On Saturday we wanted to go to the grocery store to get a few items like snacks for Reese and some fruit. Reese says," aw mom, do we have to go to the stinky store?" She refers to the Carrefoure as the "stinky store" because yes it does have some very strong smells in it!
We had to use the bathroom while we were there. I realized that they might not have a "normal" potty there, but rather would have a "squater potty". Those are the kinds of toilets they have in many public places and do not have the normal height toilets that we are used to. We went into one and immediately she said that she didn't have to go anymore. " Mom, I'm not going over that, there is nowhere to sit. No, I'm not doing that." So, I guess she will either get really good at holding it or she will have to take the plunge and use one. Some places like McDonald's will have regular ones but you have to be around a McDonald's or a hotel to find one. Ahhh, gotta love China. I know there is more things that she has come up with but I can't remember them right now. I really have to start writing them down as soon as she says them or I remember them because they are quite funny!
It seems like everywhere we go, people always think that Cambry is a boy. I have put her entirely in pink and they still say that "he" is so beautiful. So while we were riding on the subway the other day and I was talking with a young lady that spoke very good english, she said the same thing about Cambry. Ok....so Cambry was wearing a pink and white striped top/dress with ruffles on it, pink leggings, socks that had pearls sewn around it, and a bow in her hair. She also had on a pink jacket. Not much more pink I could put on the girl. So, I asked her why she thought that she was a boy. She said that maybe it was because of her hair. Well hello, she's a baby, I can't put a wig of long hair on her. So ok she has short hair, but what about the pink clothes? I asked if they put boys here in pink clothes. She said that sometimes they do! Well...ok then, maybe it isn't my problem. I can't do more than that right? So I asked her what she thought I could do that would make her look more like a girl. She told me maybe a hat?!? Well...maybe I'll have to buy a hat. Too funny!
I must say that it is starting to feel a little more like home. The other day we were on a subway and were headed to the busy shopping street, kind of like Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago with all of the name brand stores, well we came upon a GAP!! Boy did it make me feel like home! Right next to it was an American Eagle that is opening this spring. Not that I even shop at either of them that often, but it just reminded me of home! ;) Around the corner there was even a SUBWAY restaurant, I'm telling you, it was a good day!
Many people have asked if we have felt any of the aftershocks of the earthquake in Japan, no we really haven't felt a thing. We were in a restaurant Friday night and the glasses in the case started to shake, but the waiter just joked that it was an earthquake, I don't think it really was. How awful for all of those people though. It is definitely big news around here.
Reese is very excited because Eric is going today(Monday) to claim our shipment items from customs. He hopes that it will get shipped to his work today and that he will be able to take a few items home with him tonight. Number one on Reese's list is her build-a-bear teddy bear. She has been waiting for her! I can't wait for Cambry's exersaucer! The little girl will have something to play with besides playing on the floor, which she really does love, but a little variety would be nice for her! Tomorrow we will go with Eric to work and pick out a few more things that we would like in our hotel and then take a taxi back!
Hope all is going well for you at home! We miss you all but are starting to adjust!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Busy days!
We have had a busy last couple of days! On Thursday I got really brave and took the girls to a large park, resembling Central Park in New York, called Zhongshan Park. We took a taxi because I didn't quite brave the metro with the girls on my own yet. Too much to carry, Cambry, Reese, an enormous diaper bag, and a stroller that I would have to get through a turn style gate, so I wasn't up to it yet! So, we took a taxi! It was about a 30-40 min. drive. The park is just beautiful with lots of trees, flowers, paths winding up and down and around, huge open grasses, waterways, and bridges. It was so nice to let Reese just run around and climb on rocks and up trees and play on the grass. But...like anywhere we go, we don't get a lot of time just to ourselves to relax without people coming up to us and wanting to touch the girls or make comments about how insuffiently they are dressed for the weather. May I remind you that it is around 60-65 here and the beautiful sun is out. You could swear that there was 3 feet of snow on the ground with how many layers they wear! I was sweating, literally, and Reese asked to have her jacket off, so it was plenty warm. They also couldn't believe that I didn't have shoes on Cambry. First, she can't walk, for that matter she doesn't even crawl yet (close, very close)! Second, she always kicks them off, so why put them on, right? I was asked if they could take Cambry's picture for some baby magazine. No, I don't think so! I was amazed at how many people go to the park to do yoga, or just meditate. Very interesting, but I guess it is a quiet place to relax in an incredibly busy city. After spending about 3 or so hours there we went to lunch. Reese was so excited because I took her to McDonalds. It was a treat! Yes, the food tasted the same or maybe it just tasted similar enough because we downed it. AAAHHH good American food. (I really shouldn't complain because the food at the hotel has been very good, but the menu gets a little old after awhile.) Reese even was able to talk me into letting her get an ice cream for the walk to the mall.
