Mommy, I'm Coming!!!

Mia, Mia, Mia..

A Homemade Vaporizor Effect...

Mia and I have developed a little nightly ritual. She is still so congested and has trouble breathing at night. So, on the nights that we don't bathe (which is also one of her favorite things!), I take her into the bathroom and give her a little ol' fashion humidify by running some hot water in the sink and holding her over the vapors.

The funny thing is she loves it. She just hangs limply over the water and breathes it all in as if she's done it a hundred times before. It's the cutest thing. We conclude the evening with a warm wash cloth to the face and then off to bed.

It Was Worth Every Yuan....

I have not had my hair professionally cut since the summer of 1995. It took place in a little neighborhood shop in La Canada, California and Paco was my barber. It was right after graduating from college and it also was quite momentous b/c it marked the first time that I had my head shaved.

Up until then, I was in the "hair management plan": grow it where you can, then push it around for coverage. I wasn't quite to the "comb-over" stage but, in retrospect, I held on about a year too long. I do wonder now, though, where were my friends to tell me the truth? That less was more. That it's time to worry less about my hair and more about my (head) shape. You know, those would be true friends. But, no, they kept egging me on - saying things like, "Deebs, you kinda have that Bruce Willis (in the Moonlighting era) thing goin' on!" or "Deebs, you look like a surfer." And I'd say, "Really?!" Thinking that I was cool and that they thought I was cool.

Someday, I will write a memoir about my hair. I will call it The Hair Chronicles and it will be funny. And I will name them. But, for now, I blog about my first haircut in over 12 years.

The first thing you need to know is that I needed one. Because when my hair begins to grow out...it does so only on the sides - especially along the sideburns. They get real thick and curly - kinda like a brillo pad meets Princess Lea's ear muffs meets a Chia pet. They also grow out flaming red. I'm telling you, it's not pretty.

Just ask my wife about the time I accepted a bet from (our church's) Management Team to grow it out for a month on the condition that I couldn't tell ANYONE why. I had to preach in it...I led meetings with it...and man oh man..the comments were beautiful. The question I got most often was quite benign: "Dan, are you growing your hair out?" they'd ask.
To which I'd reply, "Yeah...it's in the awkward stage right now."

I won the bet and earned $117 dollars that I used to buy Elise a better Christmas gift - which was a cheap consolation prize in comparison.

So, anyhow, about day #8 on our trip I began to hear things from others in the group like "Dan, your hair is really red, isn't it?" or "Hmmmm....it looks like we're going to get to see what Dan looks like with hair on this trip." Which is nice group talk for "Oh, THAT'S WHY you shave your head." My wife even began to worry about it and sent me the following instant message after looking at the most recent pictures I sent her:

EliseDeeble (12:35:27 AM): you are looking kinda red there budy

Never mind the spelling and the fact that my wife calls me "buddy." Point is, she doesn't like it when I have hair. And since I'M GOING HOME IN JUST 36 HOURS...I figured I better get gussied up. So, I called up the hotel operator and asked for the "Barbershop." They connected me to the "Beauty Salon."

They told me to walk-in and so I did. And, instantly, I felt out of place. I thought to myself, "This really is a place for people with hair." But I kept walking...went right up to the counter and feigned confidence. Told the gal I'd like a cut. She said, "Haircut and shampoo?" I said, "No...just cut." Because it seemed a bit indulgent to have a shampoo when I don't really have hair. I've found that many people are ignorant to the fact that bald men use shampoo - my wife being one of them, initially. As if the words "dry scalp" were a new phrase.

She nodded and led me into a back room. It was fancy. They sat me down in a chair and told me to wait. Everyone was dressed so nice and they all had hair. I felt silly. Every chair had a big mirror in front of it and I didn't know what to do. I wondered if I was just supposed to look at myself until someone came for me.

Then I got to thinking, "You know, I'm here. I'm a paying customer. I have hair. And I'd like a shampoo." So I told the lady. She looked confused, told me to wait, and left the room again. I could hear voices in Cantonese down the hall. I imagined laughter but they were too professional for that. The manager came back and said to me, "I'm sorry, sir, we will give you a shampoo after your cut." Which I guess is in reverse from what they do for everyone else and this is why it required explanation. So much for being equal opportunists. The guy next to me even had a nice cup of tea brought to him. They liked him better.

