Ok so how funny is it we both got some inspiration and energy to blog tonight??? I have not read Gary's yet so appologies for any repitition.
Anniversaries have past, but Ben has kept me too busy and tired to write before now.
4/29 was 1 month with our son
4/30 Ben turned 17 months
Coming up 5/9 1 month home
But 5/9 is also Mother’s Day!! The first one in 40 years I can celebrate for it’s meaning to me and not hide out or ignore. Apologies to my Mom for all those years I ignored this day beyond sending her a card. Even going to the card aisle was tearful back then.
This year may bring some tears for the grief of the past and the joy of the present.
We wish we could celebrate with those we lost last year but rejoice for who are still in our lives now.
Ben has had his first doctor visit with vaccines and was a champ. Then blood work at labcorp from the vein, traumatic! We will be going to the Clifton office from now on because Shaka was wonderful after we left the office by our home angry and frustrated from a few missed attempts. We do need to learn by his example once it was over he was a happy boy that morning, mom and dad had to let go a bit more. I was quite emotionally exhausted that day.
Ben is still on the cusp of walking, he holds on still to one hand mostly. We just got him a Thomas the train walking riding toy to help with that and for some more fun things to do outside.
He has 3 new teeth coming in! and is really just drooly and a little cranky. He is an amazing kiddo.
Sleep time is still challenging, Mom and Dad limit staying in the room to 30 minutes or he just plays on and on no matter how tired he is. He has begun doing his version of downward facing dog as he unwinds to go to sleep. We need to try and get that on video it is just too funny. At nap time we do relaxation breathing (Benson’s mini exercise) he may learn to count backwards before forwards…oops. Coordinating naps has been my biggest challenge to structuring the day. When he lets me, I do reiki to the bump that fluctuates in size on his temple. I am working in my holistic pieces to parenting as I begin to relax into momhood.
Tonight was the first time he cried when he got out of the tub instead on when he got in! He was having the best time splashing his dad till he was SOAKED! And playing with the lil boat and turtles.
I seem to be the only one who thinks he’s starting to look shaggy and could use a trim of his hair…I will manage this before his welcome party 5/22.
We have been going out and enjoying the unusually sunny hot weather. He has been to Harriman park for a picnic and to Hoboken for an art and music festival. Yes we have been adding to his culture. Gary has begun his music education, Beatles and Rush top his favorites…hmmm…dad isn’t influencing him much ya think?
He is doing well with grandma and will stay with her while I do a few things around the house. Ant genocide in the living room… ugh don’t ask it was a traumatic Monday for mom with flashbacks to college when under the couch was a moving mass ooh bug. YUCK!
Seems the cat spends more time in the pack and play than ben does. JAX you crazy kitty.
To end, our thoughts and prayers go out to the many families we know who are traveling this week to meet their children in hina. God Bless.
with loving kindness
Nancy
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
It's Been a While...
I really meant to keep this up, even if it was once a week. But here we are, almost a month since we've been home and Nancy's done a couple of posts and that's been it. So here we go...
Ben's adjusted pretty well to New Jersey life. It was rough for a day or so, getting him off China time (12 hours ahead) and onto NJ time. We discovered that a lamp in his room made the difference between sleeping through the night and crying when he woke up because he had no idea where he was. He'd spent 16 months in one crib and two rooms, and since March 29, he'd been in 4 cribs and two countries. That's rough when you don't know what's going on! Now, he's sleeping almost 12 hours a night. He just hasn't realized that he's not missing anything by going to sleep. He fights sleep to the point where half his body is asleep and the other half just doesn't know it yet!
He still eats anything we offer, though Swedish meatballs he can live with out. He does not like cold beverages and lets us know by taking a suck through a straw and promptly opening his mouth. Blah. Charming. Macaroni and cheese are big faves and easy to get at restaurants! Cheese (as in on pizza), however much as he likes it, doesn't sit well and creates toxic waste (if'n you know what I mean!).
For the last few weeks he has HATED bath time. As soon as his toes hit the warm water, the crying would commence, worsening when the washcloth came around. He'd start chattering after a while and that didn't help. Tonight, someone replaced my son with an exact duplicate who realized that bath time was awesome fun, especially when you splash the water and get daddy soaked. Oh yes, great fun. Worth a smile and a laugh. Bath time ended when we noticed he was "making bubbles" (know what I mean, say no more). Seems, ol' Benny boy loved bath time so much, he started crying when we took him out. Just can't win.
I'm sad to be missing the days with him, now that I'm back at work. Lucky Nancy, home all day, though I'm sure there are days she'd trade. He's a great kid, but even a 17-month-old (as of April 30th) has his limits. Like nap time, for example. Not big on napping.
