Well, we haven't posted in a long time, since we returned but as most of you know, we have been just a little busy. So Updates to everything,
Ray is adjusting extremely well. None of the issues that we were expecting such as bonding, night terrors etc. He is day care now and doing well. We believe he misses it and his friends when he out for a few days. Mrs Ratna could not have been a better choice for teachers either, she takes very good care of Ray (and all the kids) . Early Encounters certainly has brought him out as far as speech, hand-eye coordination, motor skills and more.
We have had out bouts of sickness to adjust to. He has had 2 viruses, 2 ear infections associated with the viruses. We have been to the Pediatrician more than we care to count. But they have been great as well. Sheila certainly was right to recommend that group! Thank You Sheila!.
We have been to see Dr. Moses and the Cleft Team 3 times now.(the team once but others 2 more trips). We will be having tubes in the ears and the palate surgery in mid July or so. Please Pray all that goes well and that his recovery is good.
Ray is such a good boy though, he eats well (everything!!!) he sleeps good, he plays very hard and as I tell everyone, I don't know who is having more fun, he or Connie and me. But in reality....ALL OF US!
The Family and Friends have just been OUTSTANDING! We cannot express how it feels to be surrounded by so much Love and Caring by Family, God-Parents, Friends, Church Family, Neighbors, Co-workers....the list is infinite!
Ray really likes the outdoors, we are currently working on a back yard area for Him and Us to have even more fun so if you feel like having a good time and accomplishing a goal, feel free to help!
Today we went to the zoo. He liked it a lot. He saw a bunch of animals but didn't really say a lot, he just looks at everything. We rode the Train, he was still but looked at everything. His first ride on the Carousel was pretty much scary for him but the second ride was good. He armed up to it and stayed on the horse during the second ride. Afterwards he wanted to walk around and touch them all so I feel like he will like it better later on.
So I have posted more pictures that are more updated, you will see how much he has grown! Did I mention he likes to eat......like a horse! He does enjoy his fruits and vegetables (guess who he sits by at the table?).
Take care and again say a prayer for Ray during his upcoming surgery!.......andy
First Family Photo...more to come
First Family Photo...more to come
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Hong Kong- Thursday--Home on Thursday
About 1-1/12 hours later, we were boarding the plane home! There were about 4 adoptive families on board, again none of us knew the other names but we all spoke and connected instantly.
Ray was so good on the plane coming back. He slept just about as if we were on the schedule we had been working on setting up for him. He slept for a mid-morning nap. And then again in the afternoon for about 1-1/2 hours. He later went to sleep for about 3 hours and we were ending our flight. These times are significant because they were as if to him he was just the same time frame as everything already. He only fussed a little when he first woke up from his naps. He is so good and so sweet!
We had managed to get bulkhead seats so we had a little extra room and we had his seat and room on the floor in front for him to play a bit. The only bad thing was that the flight was 14 hours. That will take it's toll.
In Detroit, Ray became a US Citizen when his Passport Visa was stamped. WOW!!!!
We went through Customs, they use a Terverun for the drug sniffing dog, beautiful.
The flight from Detroit to New Orleans was very uneventful, Ray slept the entire way Home.
In New Orleans, Patricia and Mary Sue Powell met us. It was so wonderful seeing them there at the gate.
Ray was a little apprehensive but later was taking them in with his "flirty" cuteness!
So on the way home he did eventually fall asleep for about 10 miles so you know what that meant we got inside...he was ready to play. He finally laid down about 11:15 or so.
Yes, We are Home!
It is very delightful to be here... I am sure everyone agrees it is nice to visit new places and new ideas, but always good to come hem!
I can tell you honestly that Ray has taken to his home very quickly, as if he knew.
I will post some more tomorrow, late and tired!
Check out the Video Gallery Page
THE POWER OF PRAYER----A Safe Return Home for a Happy Family of 3 Now!!
Ray was so good on the plane coming back. He slept just about as if we were on the schedule we had been working on setting up for him. He slept for a mid-morning nap. And then again in the afternoon for about 1-1/2 hours. He later went to sleep for about 3 hours and we were ending our flight. These times are significant because they were as if to him he was just the same time frame as everything already. He only fussed a little when he first woke up from his naps. He is so good and so sweet!