I wasn't sure if they knew what to cut nor how so I brought along Mia's little baby photo album - the kind with lots of colors and fishes that babies can look at and chew on all at the same time. When she asked how I would like my hair cut, all I had to do was point at the picture of me in there...the me with a perfectly buzzed head...and said, "Just like this." She nodded and lowered the clippers to their smallest setting.

They gave me a paper to read and away she went...buzzing and clipping and blowing for oh, I don't know, at least a minute and a half. Then the manager came in, pulled out a hand-held mirror from behind me and said, "Sir?" I assumed that she wanted me to inspect their work....which I pretended to do - kinda like I do whenever a nice restaurant gives me a sample pour. I swirl, sniff, elevate, tilt, and swash like cyrano but really don't have a clue what I'm doing.

I nodded approvingly and they led me back to the shampoo room. She wrapped my neck in a towel, gestured to a leather chair, and then leaned me back into the water basin. She began to pour warm soothing water over my head and then massaged shampoo into my scalp. I could tell that she was a bit confused and was trying to think creatively how to prolong the salon experience for me - since it really takes all of 5 seconds to shampoo my head. So she repeated a few of the same moves over a second or third time. I think she was trying to imagine shampooing someone with hair.

I didn't care and purred in my inner head, "Paco never did me so good!"

She rinsed me and then enveloped my head with a towel. Then she led me back to the chair. Now, that part was actually the most embarrassing. Because one goes back to the old chair to get dried off. And one needs a towel over one's head to prevent drippage. But, of course, I didn't need any such thing. My head was dry the minute she turned off the water.

Oh, but we weren't about to cut any corners. No sir.

I got back in my chair and she wrapped the towel over my head into the form of a woman's headdress - which, I'm guessing is the beauty salon way of wringing out a squeegee. Not sure, but I made her stop for a picture nonetheless.


note: this post was created while listening to the Beijing Angelic Choir's album entitled "Jasmine Flower." Actually, every post has been entered to this album b/c it is Mia's sleeping music.

mia grace deeble

Mia is...well, Mia. And that's just a beautiful thing. Here are some fun things that I'm learning about her:

• She confuses the changing station for a weight room. Lay her down for a change and she grabs the wipes for dumbbells, pulls herself up on the headboard, or leg presses the diaper bag. And, of course, the little twin bed is her treadmill.

• She didn't initially like heights. I'd hold her up with my arms and she'd shake with fear. No longer, however. I later figured out that this was most likely due to the fact that she was impacted. I mean, if you hadn't pooped in 3 days, how would you like to play the gravity game?

• She is a POWER SLEEPER. Last night, she went over 13 hours and easily knocks out 2-3 hour naps with great regularity. Could be a temporary thing (many babies deal with the trauma of adoption by sleeping), but...for now...it has made everyone happy.
  

• When we first got her, she would rock herself to sleep. In a seated position, she'd pop her fingers in her mouth and then rock side to side....lights out. Incredible.

• She cries a lot in her sleep. It doesn't wake her but I suspect it is part (a) discomfort (b) part congestion/ear ache and (d) I also have a sinking suspicion that it is part sadness.

• She's pretty dang easy...the girl only fusses when she's tired or hungry. Come to think of it, so do I.
  

• Speaking of food, the girl can throw it down. She watches Butde (the bottle preparer) like a hawk and knows exactly when it's being made and where that bottle is at all times. She will pound an entire bottle in under 2 minutes flat. Yes, I am proud.
  

• She enjoys people and has a great demeanor. Sometimes she can be real serious, her eyes searching. Other times, she is just chill. Then, of course, she can be playful and giggle like a schoolgirl (which, in this context, is a good thing).
  

The Red Couch!

My camera is fixed and just in time! We took our group photos on the infamous red couch today. To my knowledge, every family that comes from anywhere in the world to adopt a baby from China stays at the White Swan Hotel. And in the hotel is a rather nondescript red couch on the 2nd floor lobby.

Somehow and at some point, a tradition began among all adoptive families where, before leaving, they must all put their babies together for a group photo on the red couch. Our photo shoot was today. Above are all the little girls from our group: {from left to right} mia, olivia, emma, grace, kaylee and journey!

Aren't they heart-stoppers?