He loves the Beatles (but who doesn't), some of the more keyboard driven Rush CDs, Bon Jovi, John Flynn, Gandalf Murphy, and Tom Cochran. He's not big on prog rock, but we're working on it! I think he actually likes rock music better than kids' stuff. Yay! Though there is Elmo and his singing of Elmo's world. Better than Barney, I suppose.
He likes watching a show called Yo Gabba Gabba. Or maybe I do and he just puts up with it. If anyone's seen it and knows where I can get that furry orange hat, please let me know. We try to keep him off TV for now as much as possible. He needs to interact, not stare mindlessly at a screen.
Ah, the beauty of the high chair. Nancy's discovered that Ben doesn't mind hanging out while she gets things done, which is good for her.
Me? I love his smile when I get home from work; it makes the day all better!
So that's all for now. The 22nd is his big Welcome to America party at the Bethwood, a local banquet hall that seemed reasonably priced. And otherwise, he's doing fine and so are we.
Hopefully, we'll start posting on a regular basis, so stay tuned!
Peace,
Gary, Nancy, and Benjamin . . .
Ben's adjusted pretty well to New Jersey life. It was rough for a day or so, getting him off China time (12 hours ahead) and onto NJ time. We discovered that a lamp in his room made the difference between sleeping through the night and crying when he woke up because he had no idea where he was. He'd spent 16 months in one crib and two rooms, and since March 29, he'd been in 4 cribs and two countries. That's rough when you don't know what's going on! Now, he's sleeping almost 12 hours a night. He just hasn't realized that he's not missing anything by going to sleep. He fights sleep to the point where half his body is asleep and the other half just doesn't know it yet!
He still eats anything we offer, though Swedish meatballs he can live with out. He does not like cold beverages and lets us know by taking a suck through a straw and promptly opening his mouth. Blah. Charming. Macaroni and cheese are big faves and easy to get at restaurants! Cheese (as in on pizza), however much as he likes it, doesn't sit well and creates toxic waste (if'n you know what I mean!).
For the last few weeks he has HATED bath time. As soon as his toes hit the warm water, the crying would commence, worsening when the washcloth came around. He'd start chattering after a while and that didn't help. Tonight, someone replaced my son with an exact duplicate who realized that bath time was awesome fun, especially when you splash the water and get daddy soaked. Oh yes, great fun. Worth a smile and a laugh. Bath time ended when we noticed he was "making bubbles" (know what I mean, say no more). Seems, ol' Benny boy loved bath time so much, he started crying when we took him out. Just can't win.
I'm sad to be missing the days with him, now that I'm back at work. Lucky Nancy, home all day, though I'm sure there are days she'd trade. He's a great kid, but even a 17-month-old (as of April 30th) has his limits. Like nap time, for example. Not big on napping.
He loves the Beatles (but who doesn't), some of the more keyboard driven Rush CDs, Bon Jovi, John Flynn, Gandalf Murphy, and Tom Cochran. He's not big on prog rock, but we're working on it! I think he actually likes rock music better than kids' stuff. Yay! Though there is Elmo and his singing of Elmo's world. Better than Barney, I suppose.
He likes watching a show called Yo Gabba Gabba. Or maybe I do and he just puts up with it. If anyone's seen it and knows where I can get that furry orange hat, please let me know. We try to keep him off TV for now as much as possible. He needs to interact, not stare mindlessly at a screen.
Ah, the beauty of the high chair. Nancy's discovered that Ben doesn't mind hanging out while she gets things done, which is good for her.
Me? I love his smile when I get home from work; it makes the day all better!
So that's all for now. The 22nd is his big Welcome to America party at the Bethwood, a local banquet hall that seemed reasonably priced. And otherwise, he's doing fine and so are we.
Hopefully, we'll start posting on a regular basis, so stay tuned!
Peace,
Gary, Nancy, and Benjamin . . .
Saturday, April 17, 2010
what we need???
well many many people keep asking me/us what we need and depending when I am asked I truelly have no clue.
other times I say If I need it now I am running out and getting it so please bear with me if you caught me on a tired moment.
We have registered at Babies R Us for the sake of lagging brain cells and ease of use. Ben has some hand me downs from a wonderful friend so 18 month clothes seem taken care of, 24 month and up would work.
I have gone out and gotten a few things we truely needed and some things we will need duplicates for grandma's where Ben will be staying while mom works during the day. But we are not focusing there yet so much can change in the next 9 weeks mom is home. (9 weeks left ok not focusing there yet)
this is not a request for things only a place to look if you were asking about needs.
with loving kindness
Nancy
other times I say If I need it now I am running out and getting it so please bear with me if you caught me on a tired moment.