We had managed to get bulkhead seats so we had a little extra room and we had his seat and room on the floor in front for him to play a bit. The only bad thing was that the flight was 14 hours. That will take it's toll.
In Detroit, Ray became a US Citizen when his Passport Visa was stamped. WOW!!!!
We went through Customs, they use a Terverun for the drug sniffing dog, beautiful.
The flight from Detroit to New Orleans was very uneventful, Ray slept the entire way Home.
In New Orleans, Patricia and Mary Sue Powell met us. It was so wonderful seeing them there at the gate.
Ray was a little apprehensive but later was taking them in with his "flirty" cuteness!
So on the way home he did eventually fall asleep for about 10 miles so you know what that meant we got inside...he was ready to play. He finally laid down about 11:15 or so.
Yes, We are Home!
It is very delightful to be here... I am sure everyone agrees it is nice to visit new places and new ideas, but always good to come hem!
I can tell you honestly that Ray has taken to his home very quickly, as if he knew.
I will post some more tomorrow, late and tired!
Check out the Video Gallery Page
THE POWER OF PRAYER----A Safe Return Home for a Happy Family of 3 Now!!
Guangzhou Wednesday
Well, just like I said last nite, Ray was so tired he didn't move until after 0800 on Wednesday morning. So we went to breakfast and then came pack to pack. Did I mention about breakfast. The staff there likes to put all the kids in one part of the restaurant, at least that is what I think anyway. But unfortunately it is in the rear of the restaurant, and a long way from the food! So over the last two mornings I have started asking the hostess to put us a a table in the middle of the restaurant, I don;t think they liked doing it but what were they going to say...no...it actually works out better because it seemed like we spent less time there because of the better coffee service and less walking time. just a finny little thought I would share. The Hotel staff was always extremely nice and courteous. I believe they actually did go out of their way for us adoptive families. Anyway, Ray loves breakfast, he eats a lot of fruit, congee of course, he loves eggs and throw in a little bit of the cooked ham and he is set! The Rice Krispies were there just to occupy his time.
After breakfast we packed, I received a phone call from Simon. He ahd arranged a last minute shopping trip for something I was looking for directly. More on that later, I don't want to spoil the surprise. I caught a cab back and yes had to use the hotel card again for the translation of where I wanted to go.
After that, we met at 1430 in the lobby for check out and a bus ride to the train station. Another family, The Rikers were also going to Hong Kong by train, so we kind teamed up with them for numbers sake. They were very nice and had a little girl. We ahd been seeing them in the hotel and had spoken a lot throughout the week. That is the amazing thing, we didn;t know anyone's name but the common adoption made us all family! The train trip was really cool. Ray liked it too but remember he had travelled by train already, this was Connie and I first train trip. Interesting though, we definitely got on the right train, Simon had explained it all to the letter, but really forgot to ask or mention how we knew to get off at the right stop!!!??? About 2 hours of train trip later and we (Rikers and Geske's) figured it out because as Kevin and I were discussing it, a very nice lady quite simply stated it was the last and only stop! Duh! Express Train! I didn;t feel so stupid since no one else knew it either.
When we exited the train station, we were met by an onslaught of "street hawks" as they are called in Hong Kong. An older guy asked if we needed a Taxi, we said yes and he said to follow him. He then turned and asked how we were going to pay. I said I needed to change to HK dollars. He asked if I had any Chinese money Yuan and that he would take that and give me a higher exchange rate. I declined that and made my way to the exchange counter After that he said ok follow me, and as we fgot outside Connie and I both knew this was wrong. I said stop and asked him to show me his taxi license. He pulled out a picture of an older yellow sedan with no signs etc...I also noticed all the other taxi are red and white. I told him to forget it and Connie and I scooped up everything and left him. This is a prime example of being led off the beaten path by what seems a great deal, but not us so just beware.
Connie and I were both concerned for the Riker family so she went back in the train terminal and explained to Kevin (he too was talking to someone and they were being led the same) Kevin listened and he brought his family to the real taxi stand as Connie and I yelled at him as we were entering the real taxi. SO we watched the HK signs and about 25 mins later found ourselves exactly where we wanted to be. And did I mention that it was only 250 HK Dollars and not the 450 the fake driver wanted.
