A Real Treasure! - Mama's Conclusion

Just wanted to post that Andon seems like the missing link in our family. We didn't really know he was the missing link but now that we have him our family somehow works better. He is great fun, and great help. He is a very good boy -- very obedient. I have been able to be around him for a little over a week now and he is just a real treasure.

I sometimes think of all he had to give up and I know it must be hard for him but he just is enjoying the ride. I know there will be rocky days ahead, I mean days that he will really miss his life in China, he had a good orphanage and was close to some of the staff. Many of his friends from there are here in the U.S. now so we will try to stay in touch with them as well as the orphanage. I know he is just as committed to us as we are to him. What a great boy!

Last Day

I think Andon and I are both getting all Guangzhou'd out. This is my third time here. One of the store owners said she recognized me.

I would like to take this moment and share a great epiphany I have had during all my adventures in China: Hacky sack uses different muscles than say those used while sitting at a computer all day.

We went to the US Consulate in the afternoon. I always expect something more. Maybe if they threw in some Chinese Opera? Small group this time--only fifteen families. They did mention the "Blake's" as one of three families who have come for their third adoption. I guess we're famous now.

Here's Bob with Andon after the consulate visit.

I did some more shopping in the evening. Andon wanted a bug encased in a stone. Pretty gross. Then I found out it glowed in the dark which is way cool. I had to get it for him.

Flying home tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it. I'm turning the blog back over to the wife. She's gonna have her hands full fixing Andon after I've had him for all this time. Let's just say we usually grunt and point as our form of communication among other things.

Paperwork Passed

Bob called and informed me that the paperwork for the consulate was all good. Consulate appointment is tomorrow afternoon.

I've noticed as we have gone around that Andon would talk with the waitresses and store owners. He's pretty smooth with the ladies. At least I think he is. I don't understand anything they are talking about. I will hear ..."baba" ... "baba".... so I know when they are talking about me.

He's decided that I'm really not that good at hacky sack so he played it with one of the ladies at a shop we passed by. After watching them play, I can see why he's given up on me.

I did some shopping. Normally, one would haggle with the store owners on price. I tried but they kept raising the price or adding more things for me to buy so I'd just quickly pay and leave. I think I'm doing my part to stimulate the world economy.

Shamian Island

This is my third time here. But going around with a twelve year old boy I'm seeing different parts of this place that I didn't before. Whenever we pass by the seafood place, Andon keeps looking at the fish, lobsters and crabs. I think he wanted to buy an eel but I told him no. Maybe, I should've let him have one--I don't want to stifle his creativity. We went walking by the river and he would look into the murky water trying to see fish. There were some fishermen and he was very interested in if they've caught anything. In a previous post I mentioned if you stung Andon you would get squished. Apparently, you just need to have a stinger to enjoy that privelege. This particular wasp was stuck in a pond and Andon fished it out. Picked it up for a picture and then stepped on it. Even when I was younger I would never pick up a wasp. I probably should've let him have an eel.

Hacky sack? Andon is very good at it. I would even do some but I'm not very good at all. I usually end up kicking it clear over his head (whenever I can kick it).

Medical Exam

Andon had his medical exam this morning. Because he is older he had to get 4 shots. Bob (our guide) said that there was an older girl who had to get shots and it took 4 people to hold her still so she could get them. Andon said he wasn't afraid and took it like a real man.

We came back from lunch and ran into Michael who was our Guangzhou guide the previous two times. He came and visited with us.

Of course, our stay wouldn't be complete unless we also met with Jane who just arrived today. She was our guide with Bowen in Xi'an.

My wife told me that there was one thing that I should never do. I am ashamed to admit it but I broke the one rule that should've never been broken. But in my defense I must say after trying to say some Chinese words with Andon like "nose" and "mouth" that he probably thinks he has the dumbest dad in the entire world--even more so than what a teenager would normally think. So when Andon was making rude noises on his arm with his mouth, I said the one phrase that I can remember from my fruitless attempts at learning Chinese. "Who passed gas?" Needless to say, he was really impressed with me after that.

Guangzhou

We sat around playing computer games all morning since we didn't need to leave until 2pm. Apparently, Andon thinks children are gifted at computer games while adults aren't. I could probably get to stage 10 like he does if he weren't trying to distract me.

We went out to a Korean restaurant. I know what we'll be doing for our next family pizza night--can you say kimchi pizza?

I also learned a few more creatures Andon has been nurturing at school. He's cared for catepillars into butterflies, and also dragonflies and has been feeding one or two bats. I've noticed when I'm flipping through the channels on the TV that he prefers the animal shows especially snakes and alligators.