We have registered at Babies R Us for the sake of lagging brain cells and ease of use. Ben has some hand me downs from a wonderful friend so 18 month clothes seem taken care of, 24 month and up would work.
I have gone out and gotten a few things we truely needed and some things we will need duplicates for grandma's where Ben will be staying while mom works during the day. But we are not focusing there yet so much can change in the next 9 weeks mom is home. (9 weeks left ok not focusing there yet)
this is not a request for things only a place to look if you were asking about needs.
with loving kindness
Nancy
I’m sure everyone is eager for the first weeks report…
Gary is home so I have time to sneak on the laptop when Ben is awake and I am conscious enough to write coherently. By nighttime once Ben is in his crib sleeping I am quite exhausted. I am turning into a morning person for sakes of anything that needs much reading comprehension. Hmm this might bode poorly for studying for the holistic nurse certification. He sleeps well so if anyone wants to call in the evening no problem speaking is easier than reading or writing at that hour. So looks like up to 10p rule will be in force, not for the baby but just so you find me awake.
Ben got to see that mom has to cook now no more room service and that darn maid is no where to be found…LOL. He took the signs for do not disturb and please make up room from the hotel room he loved playing with them and I keep putting out that please make up room sign…darn!
Thankfully he likes his highchair so I can cook without worry of him crawling off somewhere. He can do this quite quickly I might add. Cleaning is more hit or miss and reorganizing after the flood will be completed this week when Daddy is home to help play or do things when Ben is awake. Mom is looking into the old fashioned playpen or play yards for safety and occasional ability to do something away from baby when needed. I’ve seen some we can use in the yard as well and since the river is back there this looks promising for some gardening this year.
Ben is sleeping through the night in his crib since Sunday night, he fusses some but not much. We are very blessed in that way. We are all back on NJ time.
Gary had to go right back to work but has taken vacation next week to have fun with us at home.
Ben and I are working on a routine for our day so it does not feel aimless and endless playing. The leap frog learning center has been a great addition to the play zone! Ben has his own cell phone already since his Aunt Christie showed him how to text he is a phone maniac…LOL. We discovered Sesame street is on too early for our interests and will need some DVDs for when Mom‘s energy fails around 4p.
He is standing well now and possibly going to be walking by next week since he has done a few push off steps to Mom when he is not tired. I need to find some grippy socks so walking is easer for him less slipping around. A visit to Strideright is planned for next week too once we chat with the pediatrician about walking shoes, are the white walkers still the best?
We visited Dad’s work this week and will visit Mom’s next week if all goes as planned. We went to coffee hour at my church last Sunday and will visit Grandma’s this Sunday. Grandpa and Aunt Kristen will be visited as well. So much already planned hopefully we will be able to do it all. House is my priority though once that is better I can relax more less things for him to get hurt on around.
Take care all we will occationaly post but mostly we will be playing with our son.
With Loving kindness
Nancy
Ben got to see that mom has to cook now no more room service and that darn maid is no where to be found…LOL. He took the signs for do not disturb and please make up room from the hotel room he loved playing with them and I keep putting out that please make up room sign…darn!
Thankfully he likes his highchair so I can cook without worry of him crawling off somewhere. He can do this quite quickly I might add. Cleaning is more hit or miss and reorganizing after the flood will be completed this week when Daddy is home to help play or do things when Ben is awake. Mom is looking into the old fashioned playpen or play yards for safety and occasional ability to do something away from baby when needed. I’ve seen some we can use in the yard as well and since the river is back there this looks promising for some gardening this year.
Ben is sleeping through the night in his crib since Sunday night, he fusses some but not much. We are very blessed in that way. We are all back on NJ time.
Gary had to go right back to work but has taken vacation next week to have fun with us at home.
Ben and I are working on a routine for our day so it does not feel aimless and endless playing. The leap frog learning center has been a great addition to the play zone! Ben has his own cell phone already since his Aunt Christie showed him how to text he is a phone maniac…LOL. We discovered Sesame street is on too early for our interests and will need some DVDs for when Mom‘s energy fails around 4p.
He is standing well now and possibly going to be walking by next week since he has done a few push off steps to Mom when he is not tired. I need to find some grippy socks so walking is easer for him less slipping around. A visit to Strideright is planned for next week too once we chat with the pediatrician about walking shoes, are the white walkers still the best?
We visited Dad’s work this week and will visit Mom’s next week if all goes as planned. We went to coffee hour at my church last Sunday and will visit Grandma’s this Sunday. Grandpa and Aunt Kristen will be visited as well. So much already planned hopefully we will be able to do it all. House is my priority though once that is better I can relax more less things for him to get hurt on around.
Take care all we will occationaly post but mostly we will be playing with our son.