We decided that after talking to Kim, Grant, and Brooke on Skype that Reese needed something to occupy more of her time while in the hotel. Grant was showing us all of his creations he made with Legos the other night and we decided that that would be a great toy to get. So....Toys 'r us here we come! We picked out a cute set that she would be able to build many things. The first thing she made was a horse stable and a cart for her horse to pull. (Yes mom, she still talks about Lady Bug and Shiloh every day!) We also managed to find a cute Hello Kitty puzzle that had 150 pieces. Very challenging by the way!
On Friday, Eric took a half day and we went to a huge market (kind of the idea of Mexico's markets) where you can buy souvenirs and hang bags, clothes, sunglasses, etc. Anything you could ever need or want! We managed to get some sunglasses, headphones for Reese on the metro, tons of DVD's for dirt cheap, and a Rosettea Stone Spanish version. We were a little bit leary as to whether there was anything in it for only $32, but yes it came with everything. Then we had to go to an electronic store to try and purchase a Blueray player. I thought a lot of people worked at Best Buy. This place had so many employees that I bet I could see 25 at any moment where ever you walked. Eric that they each had 10 products that they were in charge of to sell and this store was two floors with thousands of electronics and appliances. We spent for sure an hour there before getting exactly what we needed. We were spent when we got back, but not too tired to not go swimming! What is funny is that Reese is really starting to come out of her shell. We went to a Pub for dinner and she was brave enough to get on a stage and sing her, "I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee," song. Granted it was just Eric, myself, Reese, Cambry, two other guys and the bartender there, but she sang it! Crazy I know! She would NEVER have done that before, not even for people she knew!
On Saturday we went to the apartment complex that we are very interested in. We were quite disappointed with our realtor because we were expecting to see many different apartments but were only able to see one. We would have been able to see two more but when we got there they said they didn't want kids to live in them. So...I think some things have gotten lost in translation. Very frustrating and disappointing! We were there for probably 3-4 hours and only saw one apartment! Reese was ok, because we took her to the play areas while we were waiting so she was happy!
I emailed an english speaking realtor this afternoon and she will hopefully be able to find what we are looking for and the specifics that we have asked about. So, hopefully next week we can look again!
We love talking to our friends and family on Skype which has seemed to help all of us adjust more smoothly! We miss you all very much! Thanks so much for all of the prayers! On a really good note, Reese and Cambry both slept in today! One week after being here Cambry slept until 7am and Reese until almost 8am. YEAH!!!!
My brother-in-law is putting this on the blog for me because we are having technical difficulties over here so we just wanted to thank him and tell him that we appreciate it VERY MUCH! Thanks Tom!
The pictures are mostly of the park. Reese also wanted me to put her pictures of the Legos on there for Grant to see what she made, so there you go Grant!
We decided that after talking to Kim, Grant, and Brooke on Skype that Reese needed something to occupy more of her time while in the hotel. Grant was showing us all of his creations he made with Legos the other night and we decided that that would be a great toy to get. So....Toys 'r us here we come! We picked out a cute set that she would be able to build many things. The first thing she made was a horse stable and a cart for her horse to pull. (Yes mom, she still talks about Lady Bug and Shiloh every day!) We also managed to find a cute Hello Kitty puzzle that had 150 pieces. Very challenging by the way!