He was very excited to fly on an airplane. He kept wanting to get into line. We sat by a Chinese man who was very nice. Andon kept asking him questions about how the plane worked. The man explained it very well from what I could tell. Kinda wish I could've taught my boy about airplanes but I probably would've just told him that it was because of stolen alien technology.

I wish I would've tried to learn Chinese more. But as it is, I can't even pronounce 4 correctly. Andon has these deep conversations with the other passengers and I can pick a word or two out but otherwise I'm clueless. I think Andon feels sorry for me cuz every once and a while he'll turn to me a jiggle my belly and laugh--er, I mean he'd punch me in my six pack and grunt.

They showed Speed Racer for the movie. Andon laughed his head off.

It's very refreshing to see someone so excited about flying. Should've seen the grin on his face once the plane started going. It's too bad that the flight to the United States will crush any of the excitement out of him for flying. Very much like the first time you learned that Santa Claus is using stolen alien technology to run the North Pole.

Did I mention that this was another 4 hour trip?

Back to Shenyang

When I got on the bus ride back to Shenyang I thought I was ready for it. Nope. Andon got a little sick. He had the bag out and was going to lose it. Luckily, nothing happened. He slept half of the way.

We got back to the hotel and played some ping pong. Let's just say I blinded him with my pure awesomeness--until he started putting some weird spin on the ball.

Had some more KFC for dinner. I can't look another chicken in the eye.

Leaving tomorrow for Guangzhou so we're almost done.

We started the passport and visa paperwork. On the way there Andon noticed some pigeons and wanted to catch one so he could eat it. Hmm. I hear they taste like chicken so I guess that would be OK. I also learned that Tao if pronounced with a different tone means peach. So when he and another friend with a fruit name had their heads shaved they were known as Mr. Fruit.

The orphanage is a very nice facility. The teachers and nurses were friendly with Andon. One of the caregivers came in even though she had the day off. We went and saw the 6 month old children. They were all so cute. Then we went to see where Andon had stayed and ran into a group of 2 year olds in their dalmation coats. Andon recognized a couple of them. There was only one girl in the group. Everyone would comment that Andon was a good singer. We got a CD of some pictures--he was quite the performer. They also gave him a couple of ping pong paddles and ball which he is currently playing with against the wall.

He said that the orphanage took them to the sea park when he was about 5 years old and he got kissed by a dolphin.

We went to the park by the ocean which would've been really nice if it were a smidge warmer. Andon says he wants a puppy, a cat, and a rabbit. Angela (our guide) asked if he wanted to start a zoo. He said he didn't need the rabbit.

We fed some pigeons. I was reminded of the movie "The Birds". Probably shouldn't show him that movie cuz it might ruin him like it did me--not that I'm afraid of birds.

Found out that Andon's finding place is just outside our hotel window. The Victory Shopping Plaza is mostly underground and is huge.

More Paperwork

So sorry for not posting. My wife has berated me.

Someone wondered what the thing around my neck is in previous pictures. It is not oxygen. It would be my man-purse. I thought it made me look rather masculine.

Finalized the paperwork for the adoption. Almost there. I did learn a few things about Andon. On the way he said that one kid from the orphanage got car sick and threw up and that reminded him of a show where a kid on an airplane threw up in a bag and the guy didn't know it and popped the bag. I couldn't believe my ears, could it be, but surely not. Yes, they watch Mr. Bean for English class. I almost broke down in tears. Other than that he said that no one really likes English. I'm just glad they are properly training their children here.

On the way to the bus station we stopped by KFC to get our lunch. We then drove quite a ways to get there and then Andon pointed out of the van and said "what's that over there?" Another KFC, but closer to the bus terminal. I guess that was funnier if you happen to be there.

Four hour trip to Dalian. I'm getting all travelled out. I'm going to have to do that again in another day to get back to Shenyang.

We then went out for dinner. There was yet another KFC close by. Andon decided he didn't want anymore of that so we did Pizza Hut instead. I learned that at his school they would try to catch snakes and scorpions. He was known as the King Scorpion Catcher. He said one kid got stung and his whole arm turned purple. Andon has been stung twice. Of course, if you sting Andon he's gonna step on you.

Andon Tao

I was able to get Andon this morning at 10:30am. Thought it was going to be a nice day until I turned the corner of the building and the frigid wind hit and knocked the breath out of me.

Since I was the only one adopting, the paperwork went quickly. He is a really nice boy. He knows a few words of English--more words than I know of Chinese.