With Loving kindness
Nancy
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Home, home again...I like to be here when I can
So to fill in my side of the rest of our trip, starting with Thursday . . .
In the morning was packing, last minute shopping, including three CDs (The Grace of Traditional Chinese Music: Pipa, a children's CD in Mandarin, and a Chinese CD by Jay (this disc was picked by the staff of the Red CD store when we asked for what was hot so we could let Ben hear what was big when we got him)).
Next, we were off to the U.S. Consulate to pick up Ben's visa. The other two couples that were leaving went with us along with one person from the couples who were staying. There are no chairs in the lobby of the consulate where Joyce (a tour guide, not a Holt representative) left us. We could not sit on the floor. A security guard made sure we were standing.
Finally, Joyce returned and we were off to the train station with Liz, Steve, and their son, Lucas, the couple from Harrisburg, PA. We'd travel by train to Hong Kong, then fly back to Newark the next day. It was good to have another couple with us, so we could all get through each stop together. As Nancy pointed out, there wasn't a lot of English at the train station.
Speaking of the train station. Ben experienced his first high speed stroller ride and, well, he loved it a little more than I would've liked. As the seating area wasn't very crowded, I ran through the area, pushing him in the stroller and he was digging it. More high-speed hi-jinx will inevitably follow.
The 2-hour train ride wasn't as exciting as I had hoped, as most of it was in the dark, though it was fun, as I don't get on many trains, and Ben was good and well behaved. We arrived in Hong Kong after eight, and by the time we got our luggage and found our next guide, Sam, it was close to nine. Then the 45 minute van ride to the hotel and was nearly ten. One interesting thing about the ride: As Hong Kong was under British rule for many years, all the vehicles have the drivers on the right side of the car, as opposed to the standard left side. Also, there are many double-decker buses motoring around.
Unfortunately, we were tired, it was late, and we had no time to explore. Then again, the Regal Airport Hotel was attached to the airport, so there really wasn't anywhere to explore within walking distance.
All I'll say about the period of time from midnight Thursday until 6:30 am on Friday is, never let a 16-month old sleep in your bed. Bad, very bad. The most amusing part of all this was waking up and finding Ben's head at my shoulders and his feet at Nancy's. 'Nuff said 'bout that.
Ah, the flight. Just to explain what happened at the airport in Hong Kong: There's a Starbucks about 50 feet from our gate. Nancy bought two waters and an orange juice for me. It turns out there's another security check between the gate desk and the airplane. WTF? So even if you buy water passed the first security check, you have to give it up at the second one. Your bags are rummaged through and your given a body pat down, shoes checked and . . . no, no cavity checks (thank you, God).
Can one honestly convey the experience of a fifteen hour plane flight? I think not. We're both sick. I think I have a pinched nerve right between my shoulder blades and when the moment's right (like sitting in an airplane seat for 15 hours), the pain crosses my back and goes down my right arm. Then add a sleeping 20+ pound child onto that, and it was just . . . well . . . I can't use the words I'd like to. Let's just say I'm glad it's over and I don't plan on doing that again for a LOOOONNNGGG time.
Note to self and others: Never eat anything identified by flight attendants (or anyone) as a meat sandwich. Please see a prior post made on the flight out when a similar thing was served.
The good news is, contrary to a friend's experience, Ben, for the most part, was extraordinary, given that he's 16 months old. He cried a few times, mainly because he was hungry, tired and confined. Otherwise he was fine. Oh, he also didn't dig the diaper change at 30,000 feet. Understandable. Who does, right?
My father, sister (Aunt Kristen), Nancy's mother, and Nancy's friend Christie. After video was taken (Christie), tears were shed (the new grandma), and hugs were shared, we packed the cars and headed home.
And here we are, Sunday night, trying to readjust to US, east coast time. I mean, it's 11:30 in the morning in China.
As much as I'm glad to be home, I miss the camaraderie we shared with the other couples, as well as room service! So as we close this part of Ben's journey, from Huai'an to Woodland Park, I want to give a shout out to those couples and their children, who made our China experience a wonderful time.
Steve and Liz and baby boy, Lucas
Bruce and Lila and their daughter, Aubrey
Emily and Matt and their son, Tyler
Ken and Lily and their baby girl, Gia
Peter and Joanne and their son, Dan
Sam and Mary Jane and their son, Noah
A million thank yous for being there for us and for sharing your adoption journey with us. The moments we shared were priceless, and I'm glad we got to know you all. Reunion in Nebraska next year?
Though this may be the end of this part of our journey, dear reader, it is merely the beginning of Ben's journey and ours with him. I'm going to keep posting (though not every day) and I'm sure Nancy will as well. Someone had actually suggested we write a book about our journey. Crazy idea, huh?