On Friday, Eric took a half day and we went to a huge market (kind of the idea of Mexico's markets) where you can buy souvenirs and hang bags, clothes, sunglasses, etc. Anything you could ever need or want! We managed to get some sunglasses, headphones for Reese on the metro, tons of DVD's for dirt cheap, and a Rosettea Stone Spanish version. We were a little bit leary as to whether there was anything in it for only $32, but yes it came with everything. Then we had to go to an electronic store to try and purchase a Blueray player. I thought a lot of people worked at Best Buy. This place had so many employees that I bet I could see 25 at any moment where ever you walked. Eric that they each had 10 products that they were in charge of to sell and this store was two floors with thousands of electronics and appliances. We spent for sure an hour there before getting exactly what we needed. We were spent when we got back, but not too tired to not go swimming! What is funny is that Reese is really starting to come out of her shell. We went to a Pub for dinner and she was brave enough to get on a stage and sing her, "I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee," song. Granted it was just Eric, myself, Reese, Cambry, two other guys and the bartender there, but she sang it! Crazy I know! She would NEVER have done that before, not even for people she knew!
On Saturday we went to the apartment complex that we are very interested in. We were quite disappointed with our realtor because we were expecting to see many different apartments but were only able to see one. We would have been able to see two more but when we got there they said they didn't want kids to live in them. So...I think some things have gotten lost in translation. Very frustrating and disappointing! We were there for probably 3-4 hours and only saw one apartment! Reese was ok, because we took her to the play areas while we were waiting so she was happy!
I emailed an english speaking realtor this afternoon and she will hopefully be able to find what we are looking for and the specifics that we have asked about. So, hopefully next week we can look again!
We love talking to our friends and family on Skype which has seemed to help all of us adjust more smoothly! We miss you all very much! Thanks so much for all of the prayers! On a really good note, Reese and Cambry both slept in today! One week after being here Cambry slept until 7am and Reese until almost 8am. YEAH!!!!
My brother-in-law is putting this on the blog for me because we are having technical difficulties over here so we just wanted to thank him and tell him that we appreciate it VERY MUCH! Thanks Tom!
The pictures are mostly of the park. Reese also wanted me to put her pictures of the Legos on there for Grant to see what she made, so there you go Grant!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
WE MADE IT!
The flight went AMAZINGLY well! I'm not saying that when we were only 5 hours in, I didn't think to myself, "what, we are only a 1/3 of the way," but we did finally make it! Reese thought the plane was cool but at about 10hours in she had a little breakdown and said that she just wanted to get off! I couldn't have agreed with her more! Our little Cambry, let's just say that always thought that Reese was an easy baby but little miss Cambry was a GEM! She took many little catnaps and then we all fell asleep for the last 4-5 hours! Otherwise she would just play in her carseat or an empty seat!
The check-in at the airport went incredibly smooth through customs and immigration! I don't think they stopped us besause we had too much luggage and thought it would take them the rest of their day to go through it! A funny story, as we were coming around the corner to come out to an area where everyone waits for their loved ones or is there to pick up hotel guests, Reese was in front of us pushing two carry ons that could roll. She rounded the corner and all Eric and I heard were "AAHHHHH!" Next thing you know, Reese comes high-tailing it back around the corner as if she has seen a monster! "No, no, I am not going back out there!" I looked around and saw about 200-300 people standing there waiting for people! If you know anything about Reese it is that she doesn't like attention from big crowds and that is exactly what was on the other side of that wall! She was completely FREAKED OUT! I just reassured her that they really liked her because her hair was BLONDE and they don't get to see that very often! She wanted us to carry her but I'm telling you, we were all loaded up like SHERPAS (your welcome Kurt) and it was impossible to carry her. I told her to hide on the side of me so that they couldn't see her as well. So we proceeded around the corner where it was like a walk on the "red carpet." You could have sworn that we were movie stars or something! People screaming, pointing, taking pictures, it was complete chaos! The security had to hold both sides of the lines back because they were crowding in to take a look at such a "strange phenomenon!" As we were nearing our way to the end, which seemed like at least 200 yards, poor little Reese falls over top of one of her suitcases! The crowd goes wild with sympathy sounds and then immediately to laughter! But she popped right back up and we quickly loaded into our shuttle bus!