So we get to the room and what do you know, the Internet doesn't work there. I called their help desk twice to try to get it to work with their suggestions...I give up....just hire me to fix it!
So we ordered room service, ate a pretty good meal and went to bed. Turns out that booking this hotel connected to the Airport was definitely the right idea. (Thanks to our travel agent Sue Sorrels) It was just about a 15 min walk from the Regal Hotel desk to the Delta Check-in counter.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Guangzhou -Tuesday
Well, THE BIG DAY! The appointment with the ACS was this morning and it went without a hitch! WOOHOO! This is due to credit to our CHI Coordinators, Maria in Beijing, Isabelle (in Fuzhou for double checking everything twice!) and Simon here in Guangzhou (for knowing the rest of the paperwork like the back of his hand) Praises and Thanks to each one of you!!
Connie and I prayed for the Hesse Family who we have gotten to know in our group very well, because they did have a mistake in their paperwork from their Province. The minute Simon learned of it, he was on top of it and worked it out so with prayers it has all worked out for them too!. They have adopted a 2 year old little girl that is just a doll! She too has a cleft palate and lip and she is becoming more and more a little doll every day! Congrats to them as well.
After we finished the appts. today, we went back to the Island and had lunch at Lucy's. It was good, I loved the milkshake. Ray loved his chicken congee, he ate almost all of it. We then played on the playground and Ray loved his first slide experience. SO Dana and Ann start talking to Baylee that she will have to show him how to slide & swing when we get to SOSO.
We then shopped for a bit and found a few items. But we needed to get back to the Hotel because Connie and I had to go walk about in China again...we needed formula and cereal. It is funny to watch everyone on the non-adoption sides of town just look at us so hard! No matter.
We then went to dinner at the Italian Buffet again tonite. The 3 out of the 4 families went there last nite and Connie Ray and I enjoyed it so much last nite we went again. It is only 128 Yuan per person with Ray being free. That includes your drinks and desserts etc....Great Lasagna...In China no less! So how much is that in US dollars...it is 6.10 Yuan per dollar so you do the math....CHEAP!
We came back after dinner and gave Ray his bath...he is loving the bath tub now. Especially I think since he can sit down in it and splash around and play with his duck in the pond! He quacks like the ducks too!
We have not mentioned how he tells us it is nap time or nite nite time, he pulls his sleeve up and begins to kinda suckle it, his bottom lip sticks out so far! He then will start saying NEIGH NEIGH...not sure how to spell that but you get the point. Well tonite after bath and the bottle, he didn't even get a half neigh out before he was out like a light! He is so cute doing that! He was worn out!
Tomorrow we will pack in the morning and then check out of here about 2:30 pm we will then go the train station and catch an express train to Hong Kong...there get a taxi to the Regal Hotel and then Thursday morning checkout and walk down the terminal to our flight home. Again, we leave on Thursday at 1130 am and get home on Thursday 1730 pm into NO. That is so cool!
See yall later, I am about as tired as Ray is!
Prayers for our safe travels!
Andy Connie and Ray!
Connie and I prayed for the Hesse Family who we have gotten to know in our group very well, because they did have a mistake in their paperwork from their Province. The minute Simon learned of it, he was on top of it and worked it out so with prayers it has all worked out for them too!. They have adopted a 2 year old little girl that is just a doll! She too has a cleft palate and lip and she is becoming more and more a little doll every day! Congrats to them as well.
After we finished the appts. today, we went back to the Island and had lunch at Lucy's. It was good, I loved the milkshake. Ray loved his chicken congee, he ate almost all of it. We then played on the playground and Ray loved his first slide experience. SO Dana and Ann start talking to Baylee that she will have to show him how to slide & swing when we get to SOSO.
We then shopped for a bit and found a few items. But we needed to get back to the Hotel because Connie and I had to go walk about in China again...we needed formula and cereal. It is funny to watch everyone on the non-adoption sides of town just look at us so hard! No matter.