The girl next to Mia, Olivia, lives in Liberty, Missouri...so they are gonna have lots of fun playing together. In fact, they had the same "Nanny" in the orphanage and were dressed in the same outfits on Gotcha Day. So we think they must've been crib mates. Her parents, Tim and Sophi, are extremely fun and - wouldn't you know it - they have an 18-month year old at home. So we look forward to getting together as an 8-some.

Here's a little playtime from Nanchang:

Red Couch....

daddy putting on his first dress for the big photo shoot...and then...the rest is self-explanatory...

Time in Guangzhou...

mia melts the stroller salesgirls...mia pulls herself up...mia getting her ear checked...group shot in front of a flower sculpture...mia thinks her daddy is a horse...

Doctor Examination...

Just your typical day at the doctor's office...




It is appointments like this that leads me to more random thoughts:

* there is a universal truth about international travel and physical health: to say that one is feeling better, does not yet mean that one feels right.

* mcdonald's workers in China are dressed a lot nicer, but they are far too deliberate in their efforts. this severely hampers speed of service. i suggest they learn the good ol' american discipline called haste.

* going to art museums makes me feel shallow. and ignorant. they expose you, really. yesterday, while touring an ancient temple in guangzhou that had barely survived the cultural revolution, i caught myself saying, "Do I really have to see one more wood carving from the 3rd Century B.C.?" ugly american.

* speaking with someone who has a different primary language than you can be a great lesson in one's own language, I've found. earlier today, I was talking to Elsie and we were talking about social issues in China and comparing them to the states. I mentioned the word "liberal" and she gave me a confused look and asked me to explain what "liberal" means. I thought about it and realized that I had never really thought about what that word actually means. I know what the labels mean, I know what the stereotypes are...but the word? So words like "accepting" or "permissive" or "tolerant" or "open" came to mind...though nothing fully sufficed. I also discovered that every word I wanted to offer also had an implication on its antonym: conservative. So, for example, to say that liberal can mean "accepting"....would that mean, indirectly, that "conservative" does not mean accepting? What about "tolerant"? My beef, of course, is that there are certain groups who think they have the tolerance market cornered. When, in fact, we're all just a bit a la carte in the ways we dispense tolerance, aren't we? And "Open?" Can you be fully open but still remain conservative? Or is that an oxymoron?

You see, this is why labels are bad. It is also an example of how a blog can get lame really fast. (Please don't think I want a response here. This is not a conversation starter...it's called a really long line at the doctor's office.)

* speaking of Elsie....she asked me if I played sports. I told her that I did and loved things like football, soccer, basketball, baseball, etc. She said "Oh, that's why you're so big." Which I initially thought she intended as a compliment, but then I looked at her hands and they were making this motion over over her belly - like the hand motion you'd make to say you're pregnant. She said matter of factly, "That also happens here in China to men that used to play a lot of sports. They get old, then get bellies."

* as for mia's doctor appointment, she came out with flying colors - in spite of what is clearly an ear infection, allergic reaction, and congested lungs. it was a joke.

Travel Day from Nanchang...

Mia's hot hand in "Crazy Eights" while stuck in airport....her first flight and a ridiculously long bus ride face....

Mia Crawls...

We have heard that many babies in an orphanage are able to crawl, but only the distance of the length of their crib. This is because that's the only terrain they've known. So when they are set on a carpet with lots of acreage to cover, they still will only crawl the two feet and stop. Unbelievably sad, huh.

Here's a video of Mia making up for lost time.

That's what I'm talking about.
dad

"Mia Pu" Has Earned Her Name

I think the first thing you need to know about my daughter is that she is strong. As in, Cherokee strong. If you were to add up all her ailments (ear ache, ear rash, chest cold, some allergy thing I can't yet figure out, and a serious hangnail situation), this little girl has every reason to cry like an Oakland Raider. Then tack on the following:
1. A new caregiver, namely Dad.
2. A new location, namely a different hotel every 3-4 days
3. A different way of doing everything (changing, holding, rocking, feeding, playing)
4. A 13+ hour travel day that required 4 buses/shuttles and her first plane ride
5. Constipation. I mean the poor baby was seriously impacted. She couldn't go for 2 days since Gotcha.

