Homecoming, Friday, April 3rd, 2009

"The plane ride is HOW long?"

Our journey home began on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009. We left Guangzhou for Hong Kong on an afternoon flight. The flight was a quick one and good training for what we would need for our flight home. We arrived in Hong Kong safely and anxious thinking about our long day of travel the following day. We checked into the Marriott Sky City hotel and were so happy to see a king-sized bed! We'd been in twin beds since we were last in Hong Kong. Natalie liked the bed as well. :) We ordered room service and turned in early. The next morning we got onto the airport shuttle at around 9:30 a.m. We checked in without any problems and began our wait for the flight. Andy was very happy to find a Burger King in the airport for lunch where the burgers tasted 'just like home'.

Natalie liked playing on the big bed


We boarded the flight on Friday and took off at 12:45 p.m. (Hong Kong time). The flight was almost 14 hours to Chicago - ugh! Natalie did very well considering the situation. She slept about an hour after take-off and then about 3 hours before landing. We walked the aisles, played with her stacking cups, read books, and just tried to keep her happy. The flight attendants were very helpful especially when it came time to fixing bottles. One particular attendant was very fond of Natalie and was full of questions. Many women on the flight had a lot of questions about our 'beautiful baby girl'. Some had stories about daughters adopting from other countries. They were very interested in the process and how Natalie was doing.

We landed at O'Hare International and had to go through customs. We were sure to get out the safely stored travel and immigration documents for Natalie. The process was very anti-climactic, but Natalie became a U.S. citizen at that time. Then we were off to wait 4 hours for our flight to Portland. We got settled in at our gate and the time seemed to pass quickly. We were able to use our cell phones for the first time in 2 weeks. We called Kelsey, and Amanda and sent a few texts. Again we met some kind women who were very curious about Natalie and us. It's amazing the opportunity we had to share our journey of faith. I found myself crying (I do that a lot lately) at the thought of seeing Amanda and Kelsey in just a few hours. I was so excited to see them and to introduce them to their new sister!

Natalie took a quick nap on my chest just before boarding and I found my own eyes closing. I hadn't slept a wink on the flight and was feeling a bit tired myself. We both slept on the 2 hour flight to Portland. My head was bobbing even before take-off. Sleep helped to pass the time more quickly. The anticipation of landing was so great! The diaper change would have to wait! We were in the very back of a United Express plane (very small in comparison to the jet we took from Hong Kong) and it took some time to deplane. Once off the plane, we looked down from inside the gate and could see Amanda, Kelsey, Teresa, and Anna waiting and waving at us.

I could hear Amanda crying as we got onto the down escalator and the tears began to flow. I couldn't get down to them fast enough. Amanda and Kelsey came to Natalie and me and we had a big group hug. Andy followed just a few steps behind and wrapped them in his arms. We had been waiting for this for so long! We missed having my mom and dad there and it was hard for them to miss it as well. They are away in Arizona visiting family. Unfortunately the plans were made long before we knew of our travel plans. :(

Next Anna and Teresa were there with hugs. More smiles, and tears. We were all so happy to be back together. There was quite a group welcoming John, Beth, and Lily home as well. Some came to welcome me home and to introduce themselves. They had been following our blog as well as John and Beth's. They felt a bit like extended family. Many of them had left comments on our blog encouraging us while we were away.

Our welcoming party just before we arrived - Amanda, Anna, Teresa, and Kelsey. They met some of John & Beth's (and Lily's!) family while waiting.
Andy introducing Natalie to her sisters and cousin Anna

Our family of five! So good to be home.

Saying our good-byes before heading home from the Portland Jetport


"Mom, what is this restraining device? I can't look out the windows from your lap anymore?"

Natalie did not like her car seat. She had never been in one before and was not happy to be in one on the way home. Although, Kelsey, Amanda, and Anna kept her entertained from the back seat for the entire ride. We'll see how it goes next time!

Our three beautiful girls getting to know each other

Natalie was very happily playing with Amanda and Kelsey. We got home around 11:30 p.m. Natalie went to bed around midnight and slept until 9 a.m. the next morning. She might have slept longer, but I intentionally made some noises in her room to awaken her. It's going to take some time to get her on schedule with the new time zone!

Natalie being introduced to Baxter.

Natalie wasn't sure what to make of Baxter. She was curious, but screeched when she shook his head! He was very sweet and gentle and mostly just watched her. Sadly we had to say our goodbyes to Baxter the following morning. Baxter was almost 13 and began to fail quickly in the weeks we were away. It was really hard on all of us as he'd been a part of our family for so long and was a great dog. It's certainly been an emotional roller-coaster!