We then went to dinner at the Italian Buffet again tonite. The 3 out of the 4 families went there last nite and Connie Ray and I enjoyed it so much last nite we went again. It is only 128 Yuan per person with Ray being free. That includes your drinks and desserts etc....Great Lasagna...In China no less! So how much is that in US dollars...it is 6.10 Yuan per dollar so you do the math....CHEAP!
We came back after dinner and gave Ray his bath...he is loving the bath tub now. Especially I think since he can sit down in it and splash around and play with his duck in the pond! He quacks like the ducks too!
We have not mentioned how he tells us it is nap time or nite nite time, he pulls his sleeve up and begins to kinda suckle it, his bottom lip sticks out so far! He then will start saying NEIGH NEIGH...not sure how to spell that but you get the point. Well tonite after bath and the bottle, he didn't even get a half neigh out before he was out like a light! He is so cute doing that! He was worn out!
Tomorrow we will pack in the morning and then check out of here about 2:30 pm we will then go the train station and catch an express train to Hong Kong...there get a taxi to the Regal Hotel and then Thursday morning checkout and walk down the terminal to our flight home. Again, we leave on Thursday at 1130 am and get home on Thursday 1730 pm into NO. That is so cool!
See yall later, I am about as tired as Ray is!
Prayers for our safe travels!
Andy Connie and Ray!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Monday in Guangzhou
Hey Everyone,
It is Monday about midday and we are napping now so I have some time to post a bit. We are going on a shopping trip in about an hour. last nite, we got our Guide Simon to take Connie, Ray and I to the shopping mall where we could buy Ray some pants to fit him. He only has 2 or 3 pair to wear and we were tired of seeing them. So we ended up about 10 miles from here where Simon dropped us off and we went thru one mall without success. Rather, we found a street vendor not too far from there wher we got a pair to fit him and then walked back about a mile or so to the big mall. We found a Jusco store that is a large supermarket and clothing store...like a Target. Connie managed to figure out the shopping rather quickly as it is different. We got him another two pair that we could find in his size. We suspected that only one would fit him for now. We then had to find our back to the Hotel by Taxi. The driver had no idea where we wanted to go, but Simon had given me a Hotel card and from that the driver returned us...after several nail-bitting driving excursions...WOW!
Saturday we had gone to the Health Clinic for his checkup. We had seen the marks on him and knew it but really were not told anything and we didn't want to raise any questions but the doctor asked as well...his hernia has already been repaired and no evidence of it...the marks are from laproscopic surgery. So no other worries...his weight was 23.8 lbs and he is all good.
Sunday morning we went to the park to walk around he really enjoys outdoors he likes to look at evrything and to walk around out of his stroller. What a joy and a blessing this little fellow is, he is all about everything.
Sunday aternoon we went to the top restaurant and I stayed and did paperwork while Connie and Ray came back and messed around the room together some. He has learned a new song, Ole McDonald and he quacks like the duck really good.
I forget to tmention the Cantonese resaurant on Saturday nite, I really enjoyed the pinapple drop cakes, the BBQ pork was excellent! The alligator was ok but I have had better there in MS and LA
Connie and ray enjoyed the vegetables. He eats everything and enjoys all that we give him. Well he is up now for lunch so byeb for now....Check out the video gallery page more to come.
It is Monday about midday and we are napping now so I have some time to post a bit. We are going on a shopping trip in about an hour. last nite, we got our Guide Simon to take Connie, Ray and I to the shopping mall where we could buy Ray some pants to fit him. He only has 2 or 3 pair to wear and we were tired of seeing them. So we ended up about 10 miles from here where Simon dropped us off and we went thru one mall without success. Rather, we found a street vendor not too far from there wher we got a pair to fit him and then walked back about a mile or so to the big mall. We found a Jusco store that is a large supermarket and clothing store...like a Target. Connie managed to figure out the shopping rather quickly as it is different. We got him another two pair that we could find in his size. We suspected that only one would fit him for now. We then had to find our back to the Hotel by Taxi. The driver had no idea where we wanted to go, but Simon had given me a Hotel card and from that the driver returned us...after several nail-bitting driving excursions...WOW!
Saturday we had gone to the Health Clinic for his checkup. We had seen the marks on him and knew it but really were not told anything and we didn't want to raise any questions but the doctor asked as well...his hernia has already been repaired and no evidence of it...the marks are from laproscopic surgery. So no other worries...his weight was 23.8 lbs and he is all good.