Thank you, readers, friends, and family, for inspiring us to share our story with you and for keeping us company along the way and a HUGE thank you to NANCI KALANTA for getting our posts posted since Google left China. You were our lifeline back home. All that's left is to make sure no one wakes the kid up and to post more pictures.
Thanks again.
Peace, Joy, and Much Happiness to you all,
Gary . . .
In the morning was packing, last minute shopping, including three CDs (The Grace of Traditional Chinese Music: Pipa, a children's CD in Mandarin, and a Chinese CD by Jay (this disc was picked by the staff of the Red CD store when we asked for what was hot so we could let Ben hear what was big when we got him)).
Next, we were off to the U.S. Consulate to pick up Ben's visa. The other two couples that were leaving went with us along with one person from the couples who were staying. There are no chairs in the lobby of the consulate where Joyce (a tour guide, not a Holt representative) left us. We could not sit on the floor. A security guard made sure we were standing.
Finally, Joyce returned and we were off to the train station with Liz, Steve, and their son, Lucas, the couple from Harrisburg, PA. We'd travel by train to Hong Kong, then fly back to Newark the next day. It was good to have another couple with us, so we could all get through each stop together. As Nancy pointed out, there wasn't a lot of English at the train station.
Speaking of the train station. Ben experienced his first high speed stroller ride and, well, he loved it a little more than I would've liked. As the seating area wasn't very crowded, I ran through the area, pushing him in the stroller and he was digging it. More high-speed hi-jinx will inevitably follow.
The 2-hour train ride wasn't as exciting as I had hoped, as most of it was in the dark, though it was fun, as I don't get on many trains, and Ben was good and well behaved. We arrived in Hong Kong after eight, and by the time we got our luggage and found our next guide, Sam, it was close to nine. Then the 45 minute van ride to the hotel and was nearly ten. One interesting thing about the ride: As Hong Kong was under British rule for many years, all the vehicles have the drivers on the right side of the car, as opposed to the standard left side. Also, there are many double-decker buses motoring around.
Unfortunately, we were tired, it was late, and we had no time to explore. Then again, the Regal Airport Hotel was attached to the airport, so there really wasn't anywhere to explore within walking distance.
All I'll say about the period of time from midnight Thursday until 6:30 am on Friday is, never let a 16-month old sleep in your bed. Bad, very bad. The most amusing part of all this was waking up and finding Ben's head at my shoulders and his feet at Nancy's. 'Nuff said 'bout that.
Ah, the flight. Just to explain what happened at the airport in Hong Kong: There's a Starbucks about 50 feet from our gate. Nancy bought two waters and an orange juice for me. It turns out there's another security check between the gate desk and the airplane. WTF? So even if you buy water passed the first security check, you have to give it up at the second one. Your bags are rummaged through and your given a body pat down, shoes checked and . . . no, no cavity checks (thank you, God).
Can one honestly convey the experience of a fifteen hour plane flight? I think not. We're both sick. I think I have a pinched nerve right between my shoulder blades and when the moment's right (like sitting in an airplane seat for 15 hours), the pain crosses my back and goes down my right arm. Then add a sleeping 20+ pound child onto that, and it was just . . . well . . . I can't use the words I'd like to. Let's just say I'm glad it's over and I don't plan on doing that again for a LOOOONNNGGG time.
Note to self and others: Never eat anything identified by flight attendants (or anyone) as a meat sandwich. Please see a prior post made on the flight out when a similar thing was served.
The good news is, contrary to a friend's experience, Ben, for the most part, was extraordinary, given that he's 16 months old. He cried a few times, mainly because he was hungry, tired and confined. Otherwise he was fine. Oh, he also didn't dig the diaper change at 30,000 feet. Understandable. Who does, right?
My father, sister (Aunt Kristen), Nancy's mother, and Nancy's friend Christie. After video was taken (Christie), tears were shed (the new grandma), and hugs were shared, we packed the cars and headed home.
And here we are, Sunday night, trying to readjust to US, east coast time. I mean, it's 11:30 in the morning in China.
As much as I'm glad to be home, I miss the camaraderie we shared with the other couples, as well as room service! So as we close this part of Ben's journey, from Huai'an to Woodland Park, I want to give a shout out to those couples and their children, who made our China experience a wonderful time.
Steve and Liz and baby boy, Lucas
Bruce and Lila and their daughter, Aubrey
Emily and Matt and their son, Tyler
Ken and Lily and their baby girl, Gia
Peter and Joanne and their son, Dan
Sam and Mary Jane and their son, Noah
A million thank yous for being there for us and for sharing your adoption journey with us. The moments we shared were priceless, and I'm glad we got to know you all. Reunion in Nebraska next year?