Sleepy girl crawling on Daddy's belly Saturday in her room while playing

Natalie wasn't quite herself on Saturday. She was really tired! She took a 3 hour nap in the afternoon and went to bed at 7:10 p.m. Andy took a 2 hour nap - he's very sick with a cold! Natalie seemed to be asking to go to bed. She wouldn't take her bottle and I think it was because we ran out of the formula she as accustomed to in China and had made a switch to a different formula mid-day. As soon as I laid her in her crib she grabbed her blanky (shown here in the photo) and went to sleep. It's now 13 hours later and she's still sleeping! We've been told that there would be sleepless nights in adjusting...could we be this lucky?? We'll see. Alicia

Ready to go!

This may be our last post from China as I'm unsure we'll have internet connectivity at our hotel in Hong Kong. So this last one is from Natalie...
I took a good nap in my hotel crib for Mom & Dad...



I put on my nice new dress for my picture on the red couch with my parents...


another picture with my best friend Lily...

and now I'm ready to come home to all of you! I can't wait to meet everyone!

Love, hugs, and kisses,

Natalie Grace Luo Berglund

Headed for Hong Kong

This morning we were up early and ready to get packing! We are so excited! Today we leave the hotel at 1:30 for our flight to Hong Kong. We had another excellent breakfast at the hotel buffet - I think Andy has had french toast and bacon every morning since we left home! We took a couple of pictures at the hotel waterfall and brook that I've posted below. Natalie is getting VERY active! She's testing her pursuasion abilities on us as well. At breakfast she would look at us and make a small whimper to see if we would take her out of her chair, but happily played when we didn't react immediately. She is very interested in eating! The bit of egg I fed her stayed in her mouth for about 20 minutes. I guess we still need to work on eating solids before introducing too many different foods. Perhaps cereal will be best. When we get home she'll be happy to have something other than bottles of formula with a bit of rice cereal mixed in.

We played quite a bit in the hotel room this morning while packing. She's crawling around getting into everything - it's awesome! She was trying to get a decorative paper bag out of the trash so I just took it out for her to play with - nothing is too extravagant for our little girl :). We talked to Amanda and Kelsey on Skype again. Their excitement is contagious! We all are just so anxious for Friday night to arrive! Patience...

Natalie finally nodded off at 10 a.m. - an hour later than usual, but our schedule will be out the window when we arrive home due to the time difference anyway. I wonder how long it will take to get back into a fairly normal routine...



Andy and Natalie admiring the gold fish in the hotel 'brook'



The waterfall is quite an attraction - I just caught Natalie looking my way - she loves to watch the waterfall.

The hotel has these large (Jade?) bull frogs for sale that I just love! I wish they had a smaller version for our garden at home! Natalie is impressed as well.

Well, I should really use this time to finish packing. Natalie is quietly snoring away in her crib with her Nana's blanket wrapped snugly and gripped in her small hands. After her nap we're taking her to the 'Red Couch' at the hotel for a picture with Lily. It's a tradition that adoptive families have a photo taken there. We have a special dress for her to wear. I will try to post the picture before we leave.

Please pray for our safe travel today and tomorrow. Our love to you all! Alicia

Our Chinese Banquet

As a tradition, the MAPS guide organizes and treats the adopting families to a banquet. Last night Aina took us to dinner at a local Chinese restaurant. John, Beth, Lily, Andy, Natalie, and I walked the short distance with Aina in the lead - as usual. Aina is about 70 years old and can speed walk like you've never seen! She's quite a character.

Aina pre-ordered our meals to avoid a long wait with babies. She ordered us Sweet and Sour Chicken, rice noodles, broccoli (Andy's favorite!), pork, beef, and bean curd with shrimp. Everything was delicious...well, maybe not the last item. Andy tried everything! Aina was sure to order menu items that did not have peanuts or that was made with peanut oil. We had a nice meal and good conversation. We all gave our gifts to a very gracious Aina at the end of our dinner. Unfortunately we did not get a photo! The babies were well past their bed times and it was like wresting aligators trying to get them to sit at the table any longer.

Aina stayed behind to take care of the bill and while we made our way back we were discussing how interesting Aina is. She is our best advocate here in China. We never worried that our paperwork was correct if we followed her instructions, and we never worried about anyone taking we Americans for granted while in her company. It is also important to understand that the Chinese culture is very different than ours. We could easily offend an official without intending to do so. She has so many stories to tell, and has lived a lot in her life. She spent time in Africa for the AIDS missions, she spent time in the U.S. as a diplomat, and I could go on and on. She mentioned last night that her husband wants her to retire. She says she's not ready just yet, but maybe soon. Our trip has been a hard one for her. Due to circumstances beyond her control, she will be here an additional week with another family. She will miss Memorial Day, which is hard for her as it is a time to honor her parents. However; she always is willing to go the extra mile for you. Even last night, she offered to take us to the Botanical Gardens because we asked about it - never intending to visit - just curious. You may be taken back by her demeanor, but know that you are getting an honest and direct answer and the best help around. No beating around the bush!


Andy with Aina in Guangzhou

Memories of Aina:

'Feed your babies!' - As we are sitting in the Civil Registration office, having only met our children 10 minutes prior, and do not have anything to feed them except BANANAS!