Sunday morning we went to the park to walk around he really enjoys outdoors he likes to look at evrything and to walk around out of his stroller. What a joy and a blessing this little fellow is, he is all about everything.
Sunday aternoon we went to the top restaurant and I stayed and did paperwork while Connie and Ray came back and messed around the room together some. He has learned a new song, Ole McDonald and he quacks like the duck really good.
I forget to tmention the Cantonese resaurant on Saturday nite, I really enjoyed the pinapple drop cakes, the BBQ pork was excellent! The alligator was ok but I have had better there in MS and LA
Connie and ray enjoyed the vegetables. He eats everything and enjoys all that we give him. Well he is up now for lunch so byeb for now....Check out the video gallery page more to come.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Guanghzou
Hello Everyone,
It is Friday or Saturday February the 18th. We have Gotten Ray...we have gotten his passport, we have made the plane trip from Fuzhou to Guanghzou. First let me say sorry to everyone for not getting this updated, we had some very bad internet in Fuzhou. I was only able to send a few email attachments out. So from hence I shall do better.
Ray is so sweet and such a wonderful little boy. He doesn't fuss, he doesn't refuse anything to eat and he was so good on the plane today that Connie and I could hardly believe it. The only time he has cried was when he didn't like the standup shower we had for a bath. Since we were able to purchase a round plastic wash tub abd he loved bath time after that!
Ray is only 20 lbs. He walks really good, he still ahs some trouble turning and backing up but he is only 18 months..lol....He wears a 12 month pants and can wear an 18 month shirt. He wears a diaper size 3, so he definitely needs some fried chick, corn bread and turnip greens!
We have had several outings with him, we were only scolded once by the locals, the lady thought we should have shielded hime better from the sun, but in our defense the jacket had just fallen. The others all tried to feed the little fellow!
We have about 3 or four more appointsments this week before we receive his Visa and we are on schedule to depart her Wednesday nite by train, to Hong King and then begin the flight home on Thursday Morning. .
Fuzhou was a smaller city, only 6 million people there...LOL! I was very small town atmosphere as we drive around and walked through the parks. Everyone was nice and we really enjoyed getting Ray out.
The Registrar, the Notary, the Orphanage Director and Nannie, all were exceptional people. But the best was of course, Isabelle, our CHI coordinator. She had everything going like clock work. She took the worry and the stress totally out of getting Ray. Isabelle should be commended on the outstanding work she did for us. But he funny thing about it was, you could tell that she really didn't do anything different for us than she probably hasn't done for countless others!
I will post more tomorrow, it is late we arrived in Guanghzou 3+ hours later due to airport delays and it is 1:30 am here now. Off to bed. We are all good here, Thanks to everyone for the emails and for your prayers!
Andy , Connie and Ray
It is Friday or Saturday February the 18th. We have Gotten Ray...we have gotten his passport, we have made the plane trip from Fuzhou to Guanghzou. First let me say sorry to everyone for not getting this updated, we had some very bad internet in Fuzhou. I was only able to send a few email attachments out. So from hence I shall do better.
Ray is so sweet and such a wonderful little boy. He doesn't fuss, he doesn't refuse anything to eat and he was so good on the plane today that Connie and I could hardly believe it. The only time he has cried was when he didn't like the standup shower we had for a bath. Since we were able to purchase a round plastic wash tub abd he loved bath time after that!
Ray is only 20 lbs. He walks really good, he still ahs some trouble turning and backing up but he is only 18 months..lol....He wears a 12 month pants and can wear an 18 month shirt. He wears a diaper size 3, so he definitely needs some fried chick, corn bread and turnip greens!
We have had several outings with him, we were only scolded once by the locals, the lady thought we should have shielded hime better from the sun, but in our defense the jacket had just fallen. The others all tried to feed the little fellow!
We have about 3 or four more appointsments this week before we receive his Visa and we are on schedule to depart her Wednesday nite by train, to Hong King and then begin the flight home on Thursday Morning. .
Fuzhou was a smaller city, only 6 million people there...LOL! I was very small town atmosphere as we drive around and walked through the parks. Everyone was nice and we really enjoyed getting Ray out.
