Far fewer meltdowns, although he didn't sleep to great. I think we had a major break through this morning. He will just pitch a fit wherever, hit, scratching, kicking, squirming, through himself on the floor (even backwards). I put a blanket on the floor and let him get angry, I kept offering myself to him over and over and finally he came to me on his own terms. Things have been better since then. I think he was a favorite and the orphanage and of course with his foster mom because he really know how to work it to get what he wants. I am head to toe bruises as proof. I don't blame him one bit, given what he has been through in the last 19 months. He had to do something to get attention and this worked for him. Another sweet little girl in our group is a hitter/biter all coping mechanisms of orphanage life - in time these will get better.

For lunch we ate at a fabulous German restaurant, I know German food in China. It was so good. Perhaps we are all homesick for something other than Chinese food, which is actually pretty varied. I had meatloaf with mushroom sauce, roasted potatoes, a caffe latte, and Jackson and I split a chocolate sundae - MMMM! For you XingFu families coming to the Nanjing Grand you MUST eat at the German place across the street.

OK, must pack. We leave for Guangzhou in the morning. Kimberly P. have an awesome trip picking up Tian Li. Addie and Daddy have a safe trip up north. I miss you all and will be home in 6 Days!!!!

Here are some pictures:

Entrance hall of Wuxi SWI

Foster Mom

All of us together!

One of Jackson's nannies

Lunch

Visiting my foster Mom's classroom

Lounging around

Being silly

More silliness

Self portrait

The Longest Day Ever!

Yesterday we went to visit Jackson's orphanage in Wuxi. The best development was that I was able to connect with a young woman who has fostered Jackson since last fall. She would play with him on Saturdays at the orphanage and occasionally take him home on the weekends. She was also there with him during his palate repair which is comforting for me to know.

The bad news is that on the three hour ride out to Wuxi Jackson's starting acting sick and writhing in pain, pulling at his mouth etc. This was the first time he has really cried and looking into his little mouth was awful - it looked terrible with white sores along the top of his palate. He is only 4 weeks post op and in the states would still be on a limited diet and wearing arm restraints so he couldn't put anything in his mouth. But I digress. I am pretty sure the repair didn't work b/c when he eats food still comes out his nose.

So I have been couped up at the hotel with a sick, cranky baby that I want to feel better soon. He is just miserable. Hopefully the antibiotics that I received this morning will do the trick. So keep us in your thoughts and prayers that we are feeling good and strong to travel to Guangzhou on Saturday because I would really, really not like to repeat yesterday.

I will post some pictures when we perk up a bit, just wanted to let you all know we are OK and counting down the days to diet coke with ice and our pediatrician at home.

Love,

Tracy & Jackson

It's official in Jiangsu Province

We registered the adoption today at the provincial level. Very official, yet the proceedings were really smooth. Only about 10 families there total. Lots of boys, I think all the groups were special needs. My friend Laura on the trip is not feeling well, so if you could say a prayer for her and her sweet daughter Emma I know they would appreciate it. She has a nasty stomach bug and cough that I hope not to catch. I have been loading in the vitamin C and trying to rest as much as possible. It is very humid here so every trip outside is very hot and sweaty.

Today went alright, we are getting to know each other better. He is very busy, quick to smile, and likes to joke. On the other hand like any 20 month old, he is testing boundaries at ever chance which is tough when you are confined to a small hotel room. I am definitely looking forward to Guangzhou and the playroom at the White Swan. I think he will love it.

He reminds me of Addie, he is a go baby. Almost to the point of restlessness. Some of that is likely the transition. We are trying to settle into a routine, but it is tough here because everyday brings with it a different schedule. We are laying low in the room this afternoon. He napping and I'm catching up with people. We hope to venture out tonight and explore some of the shops around the hotel and get some air.

Keep us in your thoughts, and feel free to comment as I enjoy reading them while I am here by myself.

Brody- I miss you and I miss our teamwork. This is a hard trip without you. Love you!

Addie - I miss your smile, sweet pea - I will see you tomorrow AM on Skype!! Huggies and Kisses.

Pictures from today:

He's a great sleeper, this looks so comfy

At the Adoption Appointment

The Registration Office

Stamping the paperwork with his thumb print

A celebratory drink!

What a morning, time for a snack

He's Here!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, this was an amazing moment. God must have known that I was nervous traveling by myself and about how Jackson would transition from his caregivers to me. It went very smooth, I am still waiting for the meltdown. Maybe when he wakes from his nap and realizes I'm still here??

He was feeding me cheerios, laughing, play peek-a-boo. He is a funny little guy. Into everything, I had to quickly baby proof my small hotel room. He is walking like a champ, he can even negotiate little bumps and transitions from tile to carpet.

He loves to hug and be hugged.

His palate is repaired. The director told me he had his surgery a month ago. So sad we were not there to help him through.

So onto what everyone wants to see - the pictures. So without further ado, let me introduce you to our very handsome prince, Mr. Jackson Reece Tao Chuan Peed

What goes together like peanut butter and jelly?

Well in China the answer is foot massages and duck tongues. Oh wait, that was just our adventurous afternoon. A few of the ladies from our group went around the corner and had the best foot massage ever. Foot massage in China means your back, neck, and entire leg massage. Forty-five minutes for 58 yuan about $10. Bliss.

We decided to splurge for dinner since it was our last night without kiddos so we went to a very fancy restaurant on the top floor of our hotel. We had our own private dining room - very classy. The only catch was no one spoke any English. We decided to give it a go anyway - we told them we liked chicken and beef, which I think were part of the 20 or so dishes they brought us. The meal was truly spectacular.

There were a few items not found on our menu back home including duck tongue, jelly fish, and either squid or octopus, I wasn't sure. I tried everything but the jelly fish - which I hear was crunchy and quite salty. We had three soup courses, and two dessert courses if that clues you into this meal - AMAZING! All for around $30/ person - you can't get that at Applebees. I will leave you with some photos of our fun and feasting.

Stay tunes - we get the children in the morning - wohoo!

[Relaxing: Laura, Teri & I]

[Foot Heaven]

[Some sort of poultry - very delicious]


[Do you think they give everyone gloves, or just us?]

[Mmmm, duck tongue]

[Jellyfish]

[More Duck]

[Don't forget the squid]

What an unbelievable meal :)

Some Pictures from My Day in Nanjing

{Flat Tyler and Mom Laura at the Shanghai Airport}

{Me at a Garden by Our Hotel}

{A Pagoda in the Rooftop Garden at the Hotel}

{A Sport Stadium Across from the Hotel}

Addie, If you are reading this with Grandma, which I bet you are I am missing you like crazy, baby. Oh wait, you're a big girl I know :) Hugs and kisses my sweet pea, Mama will be home soon. Have a great time with Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa, Jill, Nana, Poppa, Auntie Lee, and your cousins while I'm away. I will call you on the "TV" (skype) when you get back home with Daddy.

Big hugs and kisses, OK?? OK.

Love you,

Mommy