Though this may be the end of this part of our journey, dear reader, it is merely the beginning of Ben's journey and ours with him. I'm going to keep posting (though not every day) and I'm sure Nancy will as well. Someone had actually suggested we write a book about our journey. Crazy idea, huh?
Thank you, readers, friends, and family, for inspiring us to share our story with you and for keeping us company along the way and a HUGE thank you to NANCI KALANTA for getting our posts posted since Google left China. You were our lifeline back home. All that's left is to make sure no one wakes the kid up and to post more pictures.
Thanks again.
Peace, Joy, and Much Happiness to you all,
Gary . . .
we are home take 2 and 3
Ok we are home take 2…lil man is asleep on the couch at 11a I gave up and got daddy because I was exhausted that cold he gave us is a whopper!
Of course for Gary he went to sleep within 30 minutes on the couch on daddy. I slept till @ 230p then got up thinking I need to not get out of whack for day and night again.
But our little boy here has been on china time all his life so it will take more than a few days to change this internal time clock.
Take 3 Sunday afternoon:
The most challenging part of this journey was definitely Hong Kong as far as language barriers are concerned. We left the hotel after a brief morning of purchasing CDs of children’s music, a pop album for him to hear what was popular when he was born and a Chinese classical set of lute music. Some memory and culture for us all. We boarded the Bus to go back to the consulate for the visa papers. After an hour we wondered why they didn’t have chairs in the lobby…not sure how much longer we were there but once we had the papers we were whisked off to the train station. Our guide stayed with us until we entered the boarding area. After that nothing was in English even as a secondary signage or message. We got up to get on the train when everyone started moving and showed our tickets to the attendants hoping we got on the correct train. We also neglected to ask if this was a one stop or local to know when to get off. It seemed like we were making stops but no one else got on or off really. When the train stopped and everyone got off so did we. Nothing said Hong Kong we went through immigration and got our bags and hoped our guide would be outside. Sam was luckily and Liz the other mother and I were grateful to hear we had indeed made it to Hong Kong. The kids had napped during the day but were tired. It was a 45 minute van trip to again get to a hotel. We checked into an amazing modern hotel and did not have anytime to explore as it was already 10pm. We got the crib shallow and rickety and room service. So at 12a we decided he had to sleep in the bed. He was very unsure of this whole idea. He looked at the crib and at me but if I tried laying him in the crib it was a cryfest again. Then it was inconsolable crying in the bed. I finally propped myself up and had him lay on my chest, he drifted to sleep in fits and starts and all his bony parts were pressing on me so that I could not sleep. If I tried readjusting there was crying again. I finally adjusted him so that I was more comfortable and he was asleep enough to not freak out. By this time it was 4am and I had a whole 2 hours sleep before our 15 hour plane ride. Needless to say with the cold and lack of sleep I was not doing so well Friday morning. I found a homeopathic remedy I had packed and that settled my nerves thankfully. Daddy got a little more sleep but I was the one to bring him onto the plane. We checked out earlier than the guide had suggested and made it to the gate without stopping for breakfast with 5 minutes to boarding. Thank goodness for the paranoid moms’ who did not want to be left behind missing our flight we chose to get the day started so early. We stopped after the security check to get water at a Starbucks right by the gate for the kid’s formula. After spending 52 Hong Kong dollars on 2 bottles of water and an OJ I was told that I could not take it on board! I was livid. I tried pleading that the child had not eaten yet (he was barely awake when we checked out still in PJs) but even for his formula they would not bend the rules. We had to wait for take off and leveling out for beverage service even when I asked a stewardess for water as soon as it was available for the baby’s formula. Again I was not pleased by this customer service. We did manage to get water after a while and Ben was asleep by the time the meal was served. He was awake for the “snack” which was not really very good grisly meat and soggy pita. I gave him a little because he needed to eat but then tossed the rest. Gary and I both opted for power bars instead of that mess. It is not a good sign when the stewardess does not want to tell you what they have for you. I asked 3 times to find out if it was ok for baby then Gary had to nearly grab her to get an answer. Poor baby he slept through the last meal as well. I had snacks and gave him 2 bottles during the flight when he woke up. He slept in short spurts and was passed between us as he wanted or we could manage. He did much better!!!!! On this flight THANK GOD!!!!!!!!! I had brought him in and we went to the window to play and see what was going on outside. He did ok a few periods of frustrations and crankiness but nothing like that first flight.
Poor Gary had a blistering headache and pain in his shoulder for the flight that caused him to be able to sleep.