'What's Up?' - Aina trying to understand a situation.

'Why not?' - A 'yes' response.

'Of Course!' - How could we even consider asking?

'You don't listen' - Her frustration at our lack of cooperation in regard to dressing the babies in multiple layers of clothing.

'You have chocolate for the baby?' - While riding back from the orphanage with a fussy (11 month old) Natalie.

'Too much cheese, you want Italian, you go to Italy' - Andy mentioned the local Italian restaurant for our banquet and he was met with this response.

'You have a lovely daughter and son-in-law' - when speaking on Skype to my mom! She dropped by our room to drop off papers and I was online. She came over and introduced herself. Very cute.

At times it has been difficult to take I admit. But I will fondly remember Aina, gruffness and all, and the role she played in making our family of 5 complete. Alicia

Reflections

It's 10:22 a.m. Wednesday, April Fool's Day, and the day has had an emotional start. We are so anxious to get home and we're finally feeling like we're getting close. During our Skype time with Kelsey today we were all feeling the stress of the time apart. My sister and niece have now moved in with Kelsey for the remainder of our time away. We have a very good support system at home and are so thankful! It has been such a blessing knowing that we have so many people we can count on in time of need.

The time we have spent here with Natalie one-on-one has been wonderful. She seems to have bonded with us really well already. She looks for each of us if one should leave the room, and smiles on our return. She is very happy to see us each time she wakes in the morning or from a long nap. I don't think we have to purchase many toys right away as she is extremely pleased with her stacking cups, books, and package of wipes!

We miss Amanda and Kelsey terribly! I think it would have been very difficult to have them with us here, and I do believe home is the best place for them, but it has been hard to be away from them. Knowing they have a new sister they have yet to meet has been exciting and a bit stressful. They see her in the pictures, hear about her through us, talk to her on Skype, but until they meet face-to-face it won't seem completely real. Life will be different for all of us. Many changes await us at home; some we have thought of and I'm sure some that will catch us by surprise. No longer are we a family of 4, but now a family of 5! :) Kelsey and I were planning our family breakfast and dinner for Saturday on IM this morning - something we have always treasured (family meals). It helped to think that we are close enough to begin thinking of day-to-day events.

They have been wonderful throughout this process. They went shopping last week to buy Natalie a gift for her home coming. Very sweet. I think Natalie is going to just love them so much! She can be quiet, but loves to play and is becoming very social - just like Amanda and Kelsey. She responds to them even during our online conversations. Perhaps Natalie will recognize them from our time chatting together.

Amanda will come home from Gordon on Friday, and she and Kelsey will be at the Jetport to meet us. Only 2.5 more days! I'm so excited. And nervous - a 15 hours flight with a baby...oh, boy! Please pray for us! (and for the other passengers...) Alicia

Daddy's little girl

While Andy and Natalie are in the playroom I'll take advantage of my time in the room. Aina is at the consulate and wants one of us available just in case there is a question/problem with our paperwork.

I thought you might want to see more of Natalie and I snapped this at the hotel today. Natalie is wearing her new Gymboree sweater! I think we overpaid, but still, it was only about $8 USD.




Stopping to say 'Hello' to Linden (and Todd), the only one to brave the cool weather and swim in the pool.

The less Westernized Guangzhou

Andy, Natalie and I took a short walk today across the river. The atmosphere changes very quickly. We are staying in a very Westernized hotel and are very sheltered from the reality of Guangzhou I think. Other than the small shops outside of our hotel, everything feels a lot like home. Small hotel rooms with AC and a great view of the river (a different river). However, you walk for about 10 minutes and you notice a difference immediately. I've posted some photos below from our walk this morning.

On our way we found this bronze statue of a boy, girl and dog. Notice how relaxed Natalie is in the carrier. She oftens hums as we walk along! So cute!

Our first glance down a market filled street

Notice the heavy load on the bicycle behind Andy - these Chinese men may be lanky, but they are strong!

Live scorpions anyone? There were also live turtles for sale.

Someone's pet kitten beside their wares. There are a lot of cats roaming through the food laid out. Sometimes they are tasting what is for sale...

Some sort of dried root for sale



Every shop seemed to have a bin of sea horses for sale - dried - not sure how they are used. Sea Horse soup perhaps? mmm-mm-good...

It was an interesting morning and I'm glad to have had the experience of walking the shop-lined streets. I couldn't help but feel like an intruder with my camera and Andy toting his camcorder. As I asked the man with the scorpions and turtles if it was ok to snap a shot, he nodded yes and quickly spoke to his wife. We were brief and I'm sure there were many eyes on us. Natalie still gets a lot of looks and I wonder what is being said as we pass by. No worries though. As Andy and I were saying this a.m. Natalie has been 'ours' since the day she was born. We all just had to wait a little while to be united.

Thanks for all the comments and emails! We enjoy hearing from all of you and miss you! Alicia