He says he likes basketball since that will help him grow tall and he also likes soccer. He can do the splits, cartwheels, and he can do flips on the bed. Communication is a little slow between us but he is funny some of the things he does.

Then we came back a did some more paperwork. Michelle would normally have done this since my handwriting is so bad. I got Andon to take some pictures.

We then braved the cold to get to the bank and get some more money and went out and had some KFC for dinner.

I kept falling asleep cuz I'm so tired. I have to wonder what Andon thinks of me. Probably by tomorrow I'll be all adjusted.

Made it to Shenyang

I made it. Normally, that would be the end of my post but my wife wants details.

The flight from Boise to Seattle went smoothly except that our flight attendants were the notorious "Montana Grandmas". They would provide useful information such as why it is a lavatory on a plane instead of a bathroom. 1) there is no bath and 2) there is no room. (hehe). Personally, I think they belong to some obscure Montana biker gang.

Got to Seattle and sat around.

From Seattle to Beijing is only an eleven hour flight. The "On Demand" feature wasn't working on my video display so my only option was to repeatedly watch "Sleepless in Seattle". I could kick myself--had I been thinking straight I could've watched it at least 5 times. Instead I elected to sit and meditate.

Flight to Shenyang was delayed because it snowed up there. They dumped us off at a hotel for a couple of hours where I took a quick nap. Herded us all up and got into Shenyang at 1:30am and finally to the hotel at 3am. I hope Andon doesn't mind if I take a nap tomorrow. I'll try to get some pictures up later.

Tickets Bought!

We just got John's and Andon's tickets today. John will leave the 15th of November, travelling forward through time and landing in Beijing on the 16th of November where he will catch another flight to Shenyang (capital city of Liaoning). He will meet Andon Tao on the 17th, spend a day in Dalian, go to the consolate in Guangzhou, and return home from Hong Kong on the 26th, traveling backward through time and landing back in Boise on the evening of the 26th. We are deciding if we want to spend Thanksgiving at home or at my parents' home, 2 hours drive away. Maybe we'll wait to meet Andon and see how he copes with this all...

Travel Plans ... FINALLY

We just heard from our agency that John will need to be there to pick up Andon Tao on November 17. That means he will leave in about 2 1/2 weeks! We're so glad things are finally working out. He'll probably leave for China on the 15th of November and then come home as close to the evening of the 25th as possible. I post again once we get plane tickets.

Possible Delays

I am so upset. This morning I heard from our adoption agency that although they are receiving Consulate Appointments for others adopting from China, the orphanage over Tao's care has let them know that THEY want to decide when we come to pick him up. We're still hoping to be able to pick him up on November 10th but now we have to wait to hear from the orphanage before we can buy plane tickets. Apparently the orphanage actually pushed the last family out a week... if that happens John and Tao will just be getting home in time for Thanksgiving. We thought we may have about a week for them to get over jet-lag and still be able to make it to Thanksgiving in Oklahoma... WAITING... and I think my worst vice is lack of patience.

Where in China?

Tao currently lives in Liaoning Province. Dalian is the city where his orphanage is located and because it is such a large and beautiful city it is usually talked of by itself, no province necessary.
Tao, however, is not in Dalian right now because he attends a boarding school for orphans in another city. John will, as usual, also travel to Guangzhou to the embassy before returning home.

Guo Tao -- Andon Tao Blake

We are so excited to announce another adoption! We saw and learned about Guo Tao a little over a year ago, just after we turned in paper work for Bowen. Because Tao was 11 at the time, we took the matter very seriously and studied and prayed much to discover what Heavenly Father's will was for this boy. We felt so much peace about him being added to our family that we started the process. He has been waiting a long time for his family -- he's been in the orphanage since 3 years old. We are excited for this adventure to start. We think he looks like he's got quite a personality. We plan to give him the American name: Andon Tao Blake.

Home

We flew home the day before Thanksgiving and actually spent Thanksgiving in Jerome. We just got home yesterday. We probably won't update the blog now until the next adoption--we just don't seem to have the time vc. Wow! Having 4 kids is a lot busier than having 3. We've found with our two youngest that they want us to do the same things to each of them... including getting in trouble. If one of them does something wrong and we say 'no', the other will do the same thing just so he/she can get told 'no' too! It's crazy busy over here until naptime and bedtime. It's going to take time for ALL of us to adjust.

Bowen's First Zoo

He was so excited when he saw the monkeys and the bears! He LOVED to watch the monkeys swing. (Michael, our guide, is in the background as tickled as I was at Bowen's excitement).

John had a hard time getting a good shot of Bowen with a live animal (either Bowen would move or the animal would before the picture was taken) so this was a good solution.