Now, we had heard that many orphans in China are potty-trained before the age of 1 and we didn't believe it. Sure enough. My girl's a genius. They had literally trained her to sit on a potty and, when they would give the grunt noise, she would do the deuce. Automatic. Sure thing. Can't miss. Except for when your world gets rocked and you lose everything you've ever known. That'll plug ya - as it did for all the babies, in fact. So, sadly, we began to see severe signs of discomfort as Mia began to slowly keeling over into a bow position (for those who still stretch or can remember when, her position was akin to grabbing your toes while in a seated position). This would really be the only time she would cry. At other times she'd whimper, but this always caused the real deal.

The second shot above is just after one of the episodes had passed, I believe. It went on like this for a day perhaps - and we felt just helpless. So one night it got so unbearable that I sat with her on the toilet, which didn't work so well b/c I didn't leave much room for the toilet hole. Not wanting her to go in MY LAP, therefore, I carefully just held her over the pot. That freaked her out all the more. Talk about compounding stage fright. By this point, it had gotten REALLY bad, her crying inconsolable.

Elsie, our CHI coordinator, heard her crying from the hallway and came rushing in. Now,what came next was a moment for the ages. She picked up Mia, ripped off her diaper, grabbed a trashcan, and held her over the can, between her legs, and then began rocking her back and forth. Then, she started doing this little chant...it wasn't a hum, nor a lullaby, nor a whistle. It sounded like a British police siren, really...over and over...no words...just this siren sound and a lot of rocking and caressing as Mia SCREAMED and SCREAMED and pushed and pushed.

Meanwhile, I was yelling for the epidural. Then passed out. No, just kidding. But it was THAT intense and I was sitting there, in the words of Bill Cosby, "acting like I was Johnny Bench." I felt a bit afraid, useless, and wished that someone had trained me in Zenpooping too. Finally, it happened. They landed like bullets but were shaped like tree trunks. Horrible to see. And so, like I said, my baby girl is STRONG...not to mention, again, a genius - because that's just what we do now. She starts to keel. I get the can. She starts to moan. I begin shedding her layers. She starts to push. And I hold her over the can trying desperately to remember how a London squad siren goes.

o she's definitely earned our little nickname for her: Mia Pu. Um, this is OUR nickname, mind you...not yours. Give the girl a little dignity, please.

note: still working on the camera malfunction. hopefully new pictures tomorrow.

random musings

This is footage from a brisk walk through Nanchang's retail promenade. Meanwhile, below are some random thoughts that have been swirling:

* Guess what the VERY first store I saw upon landing in Beijing, after baggage claim: Starbucks. Ah, good ol' IMPERIALISM....my fair weather friend.

* Guess what was the first thing I did "on my own" in Guangzhou today. Yup. Ordered me a "Tall" - with no room for cream.

* The China Airlines all serve hot meals on every flight. Even if it's only an hour long. They don't use puddlejumpers, either and the crews have better uniforms. Think about that.

* The service here is amazing. They are incredibly kind, gracious, and they KILL in their language skills. I'm convinced we don't stand a chance in the emerging global economy.

* I've seen only one mini-van in China thus far. Quite a commentary, I think, in of itself. It was a Chrysler....which is another.

* Things I miss about the U.S. - mexican food...smoking laws...intimate space zones...traffic laws...traffic lights...the sun...italian food, but not nearly as much as some tacos...or the chicken and cream cheese enchiladas from El Ranchito...working heaters in stores, restaurants, hotel lobbies...tap water...Walk-in health clinics....the occasional cell phone etiquette...the quesadillas at La Tienda Casa Paloma...or their french toast, ironically enough.

* Things I love about China - the way they place their napkins: half on the table, half off. That way it never falls off. There's enough slack to reach your chin without bending (for the average man, of which I am) and yet, it won't hit the floor, nor your chair. Having a cloth to cover your lap I've always felt was over-rated...chopsticks. love 'em. gettin' good with them...food tastes better I think. plus, I think I'm really cool when I use them. Especially, when I don't have to think about it. You know, like tonight, when we were out for tai food and I was in a great conversation with someone who was sharing something rather personal when all of a sudden I thought, "Dan, look at you with those chops in your hand. You're so natural. With such ease, you use these sticks. Why, they might confuse you for an ex-patriot. Or CIA."...

More things I love about China: the food. I know you've heard me talk about pizza and McDonald's but that was always Butde's idea. I go where there are chopsticks.