When we got off we followed our travel companions through immigration and customs. We hugged and said goodbye, Liz has promised a June party for everyone who can come that will be nice to see how the kids have developed in the 2 plus months we are home. When we left them we found our welcome home committee and there were hugs and tears and so much happiness as the sleepy boy was adored by grandma, grandpa and Aunt Kristen and Aunt Christie. Grandpa had decided to bring all his presents and filled his trunk. Hmm where were the suitcases supposed to go? Well after some exhausted negotiations and redirection it was worked out. The men went back to exchange the last of our Chinese and Hong Kong currency and girls went to fix the car seat. After a bit of readjusting the seat was set and Ben was ok with it no fuss. I was surprised.
The boys got home first and there were balloons and a it’s a boy sign at the house waiting. Thank you my neighbors. The girls were a bit later getting home due to a turn around on 78.
We let Ben check out the house and open presents from Grandpa, Aunt Kristen and Great Grandma and Grandpa. He was asleep by 7pm I thought we would be home free after getting into the crib he would sleep the night. NOT… up at 930p but I was barely able to pat his back I was so exhausted. Gary took over and I slept. Ben was back to sleep by 1230a until 430a when I got up. See the beginning for the continuation there.
I think we are caught up Ben has been sleeping in 4-5 hour spans and is completely off his game. I have to find a crib activity center to help and grandma brought a lamp for his room. I am hoping to coax him back into a crib by tonight/tomorrow. He is currently asleep on the Living room floor. We made it to 1:30p today after going to coffee hour at church. Everyone loved him and his smiley presence.
I think I’ve adapted well to the time change but my days on night shift have a lot to do with that. The only thing making me tired is Ben’s sleeping pattern and my cold now.
Gary is beat and I hope he will be able to sleep tonight so he can work tomorrow this is the bummer of tax season.
peace
Nancy
Of course for Gary he went to sleep within 30 minutes on the couch on daddy. I slept till @ 230p then got up thinking I need to not get out of whack for day and night again.
But our little boy here has been on china time all his life so it will take more than a few days to change this internal time clock.
Take 3 Sunday afternoon:
The most challenging part of this journey was definitely Hong Kong as far as language barriers are concerned. We left the hotel after a brief morning of purchasing CDs of children’s music, a pop album for him to hear what was popular when he was born and a Chinese classical set of lute music. Some memory and culture for us all. We boarded the Bus to go back to the consulate for the visa papers. After an hour we wondered why they didn’t have chairs in the lobby…not sure how much longer we were there but once we had the papers we were whisked off to the train station. Our guide stayed with us until we entered the boarding area. After that nothing was in English even as a secondary signage or message. We got up to get on the train when everyone started moving and showed our tickets to the attendants hoping we got on the correct train. We also neglected to ask if this was a one stop or local to know when to get off. It seemed like we were making stops but no one else got on or off really. When the train stopped and everyone got off so did we. Nothing said Hong Kong we went through immigration and got our bags and hoped our guide would be outside. Sam was luckily and Liz the other mother and I were grateful to hear we had indeed made it to Hong Kong. The kids had napped during the day but were tired. It was a 45 minute van trip to again get to a hotel. We checked into an amazing modern hotel and did not have anytime to explore as it was already 10pm. We got the crib shallow and rickety and room service. So at 12a we decided he had to sleep in the bed. He was very unsure of this whole idea. He looked at the crib and at me but if I tried laying him in the crib it was a cryfest again. Then it was inconsolable crying in the bed. I finally propped myself up and had him lay on my chest, he drifted to sleep in fits and starts and all his bony parts were pressing on me so that I could not sleep. If I tried readjusting there was crying again. I finally adjusted him so that I was more comfortable and he was asleep enough to not freak out. By this time it was 4am and I had a whole 2 hours sleep before our 15 hour plane ride. Needless to say with the cold and lack of sleep I was not doing so well Friday morning. I found a homeopathic remedy I had packed and that settled my nerves thankfully. Daddy got a little more sleep but I was the one to bring him onto the plane. We checked out earlier than the guide had suggested and made it to the gate without stopping for breakfast with 5 minutes to boarding. Thank goodness for the paranoid moms’ who did not want to be left behind missing our flight we chose to get the day started so early. We stopped after the security check to get water at a Starbucks right by the gate for the kid’s formula. After spending 52 Hong Kong dollars on 2 bottles of water and an OJ I was told that I could not take it on board! I was livid. I tried pleading that the child had not eaten yet (he was barely awake when we checked out still in PJs) but even for his formula they would not bend the rules. We had to wait for take off and leveling out for beverage service even when I asked a stewardess for water as soon as it was available for the baby’s formula. Again I was not pleased by this customer service. We did manage to get water after a while and Ben was asleep by the time the meal was served. He was awake for the “snack” which was not really very good grisly meat and soggy pita. I gave him a little because he needed to eat but then tossed the rest. Gary and I both opted for power bars instead of that mess. It is not a good sign when the stewardess does not want to tell you what they have for you. I asked 3 times to find out if it was ok for baby then Gary had to nearly grab her to get an answer. Poor baby he slept through the last meal as well. I had snacks and gave him 2 bottles during the flight when he woke up. He slept in short spurts and was passed between us as he wanted or we could manage. He did much better!!!!! On this flight THANK GOD!!!!!!!!! I had brought him in and we went to the window to play and see what was going on outside. He did ok a few periods of frustrations and crankiness but nothing like that first flight.