The Registrar, the Notary, the Orphanage Director and Nannie, all were exceptional people. But the best was of course, Isabelle, our CHI coordinator. She had everything going like clock work. She took the worry and the stress totally out of getting Ray. Isabelle should be commended on the outstanding work she did for us. But he funny thing about it was, you could tell that she really didn't do anything different for us than she probably hasn't done for countless others!
I will post more tomorrow, it is late we arrived in Guanghzou 3+ hours later due to airport delays and it is 1:30 am here now. Off to bed. We are all good here, Thanks to everyone for the emails and for your prayers!
Andy , Connie and Ray
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Beijing
Beijing, China! WOW! It is hard to believe we are finally here! Instead of pinching to see if it is a dream, just step outside and feel the Freezing Temp !. The flight was long but aside from me having to play Paramedic to treat a hypoglycemic patient and a sick kid....uneventful. Yes, I was the only medical person they could find on the plane of 269 persons to assist. No they had nothing to work with diagnostically, just old school patient assessment. The flight crew was very appreciative though. We are headed out for a walk about to see a few things here in Beijing, no pictures yet but just watch the picture gallery tab on the side of the page. Talk to you later...Andy
Connie- The wait is over and we are so very happy to be just days to having our little boy in our arms!
I am seriously considering just staying here! The 13+ hour flight was the most horrible ride I have ever taken! My mother says "that I must come home"!! We are getting ready to go out for a walk. Keep watching for updates.
Thursday- We went to the bank....an interesting experience. We went on the subway, I wish we had more of these in US. Very organized and safe but just alot of people. We then went to a shopping mall with alot of variety. Later, Maria took us to a local place she likes to eat called a Hot-Pot. Very tasty, very good. I will just have to describe it in person but it was very good.....cabbage, Mutten, Lamb Meat, potatoes, Lotus Fruit, all in a Hot Pot together. Pretty Good!.
Friday-The Temple of Heaven- It certainly is Serene! It is amazing the culture of the country and the people. The words really would not do it justice so we will just let the picyures speak for themselves, when I get them all uploaded. The other places we went on Friday were good, but
Saturday- By far the best visisted. Tiananmen Square , Forbidden City and Yes- The Great Wall. Again, simply amazing the culture, the architecture....all amazing.! The pictures will get posted soon.
We are packed and ready for Ray tomorrow. Connie is very ready, as am I. We met with the other members of our group today for the tour. Extremely Nice people and very informative as to events and the discussions of what is to come. Their experience will be valuable to us and welcomed!
We leave very early tomorrow for Ray's Province...We are So Blessed! I can only imagine if the people in his province are only half as nice as everyone here in Beijing.
Connie- The wait is over and we are so very happy to be just days to having our little boy in our arms!
I am seriously considering just staying here! The 13+ hour flight was the most horrible ride I have ever taken! My mother says "that I must come home"!! We are getting ready to go out for a walk. Keep watching for updates.
Thursday- We went to the bank....an interesting experience. We went on the subway, I wish we had more of these in US. Very organized and safe but just alot of people. We then went to a shopping mall with alot of variety. Later, Maria took us to a local place she likes to eat called a Hot-Pot. Very tasty, very good. I will just have to describe it in person but it was very good.....cabbage, Mutten, Lamb Meat, potatoes, Lotus Fruit, all in a Hot Pot together. Pretty Good!.
Friday-The Temple of Heaven- It certainly is Serene! It is amazing the culture of the country and the people. The words really would not do it justice so we will just let the picyures speak for themselves, when I get them all uploaded. The other places we went on Friday were good, but
Saturday- By far the best visisted. Tiananmen Square , Forbidden City and Yes- The Great Wall. Again, simply amazing the culture, the architecture....all amazing.! The pictures will get posted soon.
We are packed and ready for Ray tomorrow. Connie is very ready, as am I. We met with the other members of our group today for the tour. Extremely Nice people and very informative as to events and the discussions of what is to come. Their experience will be valuable to us and welcomed!
We leave very early tomorrow for Ray's Province...We are So Blessed! I can only imagine if the people in his province are only half as nice as everyone here in Beijing.
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