Most of all: their warm spirits...gracious hearts...it's humbling.

I went to a church service today. It was truly good for the soul. I was having a rough couple of days and needed a little perspective - you know the reminder that I'm a Christ follower. So, it truly was powerful at times (at others, quite dull) - sitting there, singing worship songs in both mandarin and english, and holding my little Mia...worshiping over her, praying for her, then feeding her a bottle (Moms: how do you ever hear a word the pastor says?). Anyhow, it was just what I needed.

Naturally, I couldn't help but to make a few comparisons - which I found some similarities:
1. They started right on time, and everyone still arrived 15 minutes late
2. They told people to silence their cell phones and no one stirred.
3. The place was FREEZING
4. The pastor went long

So, we must be doing something right....

Nanchang Ice

What was supposed to be a 30 minute bus ride to the airport to catch a short, one hour flight (Mia's first ever)...turned into a 4 hour bus ride, a 4 hour delay in the airport, another hour delay on the runway, and then one stormy flight to Guangzhou. All in all, we arrived and slugged our way into the White Swan Hotel running high with nerves and low on formula.

The reason? Ice.

This was the worse ice storm to hit China in a decade...millions were stranded...power lines were down...thousands more went without heat...Chinese officials prepared for the worst...Gov. Schwarzenegger declared California a "State of Emergency"...etc. You can read all about it in the China Daily. (http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-01/27/content_6423659.htm)

It took us 2 hours just to get over the bridge that was right beneath our hotel. This was partly b/c of a 6-car pile up, but mostly due to the hundred or so uniformed military that lined up in the middle of the bridge with little tiny shovels in their hands. They stood just about a foot apart from one another and dug into the inch-thick ice, some without shovels used their hands. Others took pictures.

I've always heard about China's "standing army" but never expected to see them in the middle of the bridge like an M-DOT worker (or "Caltrans" or whatever). Those guys are lean...and nimble, let me tell you.

Well, I have much more to write - mostly about Mia. She is absolutely amazing and I've been logging so many things in my head...but they will have to wait until after dinner.

Until then, enjoy the pictures.

chow.

note: my camera is not uploading and so these are all old pictures. I'm gonna have to wait until tech support wakes up (aka: elise) to get me back going again.

Gotcha Day Video

One of the other families on the trip captured some video of Gotcha Day and posted it on YouTube. Dan and Mia are shown a couple of times on the video. Warning....it will make you cry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2D6pFBhe5g

feeling better...

We all slept much better last night. Mia didn't cough nearly as much. Butde's (my Mom) feeling better. And I'm on Cipro.

Almost went to the hospital yesterday - in fact, was on my way out when someone from the group offered me their antibiotic. Risky, I know. But oh so worth it. I turned right back around, put Mia Pu down for a nap, and we both slept for 3 hours.

I'd be lying if there weren't a small part of me that was kind of looking forward to the adventure of going to a Chinese hospital. Even brought my camera for the occasion. It just sounds cool to say you went to a chinese hospital. Not quite as cool as saying you went to a chinese prison, but cool nonetheless.

You know, like when I'm at my next dinner party back in the states and a group of us are in a conversation that goes like this:

Dinner Party Person #1: "Man, it seems like everyone is sick."
Whole Group: "Yeah...it's that time of year"
Dinner Party Person #2: "I had to rush my son to the hospital just last week."
Whole Group: "REALLY!"
#2: "Um Hm...and it was a horrible experience...they were so rude and made us wait so long."
Whole Group: "Oh, that's awful."
#2: "It really was."
Me: "Hmmm....reminds me of the time I was in a Chinese hospital."
Whole Group: "hmm....."

They nod unthinkingly, and then startle from their suburban malaise and say:

Whole Group: "YOU were in a Chinese hospital?"
Me: "Oh sure."
Whole Group: "For what?"
Me: "I think it's better if I don't say."

Thanks so very much for your prayers.

just to clarify

It seems that Elise did not quite find the humor in my countryside story. I should have known. The idea of her baby being out there in the cold improperly dressed will ALWAYS draw a Mommy's ire. So allow me to clarify. The point, you see, was not in that Mia was under-dressed...the point was that the Chinese are obsessed about bundling their babies.

Think "Christmas Story", then add a layer.