After we were settled on the bus Eric asked Reese what she thought of all of that, she said, "they LOVE me, and they thought I was funny when I fell!" Eric is now worried that she is going to get a big head moving here! I can now somewhat understand how movie stars can feel! I'm so glad that we are not, it wouldn't be worth the craziness you get from it!
We checked in to our suite and with in 10 minutes our little "mermaid" had her swimsuit on and was swimming in our four person pool, I mean tub! It is ENORMOUS! She was so excited! We managed to stay up until 8pm and then cashed for the night!
We are so thankful that we made it here safely and that the girls did so well on the flight. Thanks so much for all of your prayers, we appreciate every one of them! Things just could not have gone better! I will try to load up some pictures tomorrow!
The check-in at the airport went incredibly smooth through customs and immigration! I don't think they stopped us besause we had too much luggage and thought it would take them the rest of their day to go through it! A funny story, as we were coming around the corner to come out to an area where everyone waits for their loved ones or is there to pick up hotel guests, Reese was in front of us pushing two carry ons that could roll. She rounded the corner and all Eric and I heard were "AAHHHHH!" Next thing you know, Reese comes high-tailing it back around the corner as if she has seen a monster! "No, no, I am not going back out there!" I looked around and saw about 200-300 people standing there waiting for people! If you know anything about Reese it is that she doesn't like attention from big crowds and that is exactly what was on the other side of that wall! She was completely FREAKED OUT! I just reassured her that they really liked her because her hair was BLONDE and they don't get to see that very often! She wanted us to carry her but I'm telling you, we were all loaded up like SHERPAS (your welcome Kurt) and it was impossible to carry her. I told her to hide on the side of me so that they couldn't see her as well. So we proceeded around the corner where it was like a walk on the "red carpet." You could have sworn that we were movie stars or something! People screaming, pointing, taking pictures, it was complete chaos! The security had to hold both sides of the lines back because they were crowding in to take a look at such a "strange phenomenon!" As we were nearing our way to the end, which seemed like at least 200 yards, poor little Reese falls over top of one of her suitcases! The crowd goes wild with sympathy sounds and then immediately to laughter! But she popped right back up and we quickly loaded into our shuttle bus!
After we were settled on the bus Eric asked Reese what she thought of all of that, she said, "they LOVE me, and they thought I was funny when I fell!" Eric is now worried that she is going to get a big head moving here! I can now somewhat understand how movie stars can feel! I'm so glad that we are not, it wouldn't be worth the craziness you get from it!
We checked in to our suite and with in 10 minutes our little "mermaid" had her swimsuit on and was swimming in our four person pool, I mean tub! It is ENORMOUS! She was so excited! We managed to stay up until 8pm and then cashed for the night!
We are so thankful that we made it here safely and that the girls did so well on the flight. Thanks so much for all of your prayers, we appreciate every one of them! Things just could not have gone better! I will try to load up some pictures tomorrow!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Our last night :(
So the bags (many, many bags 12 to be exact) are packed. We are not quite sure how well two adults are going to move all of this luggage, but we just couldn't leave anything home, right?!?! We had a very EXCITING last day!! My brother Cory and sister-in-law Ellen had their baby for us (well not just for us but it sure did make for an excellent present for us) TODAY! Little Luke Jay, a and went to meet him! He was absolutely adorable and pray that he will grow to be healthy and strong. Thanks ll 10lbs. and 3oz. of his little blonde cuteness was born today! We were soooooo excited when they called at 8am this morning! So of course we were screaming with excitement that we would get to meet him before we left. Thanks so much Ellen and Cory, we are so excited for you two!
