Last Day in Zhengzhou 11/27

Today was more of a leisure day. The change of pace was welcomed. We packed and organized early in the day. Late afternoon, we met up with Lisa, Eric, and kids for a walking trip to the mall. We had dinner at an Asian restaurant close to the mall. The food and company were great. We got to bed fairly early so we could be ready for our big traveling day tomorrow. Rita and Yisha brought us Jason's passport. I'm relieved the passport wasn't delayed. It was nice change to just have a relaxing day. Jason loves taking a bath. It wasn't that way at first, but now he gets in the tub and splashes like a mad man!! 

Thanksgiving Day

Yesterday, we celebrated such a special day, Thanksgiving. I am so very thankful for all of life's journey, family, friends, and God's sovereign love for us. I'm so thankful for my beautiful children. From the moment I held each of them in my arms, I knew how special they were and how unconditional love overwhelmed my heart for each of them. I'm so thankful for everything God has provided us!  

After breakfast, we went searching for shoes to fit Jason's tiny feet. It was really cold and windy with patches of ice scattered about. We walked around a shopping area and went to Burger King for lunch. Jason is doing a good job trying out various foods and eating accordingly. We have managed to put a whopping four ounces on his fragile body. 

We spent some time outside our room in the hallway with many other families here.   It was pure joy to watch the kiddos play together. We have such sweet, loving families with us and it has been a pleasure getting to know them. 

Yesterday evening, we left by bus to a restaurant called Zax Barbeque.  It got good reviews on Trip Advisor. As far as we know, this is the only barbecue in Zhengzhou, Henan. The restaurant was owned by an American from around Atlanta, GA. It took us 1 1/2 hours to get there due to the frigid temperatures and horrendous traffic. The place was clean and the owner came out and greeted us kindly. The food was average but the company was wonderful. It was definitely a Thanksgiving to remember.

Luoyang Trip

We woke up this morning around 3 AM (again). We ate breakfast quickly and then met Rita (our adoption rep) by 7:40 AM to make the train station on time. The founder of our adoption agency, Joshua Zhong, made a surprise visit to our hotel and we got to talk with him for a few minutes. 

We walked to the subway which was pretty treacherous since everything was covered with ice. The subway conveniently led to the train station. We took the bullett train at 190 mph to Luoyang. Once we got to Luoyang, we were able to apply for Jason's passport. Afterward, we had a few minutes, so we all went to Pizza Hut which was just a ten minute taxi ride. We discovered that Jason likes pizza and potatoe soup. This momma was happy to see him eat. We rode on the bullett train back which was nice as we were able to see some of the countryside and hilly terrain. By the time we got back to the subway, the ice had started to thaw. 

We went out for Asian food with Lisa, Eric, and kids. It was a good meal with great company. The last place we went was Walmart for a couple of items. 

We got to FaceTime with the kids which was nice to see their beautiful faces. We miss them so much. It didn't take long tonight for Jason to fall asleep. It's been such a long day. 😊

Snow in Guangzhou!

This morning, we went to breakfast for the first time with Jason. He loves eggs, oatmeal, and sausage. He wasn't tio keen on fruit, but he could have just been full.  The snow here is beautiful but very messy and traffic was a nightmare. We went to the Henan Center for Children's Adoption to officially make Jason Guang Jian ours!  We received his red book and blue certificate. 

Next, we went to the Notary office. Everything went fine there. We headed back to the hotel. Because of the snow, highways are closed here. Our bus trip to Luoyang was cancelled. Instead of going by bus, the reps decided we would go to Luoyang for Jason's passport by subway and bullett train. It was a long walk to the subway which was overcrowded due to the highway closure. We got to the train station and then was notified that the reps couldn't get the train tickets. Back to the hotel we went. It was kind of a crazy day, but Jason is doing good. He cried for the first time today. I think it was mainly due to him being exhausted from the day.  

Introducing Jason Elijah Jian!!!!

We woke up around 5 AM this morning. Our anxiety was definitely in full swing as we got ready to meet our son for the first time!  We took a bus to the government building which took about 10 minutes to get there.  Jason was one of the last kids to arrive. Our initial reaction, sadly, was that we didn't recognize him right away. He is incredibly small for his age and very malnourished.   He seemed to recognize us from the package/pictures that we sent to him for his birthday.  He never cried, but just watched all of the action in the small room. We brought suckers for him which he liked.  He is absolutely adorable! When he smiles, my heart melts over and over. 

We met the director of his orphanage from Luoyang. She was able to answer a couple questions: He isn't on any medicine. No dietary needs. He still wears diapers. He sleeps with two other kiddos in a crib. He doesn't eat cold or hard foods (I'm still not sure why even after I asked). We signed paperwork and left shortly after we received our lump of joy!  

We went back to the hotel and just got to spend some one-on-one time with Jason.  So far, he has said mama and baba (daddy). We looked at the family pictures together. Jason was trying to mimic Jayden, Brittany  and Justin's name. He said Meimei (little sister) for Gianna without being prompted. He automatically said "gôu" which means dog when he saw Toby's picture. He is very quiet and introverted. He's also very curious. We just got his first smile and laugh by us tickling him. He seems to be OK with both mom and dad. We are overjoyed with this precious little boy that God has gave us and blessed beyond measure!!