Monday, February 4, 2008

Day 9 Feb 5th

February 5, 2008
I was thinking that a lot of you who are reading the blog may not know how to pronounce some of the words so here are a few pronounciations:
Guangxi (Olivia's Province)-Gwang shee
Qinzhou (Olivia's City)-Cheen Joe
Guangzhou- Gwan Joe
Ming Qing (Olivia's Chinese & now middle name)-Meeng Cheeng
.Today we went to the Guangzhou Zoo Olivia was again, happy to see Alison. She really likes her. There was a 60% chance of rain but it only rained on us a little. It was chilly but we had a good time. We got to hear the lion roaring REALLY loud! It echoed through the zoo. It was kind of scary! Olivia was very quiet. I used a stroller for the first time so I'm not sure if that was it or not. She was better when we got back in the van to leave.

I was glad we got to see the Panda



Dont' you just love my new Chinese coat with the too short sleeves? Better to stay warm than stay in fashion!

It has become a tradition for families who adopt from China to take the Red Couch photo. There are red couches in the White Swan Hotel and you dress your children in the traditional Chinese costume and take their picture with the other children in your travel group. So, here are Olivia and Alison's pictures. They are both just adorable!
We just couldn't get Olivia to look up for their pose together. She kept trying to cover Alison with her dress

I finished up the rest of my shopping today. All of the shops will be closed tomorrow because it's Chinese New Year's Eve. Jordon, a local shopkeeper said I would be the only white person on the island because all of the other families are going home tomorrow. I'll be like a celebrity! Actually, I leave at noon to go to the airport hotel for the night. Then I leave for home Thursday morning.
Today was very busy so Olivia was pretty quiet. Once we were alone again, she started showing her sweet personality. While we were shopping she was SO good I just couldn't believe it. We were in Jordan's for over an hour and she played with a few toys but was very well behaved. I think that she realizes she belongs with me but I wouldn't go so far as to say she is happy. Generally, she is a happy child, but there are obvious signs of security issues and some saddness. I'll be so glad when we are home and in a good normal routine.
She's very comical in the evenings. Here's a video of her singing a song to me.

17 comments:

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

Thanks for some of those translations... there were one or two there that I hasn't known... glad the zoo was fun... take care

Seven Alexanders said...

Lynn;
I'm glad things have gone well on this last leg of your trip. We will praying that your travel home goes well.

Leslie said...

I am just catching up on your posts (computer is getting fixed but I borrowed a friends so I could see little Olivia). Yeah the red couch! You are getting very near to the end of this journey! You have been a trooper Lynn! I love how she was feeding Daddy the cookie, so sweet! I am so glad you got one of the porcelain figurines, it is one of my favorite keepsakes! Gotta love those squeeky shoes, Myah still loves hers! Stock up! I will pray for your safe travels, home is going to feel soooo goood!! Olivia is just adorable!!!

Anonymous said...

Olivia looks really good in red - I love her in her "Chinese dress"! Very cute!! I'm going to see Rana today, so I'll have to update her on you and Olivia. We'll pray for safe travels home...we'll see you soon! :) Anna

jeanette said...

oh what memories..the red couch -and it was just 3 months ago :) Elizabeth has the same dress and matching shoes. When we come out in April we should get a pic of the girls together :)

enjoy your celebrity status your last day!

day by day said...

How cute to hear Olivia singing you a song! Sophie sang songs in Chinese when we met her also...we had to ask the Chinese people at the hotel to tell us what she was singing. We were so curious. Glad you have had a good trip and that you will soon be home to have all of your family together!

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see you both. Love, Michele

kdguthr said...

Good grief she is cute! If there is anyone left who is not in love with Olivia by now, that video of her singing should do it! -Karin Guthrie

Anonymous said...

We're sending our prayers for a safe and peaceful journey home. Olivia is so precious! Love the traditonal dress. The girls were captivated with the sweet song - we have listened over and over. Safe travels, can't wait to see you both!

Love, Raye, M & M

Anonymous said...

Lynn: Olivia is just super duper DIVINE!! God bless you both!! Great red couch pictures :)
Jordan is quite a nice guy - loves to talk! I remember him well :)
Have a safe trip home and keep on posting - I love it! Carmen F.

LaLa said...

Love her red couch pics..what a great smile!! We loved Jordon...you are so lucky being there for CNY!!I would love to see it all decked out for the celebration.

Love the video..oh, and your coat too LOL

Grandma Donna said...

She is just beautiful. I really want to see her, and hug her,,I know you all are so thrilled. I loved her song, she sounded so sweet. What a blessing God has given you all, and me getting to be her grandmother. Love all of you, so much. Blessings to all of you. Love Grandma Donna :-) Blake, she will be your joy and wrap you around her little finger. Please tell her I love her so much already. Mom.

Grandma Donna said...

Lynn, thank you so very much, I love you so much Love and blessings. Grandma Donna :-)

Grandma Donna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Annette said...

I found your blog from someone else's (can't remember who) and I am loving your story. Olivia is an absolute doll...she is just precious. I can't wait to see more of her and follow your venture when she comes home.

3 Peanuts said...

Lynn,

I love the red couch pictures. That one of her smiling so big is AMAZING!!! She looks so happy. Olivia is beautiful and she looks like a lot of fun too:)

Kim

insanemommy said...

I'm surprised that it was cold! OMG. When we were in Nanning, Guangxi two years ago March it was in the 90's. Wow...Olivia is gorgeous though. Congrats to you.