last day

he can use chopsticks really well

 his sisters put a pony tail in his hair....i don't think he likes it.

last day...
 
this is our last full day in China...it turns out it's a little more difficult on our own without Lily, Rebecca, Miko or Leigh...we have been so spoiled..since our travel group is gone our guides went home to rest up for the next group of 11 families coming on Friday!...we got around by handing the taxi driver a location written in Chinese...we were hoping to go to a "knock off" mall but instead got to a houseware, trinket type of mall....we decided to head to Shamian Island since that is what is familiar to us...we love the quiet island, friendly shop owners and peaceful environment...it was nice to be there together today and Mike and I revisited memories from staying there for 2 weeks while adopting Jillian...Mike stayed in the park and let us shop while he worked on the computer....I'm not exactly sure what happened but Joseph threw a fit that made any of the other fits pale in comparison including the one on our way out this morning...this morning he saw a tour bus and knew that is "what we do" except we are not on a tour anymore we were taking a taxi...he went bananas for a bit but after we got in the taxi for about 5 min. he calmed down....this time we could not identify the issue...but it was bad...real bad....we headed towards the park (it was not easy)...Mike could hear us coming...he thought about running the other way (just kidding)...Joseph was flailing, kicking, SCREAMING,  throwing off shoes...and socks...he wouldn't let us hold him or comfort him it just made him madder...I was scared to death he was going to crack his head on the concrete....we were in the middle of the Shamian island park...Mike thought we should let him cry it out a bit so we let him lay on the ground (DIRTY ground) and tried to talk softly to him because there was no holding him...his tears were creating mud on his face...his white shirt was black...there were 4 of us and one of him and he was dominating the show...when I say show I mean that literally as about 6 or 7 people had gathered and were staring...I was so afraid someone was going to call the police because it looked like white people were kidnapping one of their own...the crying it out tactic did not work (he's very determined) so I picked him up as he is screaming and kicking and he got a tiny bit distracted by watching school kids...but still determined held up the screaming...we had to go back to Emma's place to pick up a stamp and I knew she was sweet so I was hoping she could help me with him...she talked to him in Cantonese, nothing in particular just trying to distract him...and he started calming down...I was so thankful...I wondered if he was just so thankful to hear someone talk to him in his language...at one point I worried about his heart from all the energy he was exerting...after he calmed down we flagged down a taxi and headed home...got in the bath (to wash off street filth) and got him down for a nap....I'm sharing this because we have told you so many wonderful things about Joseph...and he is amazing...we are all crazy in love with him...but I also didn't want to give you a skewed version...this is still a child that has been through much trauma...even him entering into a family that loves him dearly is traumatizing and confusing to him...I am sure he wants to communicate so much more but he can't....we will look forward to getting home...seeing his big brother who I know he will adore, and visiting with family and friends....we know there will be many fun times...many more fits and much learning about each other...but as our trip theme goes..."Game On".........

Most of our group left today or will leave early in the morning...we will be the last to leave on Saturday...this morning we were leaving for breakfast...Joseph wanted to take the stroller...it would be cumbersome to take to the buffet so we did not take it...we had to pick him up and as we were leaving the room he pitched a two year old fit...it continued throught the halls, elevator, dining area and then Mike took him to see the fish but even that didn't pull him out of his crying, mad mode...I saw Lily in the dining room and I asked her if she could talk to him about the stroller and tell him we will get it later...she came to our table...talked to him in Chinese for a minute...he immediately stopped crying....it was like magic....we said "what did you say?"....she said "I tell him Shut up or I will take you back to the orphanage!"....and then she said "just kidding, I told him quit crying, hurry and eat your breakfast so you can go back to your room and you can see your stroller"....it made us realize how frustrating it is for him not to understand...it happened one other time with having to leave a play area...once it is explained in his own language, he is fine....he's definately a smart, logical little guy...

The pictures are of Nonnie, shan and burke leaving...shan and burke worked so hard meeting kids and getting them online...praying for families for these kids....we really enjoyed having nonnie experience this trip with us...she is a trooper traveler...

I love the pictures of Joseph and his "next crib neighbor" Noel, you can tell they are use to playing together through their cribs...they loved peaking at each other through the seats...the picture of the 3 kids was our shopping trip at shamian island...and the last one.......car seats what???? (and he spilled milk, that is why he lost his britches!)....

