Google issue identified - not resolved but a work around identified! Confirmed that Google is blocked. With much manipulation, I can now post updates. Will be more selective of photos posted because of time needed for work-around.
Here's the download on Gotcha day:
Pre-Drew
1. Started with breakfast, bright and early! Had to share this picture of doughnuts on a stick. Happily reminds of our son Brett and his passion for these doughnuts in Guangzhou in 2012. Brett ate MANY of these back then. It also reminds us of how much we miss Brett and Regan on this trip.
2. We met Glen at 9 am to transport via minibus to the government office building. As we waited, we saw him brought into a small room with toys. We had great view of him. His caregiver even brought him out to us early so we could see him. He even walked to Derek. (I think he'd walk to anyone with arms outstretched - no shade to Derek :)) They took him back inside the room.
3. We were called into a room with a government official where we answered questions (why we wanted to adopt, would we abandon him, etc). They brought him to us there for the hand-off. We officially were "trying-out" the situation so the paperwork completed verified this. We weren't officially his parents yet. After the evening trial, we'd come back to officially complete the adoption.
4. We waited while the other 2 families completed their meetings including the family photo required for the Chinese adoption decree certificate. We learned that his foster family consisted of grandparents to a grown woman who did not live at home anymore. There was also one other little boy who was a little older. One warning - most, if not all photos are of Derek and Drew. Elise was not happy throughout and demanded my attention. So yes, I am here, taking photos, and holding her. She's not entirely embracing the big sister thing yet. As usual, there's a little regression. We are hopeful she'll work this out, especially because the other families adopted a 3.5 yr old girl and and 3.5 yr old boy - potential playmates. They are going through many emotions themselves so playing together isn't really an option yet, but maybe near the end of the trip.
5. We boarded the minibus back to the hotel and grabbed lunch in the restaurant. In our hotel room, we peeled off his thick outer layer of clothing (jacket and pants) for lunch. He was getting fussy because we were late for lunch. Little guy showed us how he could eat. ALOT!!! He ate a ton of rice noodles and meat. He also showed his finger dexterity by picking up very small things off his tray. According to his schedule (provided to us by the caregivers), he drinks three bottles of formula but no liquid at meal time. We'll work to adjust this in the very near future.
6. After he chowed, we put him down for his nap. Paperwork said he's not found of naptime but for this one, he went down without a fight.
7. After he awoke, he had his first bottle. We had to make adjustment to the nipple to open the hole. He doesn't suck - it looks like he chews it. As you can see, he prefers to use his meaty little hands to hold the bottle himself.
8. After bottle, it was BATH TIME! We peeled the next layers of clothing off - quilted thick top and pants AND a thermal type undershirt. He did well in the bath, playing with the cups.
9. He enjoyed playing with his toys for a bit before dinner. He ate well, especially enjoyed the fried rice, but not as much as lunch.
10. Right before bedtime, he enjoyed his night-cap bottle.
11. He went down without much of a fight. Not much crying. When he does cry, it's not very loud - kind of muffled, perhaps due to the unrepaired palate? Day 1 was a success.
12. And not to forget Elise - she was a trooper. Here she is watching her iPad. It's hard to stay quiet in the dark room while Drew naps. She's still off schedule herself.
Original post:
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Again, apologies for Google issue. Checking to see if there is a block on google. Before arriving in Nanning, I used the blogger app on my iphone. Since we reached Nanning, I can't even access anything google...but I'm not giving up.
I'm assuming you are interested in his picture. I'll work on the rest of the post once I work out the tech issues...so in the interim, here he is: Drew Zhian Asay. Derek is holding him (a lot) because Elise is not happy so I'm tending to her.
He's beautiful! Congratulations!!
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