Just so you know what we're talking about here...and so that you can see two more cute pix of Mia (which is the real reason)...to the left I have posted a couple of different "going out" shots. Notice - if you will - the tights, the thick cap, the warm sweats, and the parka - all over, of course, a long sleeve onsey, warm socks, and, um, a cozy diaper.

Prayer Request

Hi all, sorry there are no updates this morning but Dan has been horribly sick and trying to sleep whenever Mia does.

He and Mia would love your prayers. Dan has a fever, horrible cough and aches. As you know being sick is hard enough not to mention having to care for your child, be in a foreign country without access to a doctor you trust.

Mia also has a horrible cough and ear infection. They are both asleep right now and when they wake up they have to fly to their last city before coming home. If you could pray that they both get a good night's sleep and that their bodies would heal in their sleep. And please pray that Mia's ears don't hurt during the flight tomorrow.

I ask for your prayers because we have seen how God is answering our every prayer for Mia. Thank you all for being with us on this journey.

Just in a Week...

I realize that I'm bordering on a collage fetish (and, no, I don't do creative memories)....but above is a picture of Mia for each day since Gotcha, beginning from left to right. The pictures don't lie.

Dialogue Exchange of the Week:

Mom has been an incredible wingman for Mia and me. She loves Mia so much but knows how important it is that the first female she attaches to is her Mommy. So, with great restraint, she makes sure that I care, nurture, comfort, and play with Mia the most. It's about a 95%/5% ratio in care, I'd say. She also truly lets me parent, follows my lead, and goes with whatever I decide - not to mention that she preps all the bottles, washes all the bibs, and fetches all our needs. It's pretty dang amazing.

However, the minute HER BOY gets sick, as I did yesterday,...suddenly, we see the Sallie we all know and love. The Sallie that I and my 3 brothers affectionately call "BUZZSAW". At my first cough, she sprang into action - pulling out more remedies and concoctions than a witch doctor - Airborne, Ecclanesia (sp?), Tylenol, Sudafed, tea, water, and the like. I mean, she is watching me like a hawk. (I also just picked up what appears to be cough medicine at the local pharmacy. Nowhere on the box's label could I decipher the words "cough medicine" nor did I see a diagram of a person coughing....But after mimicking a cough and rubbing my chest four times in a circle the pharmacist nodded and handed me the goods. Hopefully, it will heal me. Perhaps it will only soothe me. In the least, I could be in for one nice Asian ride.)

Anyhow, given my Mom's new resurgence into motherhood, I offer you the below conversation from last night.

Mom: Dan-boy, I think you feel hot.

Dan: Yeah.

Mom: Let's take your temp.

Dan: Okay.

Mom: Where's the rectal....?

Dan: RECTAL! I think you're taking the 'Mother-Son Adventure' thing a little too far!!!

Editor's Note: in fairness to Mom, she was just wanting to make sure that I did NOT get the rectal thermometer.

"The Shame Was Unbearable..."

We are both feeling better today and toured the countryside. Unfortunately I only took footage from the camcorder and cannot upload it from here. So this cute little "naptime" shot upon returning will have to suffice.

We drove out into the rice paddy fields and a little "neighborhood." Not unlike the times I've visited parts of the "3rd world," our visit quickly brought me great perspective. What seemed like absolute poverty to me, this neighborhood was later described as being "affluent."

Man, just a half hour there and, thankfully, I can now better distinguish between true "needs" and "wants." I call it the "Haiti Effect" - which is where Elise and I first got to know one another. Whenever we spend hours deciding, say, which couch to buy...one of us will look at each other and say, "You know, it's time to go back to Haiti." Thus, the Haiti Effect. Which I think we all kinda felt....ourselves each being exposed a bit. Someone from our group asked the question we were all awkwardly wondering: "Is this alright??? To be taking pictures of these people and their homes like gawking tourists with $500 cameras in our hands?" I readily agreed with her tension and was glad she asked. Then snapped away undeterred - deciding to live in the tension versus run from it, you see.

Perspective has a shelf life, you know...

As our bus pulled into the middle of town, we were flocked by the local villagers. When I stepped off the bus into the frigid cold, an old lady rushed up to me and began to bark incessantly in mandarin - all of which I missed except the general sense that she was not real pleased. She pointed at Mia's legs and grabbed Cindy (our guide) and gestured frantically. Apparently, three layers on my little girl did not suffice to the local village standards. Old men shouted at me as they passed by, other Moms shook their sticks, and one dog in particular really wanted to let me have it. The shame was unbearable. I mean, they acted like I had her clothed in a 2-piece.