Poor Gary had a blistering headache and pain in his shoulder for the flight that caused him to be able to sleep.
When we got off we followed our travel companions through immigration and customs. We hugged and said goodbye, Liz has promised a June party for everyone who can come that will be nice to see how the kids have developed in the 2 plus months we are home. When we left them we found our welcome home committee and there were hugs and tears and so much happiness as the sleepy boy was adored by grandma, grandpa and Aunt Kristen and Aunt Christie. Grandpa had decided to bring all his presents and filled his trunk. Hmm where were the suitcases supposed to go? Well after some exhausted negotiations and redirection it was worked out. The men went back to exchange the last of our Chinese and Hong Kong currency and girls went to fix the car seat. After a bit of readjusting the seat was set and Ben was ok with it no fuss. I was surprised.
The boys got home first and there were balloons and a it’s a boy sign at the house waiting. Thank you my neighbors. The girls were a bit later getting home due to a turn around on 78.
We let Ben check out the house and open presents from Grandpa, Aunt Kristen and Great Grandma and Grandpa. He was asleep by 7pm I thought we would be home free after getting into the crib he would sleep the night. NOT… up at 930p but I was barely able to pat his back I was so exhausted. Gary took over and I slept. Ben was back to sleep by 1230a until 430a when I got up. See the beginning for the continuation there.
I think we are caught up Ben has been sleeping in 4-5 hour spans and is completely off his game. I have to find a crib activity center to help and grandma brought a lamp for his room. I am hoping to coax him back into a crib by tonight/tomorrow. He is currently asleep on the Living room floor. We made it to 1:30p today after going to coffee hour at church. Everyone loved him and his smiley presence.
I think I’ve adapted well to the time change but my days on night shift have a lot to do with that. The only thing making me tired is Ben’s sleeping pattern and my cold now.
Gary is beat and I hope he will be able to sleep tonight so he can work tomorrow this is the bummer of tax season.
peace
Nancy
Saturday, April 10, 2010
we are home
Ben is on the floor playing with his new construction truck his grandpa gave him yesterday as I try and type this for all of you who have been eager to hear of our adventures leaving china and coming home. We have been up since 4:30am when Ben started crying and threw off and out his quilt from the crib. You have to see this quilt to understand why I was so shocked he got it all the way out it has airplanes and is so big it covered both of us as I tried to get him back to sleep resting on the couch when after 30 minutes on the floor of his room (rocker is currently covered with stuffed animals) did not put him out like a light. Another hour of restlessness on the couch then mom decided he was probably hungry since he had oatmeal at 530p then asleep by 7p.
Ben is trying to Put his 2 cents in here now. Why did I show him how to type the other day???2q1wq `1q2wq ` `
1212q21`121 ``1 `
GTHYE6BHXCTGFdrdesasedAZ3QE
Ok I th9ink I’ve distracted him with the cheerio container . Lord I can’t remember who gave that aunt Kristen or grammy. This is what happens when yuou open gifts in total exhaustion.
A oh here he comes again…12
221q2w` ewq2we3wew
1 OK WELL IU TRIED TO GIVE YOU YOUR MORNING FIX BUT THIS ISN’T WORKING MORE LATER HWEN THIS LIL BOY TAKES A NAP PRAY HE DOESnot HAVE HIS DAYS AND IGHTS TOO MIxED UP FOR TOO LONG
love & hugs
nancy
Ben is trying to Put his 2 cents in here now. Why did I show him how to type the other day???2q1wq `1q2wq ` `
1212q21`121 ``1 `
GTHYE6BHXCTGFdrdesasedAZ3QE
Ok I th9ink I’ve distracted him with the cheerio container . Lord I can’t remember who gave that aunt Kristen or grammy. This is what happens when yuou open gifts in total exhaustion.
A oh here he comes again…12
221q2w` ewq2we3wew
1 OK WELL IU TRIED TO GIVE YOU YOUR MORNING FIX BUT THIS ISN’T WORKING MORE LATER HWEN THIS LIL BOY TAKES A NAP PRAY HE DOESnot HAVE HIS DAYS AND IGHTS TOO MIxED UP FOR TOO LONG
love & hugs
nancy
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