Some of the flora and fauna at the zoo. You can also see Bowen jumping around if you look closely.

After the zoo we had lunch and Bowen wanted to wipe my eyes. I don't know if he thought I was crying but he was so sweet and gentle. He has been bonding really good with both of us. I don't think that we are going to have any major attachment issues with this one.

Goodbye Xi'an

We made it! The fog lifted Friday and we were able to catch our flight on time Friday night. (Friday in Xi'an we spent looking at the Wild Goose Pagoda. We saw many people there worshipping the Buddha.) We are now in Guangzhou where it is very hot. Not as hot as it was in August, which we've experienced before, but still hot enough to make us sweat even in our lightest shirts. We shopped for Bowen some shorts, tank tops and sandals today -- not many around (I guess we actually are in a cold time for here).

We are staying on Shamian Island. We weren't able to do that last time we visited and what a beautiful and fun little place it is! We (well... I) especially love seeing so many western faces, talking in English and being understood, and learning where everyone is from. Our boy still seems to be charming everyone. We've had a couple of fits at night here now when it's time to go to bed but he's been so enjoyable during the days. He's learned how to eat at the restaurant like a regular gentleman (and we've learned to move everything on the table out of his reach).

Today we went for his medical exam. He seems to have no speech delay to us. He is always talking (and singing now) in Chinese to us. But today at the exam when they wanted him to talk he just clammed up and stared at them. It really reminded me of Faryn when she was younger. I guess this child will decide when he's going to speak and when he's not and no amount of persuasion would open his mouth today. Our guide , Michael (who we knew from Mira's adoption), was trying to tell the doctors that he could speak but Bowen wasn't going to prove him right. I don't know what happened in the end but we passed so it was okay. Bowen seemed to like the doctors; not a tear was shed this time.

Some Lessons Learned

Lesson #1: A four year old gets pretty bored in a Tung Dynasty museum... and so did we after seeing the 3 legged pot over and over again in it's (I swear 400) different forms. Why do they have a gigantic pot in the center of the Xianyang city? We don't know that. Maybe because a pot (much smaller - for cooking- but) of this form was unearthed here.

Lesson #2: Bowen's hair is not actually a bad hair cut, it's a famous Chinese soccer player's hair style.

Bowen and the waitresses at our hotel (taken for Faryn)

Lesson #3: When you finally decide to just walk away from your child because he is lying on the floor in the center of the Tung Dynasty museum in China, it doesn't work because people will just keep giving him lots of attention for it and wanting to take his picture.

Lesson #4: When you go to China to pick up a 4-year-old, it's best to learn some Chinese. Yesterday Bowen had me playing this game with him. I would repeat his Chinese words back to him and it delighted him. Today I asked the guide what some of the words meant and she said, "Oh! These are not good words. I think his nanny taught it to him." Apparently I've been swearing in Chinese. No wonder Bowen was delighted. (Smart kid)

Our guide, Jane

Some news: We had put in for another adoption for an 11-year-old boy from China just a couple of months ago and were thinking we would have to wait at least 6 months before turning in paperwork. Well, the agency called and said CCAA (China's organization) said we could turn in our letter of intent for this boy (Tao) before we left. We just received word today, while in China, that we were pre-approved! That means it's official (so I can announce it here).

Now, everyone pray for nice weather for us. We need this fog to lift so we will be able to catch our flight to Guangzhou.

Will Wonders Never Cease

Once upon a time, in 1974, two Chinese farmers were digging a well. When they found a warrior in armor made from clay, they thought it was a spirit of the well so they pulled it out of the well, hung it from a tree, and beat it to pieces so it could not haunt them. Then they tried to dig their well somewhere else. When they dug the second well, they found another "spirit." After this spirit had also been hung and beaten the story began to spread. It became known to the government and the 8th Wonder of the World was discovered: an underground army of Terracotta Warriors.

What an interesting place to see in person! These warriors are less than a mile from the tomb of the first emperor to unite China. They were made to maintain and protect his spirit. This place was so moving to John that he has decided he wants to build something big that people can dig up to remember him.

All of their faces are different.

Another wonder happened today, Bowen and John had almost an hour of really GOOD play! This is different than the past days when every other minute, during play, we have had to get Bowen out of trouble and try to settle him down a bit. Bowen's attention span seems to be improving.

Bowen is very social and all of the people here just seem to adore him. He has learned the word "Hello" and says it to many people. He flirts with all the waitresses in the restaurant and they all giggle at him. He likes to show the "peace" sign he learned from Tessa's picture and wants everyone to return it.