Now, in fairness, I was warned about this. My wife warned me before leaving. Cindy warned us upon arriving. The first morning in Nanchang, in fact, she even scurried me back up to the hotel room b/c my outfit selection did not meet her approval. I can't remember exactly why but it had something to do with Mia showing some leg.

So, today, after the villagers tore their robes and beat their chests in protest, Cindy turned to me, rolled her eyes and kindly snorted, "I told you so!"

"How do you translate: 'But I'm just a dad!'" I cried, to no one in particular.

She's Got an Eye for the Camera!

Mia is simply a different girl. She is "alive", vibrant, and now starting to demonstrate her own will. For example, she won the nap battle 3-1 this afternoon. Her cute little whimper has found a new courage and her eyes now have light. She is more fun and...more work.

I'm grateful.

This video shows her "reading' the little Deeble photo album that her Mommy packed just for her. It isn't her most active work (for she's nearly crawling out of the room now), but it's my favorite.

Sick Day....

Mia and I are both a bit sick (cough, congestion, unsettled stomach, etc - nothing too major) so we agreed to opt out of today's activities. So nothing like being couped up in a hotel in Nanchang to spur on such thoughts as:

* When the room service lists on their menu a hamburger as a "BEEF Burger" is that to help remove all doubt?

* I now have my next 10 Mother's Day sermons prepared in my head

* The smell of baby formula makes me gag.

pray for health and Mia's continued joy.
d

Mia's First Laugh

As it always happens, this video picks up the "scraps" of Mia's first real laugh.
We really began to see more of her personality today. She was more active, alert, and engaging with me (and everyone). It truly is amazing to see how quickly she is rebounding from the trauma and shock of it all. Love astounds me.

Free Day for Mia!

So we watched some Sumo Wrestling, went to McD's, took our first bath, forced out our first poop, and had our first real laugh!!!

It was a big one.

First Bath...

Mia got her first Dove Soap Dip today! We started by dipping her feet into the tub and at first she resisted. She gave me these eyes that said, "Daddy, are you going to wash my feet?"

To which I replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will."

"No," said Mia, "you shall never wash my feet."

"Unless I wash you three times a day or whenever you break out in the slightest sweat," I answered, "you shall never be an American."

But soon she started to quite enjoy herself and said, "Then, Daddy," she said, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well - and, oh, could you throw in a few toys while you're at it?!?"

She Grows More Beautiful By The Hour...

Mia @ 6 months..........Mia @ 10 months

The Chinese Have a Name for Us...

Our CHI Guide, Cindy, greeted us at the airport in Nanchang and, while traveling into the city, explained to us that this city is very different than Beijing. While Beijing has 12-13 million people, Nanchang has only 3-4 million. It is 80% agricultural and most of the local people have never seen a foreigner before. But when they do, they simply call us "Big Nose People."

Which begs an interesting question: what do they call someone who is known among the "big nose people" to have himself a big nose?

Hmmmm....Confucius say....

Nonetheless, it appears that Mia has found soothing comfort in three things thus far: (1) The blankie her Mommy (Elise) packed for her, (2) the middle and index finger of her left hand and (3) my nose.

Below is Cindy, our local CHI guide, telling us what to expect:

"That Guy With His Mom...."

So, I'm pretty sure that a reputation has formed for me among the group and guides. I was tipped off to this when, today on the bus, our guide (Elsie) said over the intercom, "Okay, did everyone make sure to bring their passports?" Then she made a concerted effort to look directly at me and said, "Daniel, do YOU have your passport?"

It then dawned on me that this wasn't the first time that she felt the need to do the customized "circle back" with me. Indeed, this trend started way back in Beijing.