Loving our time here together and our little man...so much fun...can't wait for everyone to meet our big blessing in a little body!!

catching up...
 
lets see...we went to the zoo...a cruise...today we went to our consulate appt. and he wore his aunt jill USA outfit...he reminded me of James trying to get dressed up in middle school and always being a little "dishelveled"....we tried to get a cute pic of him but he just is not still very much....you will see my efforts in the pics...Mike stayed in the room tonight and the girls and I went on the shopping trip....Jillian and Lynsey are the greatest with him...they are big helpers...he LOVES them!...there is a little girl in our group that was his crib mate...their bars were touching so I am sure they played with each other etc...they kind of ignored each other when we first got them but now I see it was because they were both in shock...now it is obvious that they know each other and are very comfortable with each other....on the bus we will sit in front of them and Joseph will turn around and growl and they will grab hands and giggle..it's sweet...better get some pics uploaded.....gotta get little man to bed...we have learned that if he is hungry, tired or thirsty he goes in to major what we call "maniac mode"....other wise he is pretty easy and funny....he gives us LOTS of laughs...James and Joseph will be quite the pair!!!

Today we went shopping.  Daddy Mike stayed home...not his thing...Joseph came with us...not his thing either!...He fussed more in that shopping trip than the whole time he's been with us....Since Mike didn't go, the first place we stopped was to buy a stroller..Joseph is almost 30 lbs so I can't carry him for long periods...we had quite a bit of time this afternoon in the hotel room...Mike and Joseph wrestled and chased for a good bit...he gets so excited and silly...he body slams, growls, fake hits (sometimes real ones too), basically goes bananas...we went to a really neat restaurant tonight and the whole way there he sang songs in Chinese...wish so bad we knew what he was saying!...Burke knows how to count to 10 in Chinese and told us Joseph counted to 10...(we wouldn't have known)...tomorrow we go for the TB test and to the zoo......

PS...the picture where Joseph is knawing on something....it's a chicken foot...don't be jealous ;-)

The dreaded medical visit

Today we had the medical appointment where Joseph received a quick physical, height, weight, ear, heart and a TB test....we first had his heart listened to....the doctor went and got another doctor...they both listened to him...they asked us if we knew he had a heart problem....wasnt sure if that was standard or if they were worried or what that was about...but in the end the two doctors that listened to his heart let us go to the next "station" so I was relieved...when we were leaving one of the doctors told Mike "he's very smart"........not sure how he knew that since Joseph just laid there patiently while they listened to him but it was nice to hear :-)...when we get home we will take him to the doctor to get a better understanding of his current condition...he seems to be doing great...he has no problem walking distances and we have not seen any "blue" tint when he is winded so we are happy about that......we had other families join our group today that have come from different provinces...I always love to meet new people and their children and hear their stories...we have been praying that God would open doors for people to help us advocate for some of these older kids that were met during this trip that need families and the momma I sat next to at lunch was one of the moderators for one of the biggest advocate groups!...so, i felt that was an answered prayer....she will get together with Shannan and they will work together to try to advocate for these kids...the pictures today speak for themselves...the tear was after the TB test...I think Miko told him it would hurt so he was prepared so I was glad...there is a picture on the bus of Joseph and Rebecca i thought was sweet...oh and the pic of him at the restaurant I took to show how he likes to clean his table after he is done...I will try to keep up the good habits he has learned...he puts his toys away by himself too...he is starting to try to communicate with us more...not by language but gestures....today at breakfast the waitress filled our coffee cups and passed up his...he yelled "eh!" and looked at the waitress and pointed to his coffee cup...it was funny...instead, jillian went and got him warm soy milk that he drank from his coffee cup....we are still really enjoying our time here together...we will look foward to getting home to see James, the rest of our family and friends but for now I am appreciating the moment :-)...

lynz having peanut ice cream....yummy

it's been a long day at the orphanage celebrating with his friends....i wonder what he is thinking????

 Please daddy

advocating for the least of these

Today I will add a couple of pictures but instead of focusing on our day Id rather focus on kids shannan is advocating for...she is sandwiched here on out trip between adoptive parents and their new children to children that can only  HOPE to be adopted....I'm not sure what time tonight pics and stories will be posted so please check back daily....

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