A BIG thanks to my mom and dad for letting us live with them for the last 2 months! We really enjoyed spending this extra time with you and hope you did too, even though it makes it harder to leave now! I know Reese will miss waking up each morning and seeing you and of course going to see the puppies, piglets, and the horses (did I forget any animals?) and playing animals and many games like old maid! She will also miss grandpa's chocolate malts! Even Eric will miss you guys, that's why he is soooo sarcastic and teases you so much mom!
Thanks so much for all of the well wishes that we received over the last few days! Thanks also for all the people that stopped by to give us hugs! We will miss you all and can't wait to see you soon again! We know that our God is watching over us even when we are off in far away lands. We are very excited to get this adventure started and ask you to continue to pray for us as these first few weeks will be a time of adjustment for the girls and us! Thanks again and we will try to update when we arrive at our new home in Shanghai, China!
A BIG thanks to my mom and dad for letting us live with them for the last 2 months! We really enjoyed spending this extra time with you and hope you did too, even though it makes it harder to leave now! I know Reese will miss waking up each morning and seeing you and of course going to see the puppies, piglets, and the horses (did I forget any animals?) and playing animals and many games like old maid! She will also miss grandpa's chocolate malts! Even Eric will miss you guys, that's why he is soooo sarcastic and teases you so much mom!
Thanks so much for all of the well wishes that we received over the last few days! Thanks also for all the people that stopped by to give us hugs! We will miss you all and can't wait to see you soon again! We know that our God is watching over us even when we are off in far away lands. We are very excited to get this adventure started and ask you to continue to pray for us as these first few weeks will be a time of adjustment for the girls and us! Thanks again and we will try to update when we arrive at our new home in Shanghai, China!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Update
So....we leave for Shanghai, China on Thursday, March 3! We are all very excited to get this adventure started but also a little nervous about many different things. I'm especially worried about the 14+ hour flight with a 7 month old and 4 year old but I know we'll make it! We fly out of Grand Rapids just before 8am and should arrive in China around 3pm on Friday! It is a direct flight once we stop in Chicago! We sure will miss all of our friends and family while we are there, but we hope to keep you updated with this blog. Right now, China controls their internet and they block Facebook, so this will be our means of communication besides Skype.
During the first few weeks we hope to get moved into our apartment and hopefully make it feel homey, and become accustomed with our surroundings. It will be a totally different way of living for Reese as well as the rest of us! She has become used to seeing Grandma and Grandpa every morning and night and used to petting all of the animals, so this will be a bit of a shocker for her! She's young and will hopefully adjust quickly. We hope to meet some internationally families in our complex and hopefully make some new friends for Reese too! She asked me yesterday if they have church in China. I told here they did and that we would be looking for one right away! She seemed relieved! She loves going to church and to Sunday school. Hopefully they have some programs like we do here for her!
Right now our return tickets are set for July 31 (yeah my mom's birthday, don't ever say we don't think about you ;) ). We are hoping to be back for the month of August! It feels good to know that there is a date when we will return to see friends and family, it definitely is reassuring!
Thanks so much for all of the prayers that you have given us so far during this transition time and we ask that you continue to keep us and especially the girls during these next few weeks as they will be transitioning to a different way of living!
During the first few weeks we hope to get moved into our apartment and hopefully make it feel homey, and become accustomed with our surroundings. It will be a totally different way of living for Reese as well as the rest of us! She has become used to seeing Grandma and Grandpa every morning and night and used to petting all of the animals, so this will be a bit of a shocker for her! She's young and will hopefully adjust quickly. We hope to meet some internationally families in our complex and hopefully make some new friends for Reese too! She asked me yesterday if they have church in China. I told here they did and that we would be looking for one right away! She seemed relieved! She loves going to church and to Sunday school. Hopefully they have some programs like we do here for her!
Right now our return tickets are set for July 31 (yeah my mom's birthday, don't ever say we don't think about you ;) ). We are hoping to be back for the month of August! It feels good to know that there is a date when we will return to see friends and family, it definitely is reassuring!
Thanks so much for all of the prayers that you have given us so far during this transition time and we ask that you continue to keep us and especially the girls during these next few weeks as they will be transitioning to a different way of living!
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