I'm not sure whether this is because I'm "that guy with his Mom" or b/c I really am forgetting a lot of things. Take this evening, for example. I was so proud of myself that we were the first family down to the lobby for dinner. But, since we were early, I decided to find a piano and play for Mia. So we found one - but on the 20th floor and took the elevator all the way to the top. Then, we came back down on time but forgot a feeding spoon for Mia. So, my Mom made the trek back up to the 12th floor and down. Then, we went to the restaurant and I reached for my camera to take a picture of Mia (b/c she was exceptionally cute in her high chair) when I realized that my camera was missing. I ran back to the hotel to look for it, condemning in my spirit all the 1.3 billion chinese people as petty thieves along the way. I employed the hotel manager, his staff, and Cindy our guide in my search. Hooray. It turned up...on the 20th floor...near the piano.

Then (you thought I was done, huh?), I got back to the restaurant...had a lovely meal...and returned back to the hotel. Our guide, Cindy, received a call from the restaurant saying that someone from our group had left their hat. As she headed out of the lobby and back to the restaurant, I gave her a very apologetic look - as if to say, "On behalf of our entire group, I'm so sorry that we're such incapable people." Which I thought was a rather statesman-like thing to do. I didn't know whose hat it was and, frankly, didn't care. I was just embarrassed at this point by the sheer volume of "dumb American group moves."

The guide returned from the restaurant and came back down the hallway of our floor with an "In & Out" hat in her hand. A black one. And before I could duck into my room, I heard someone down the hall shout knowingly, "That's Dan's hat!" Which was not a mean thing to say whatsoever. In fact, it was true. But his tone seemed to imply, "Who else could it be but the guy with his Mom?"

The scary thing is I'm really, really trying.

Harmony Day!!!

This document to the left shows that Mia is now - according to the People's Republic of China - officially the daughter of Dan and Elise Deeble. In the words of Cindy, our CHI Guide, "No one can ever take her from you!"


It was amazing when she said that b/c I really didn't have a full understanding of what we were doing and what it would all mean. There's so much paperwork and so many appointments (still many to come too!) that it's hard to keep track with what is "what." So her words were a surprise and totally took my breath away.

Here's how it works: 24 hours after you receive your child, the Chinese government calls you back to sign all your paperwork. They call this "Harmony Day" because they want to give you a 24 hour period together so that you can be sure that you want to go through with the adoption.
Of course, to every family I've ever met it's a completely unnecessary gesture - as one Mom said today, "Are you kidding? Do you think I'd back out now after a two year wait for my little girl?"

Anyhow, today was our day for official Chinese Harmony.

So, we took off at 8 AM (can't tell you how challenging that was for us. I got up at 5:45 to make it happen and still barely made it. Moms, you're amazing. Every single one of you.) First we went back to the Adoption Center where I had to give an oath, take a family picture (without Mia's Mommy! :-( ), and sign some paperwork. Then, we got back on the bus and went to the Notary's office where I had to do the same thing again, essentially. Then, lastly, we got back on the bus and went to the passport place where we had Mia's photo taken for her passport.

So, from 6AM - NOON we were in a mad-dash with official chinese business...oh, yeah, and not to forget that we had to mix in a feeding in there somewhere (can I tell you what a trooper my Mom is???). Needless to say, there are some serious naps happening right now. Mia has been out for 2 hours and 29 minutes thus far. Butde (aka: grandma) for nearly an hour, now. Me? Too excited.

Mia Likes Her Toys

Mia and Mr. Wang

Here we are with Mr. Wang, the Orphanage Director (as you saw in the earlier picture as well). We learned some great news from him today. The orphanage was built only in 2005 and is extremely new. There are, if I recall, only 18 children in the orphanage and all but a few have been adopted already.

You could really tell that Mia (and all the girls) have been dearly loved. Their "Nannies" seemed so loving and familiar with each child. They were very sweet and gentle with her and could answer our questions with great detail and specifics about each child.

One family with us in our group, that has adopted from China before, said that their last experience was very different. The girls from their prior trip seemed far more institutionalized. The Nannies seemed cold and indifferent. So, while comparisons are always bittersweet, it was helpful to see how many of our prayers for Mia have been answered.

p.s. one interesting note: Mr. Wang explained to us that these little babies have already been potty trained. They put them on a little pot and then give them the "grunt noise" (the, um, international sign for "go poop"). Then these little ones do their business. So far, my grunt noise isn't having quite the same effect as Mr. Wang's.

Play Time!

Pix #1: I call this Mia's "brown steel".....
Pix #2: this shot I call the "This gig ain't all that bad..."
Pix #3: and this pix says, "Dogs are considered family????"