Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Today the adoption was finalized on the China side. Yin Chun Sha is now officially Taylor J. Golubiak! Orrrrrrr Happy Baby - as everyone here calls her!

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

We landed today in Changsha and had one hour to get unpacked and ready to get Taylor. When we got to the Civil Affairs Office my name was the first called. The director of the orphanage had Taylor in his arms and brought her to me. She was everything I expected and more - a real princess! Here she is:

Monday, November 28, 2005

Shopping in Shanghai was a great experience! We were able to also see how the elderly keep in such great shape - exericse, exercise! The British influence can be seen in today's picture.

It is only about 18 hours until we get Taylor - Everytime we see a baby we say "is she about that size?!" Tomorrow we will know!

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Today we are off to the market, a river cruise and then ending the day with an acrobat performance. We will add pictures later today.

We were not affected by the earthquake - it was south and east of us in Central China.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

The weather was perfect today - 69 degrees! Here is a picture of the Yu Gardens that we visited - incredible! Less than 2 days until we have Taylor!

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Shanghai is beautiful. It reminds us of Chicago - beautiful old buildings. The Westin is a block from the water in a very busy area - of course, it appears that everywhere here there are thousands and thousands of people. Note the Jazz musician playing on the second floor!

Friday, November 25, 2005

And yes - the paperwork continues.....Today we climbed the Great Wall of China. We figured it would put me in much better shape to chase Taylor! Tomorrow morning we will be flying to Shanghai. Four more days until she is in my arms!

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Happy Thanksgiving! We continued to process the adoption papers and tour Beijing. Today we visited the Forbidden City and will try to add a picture tomorrow. We had some great shopping experiences at the Pearl Market - what hagglers we are!

Thursday, November 24, 2005

It looks like the BLOG is up and running in China - a few problems last night! We arrived safe and sound in Beijing, China November 23, 2005 3:45 p.m. China time. We will be out and about today and I will try to post a picture tonight. Wish us luck - we are definitely NOT in KANSAS anymore!

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Bags are packed (almost) and we will soon be flying out - 2 more days! Can one little baby need this much stuff?!

Monday, November 15, 2005

Thanks to Gunner, Taylor will have a bedmate - Note he is anxious for her to get here, too! Didn't you say "get something small for Taylor"?!

Saturday, November 12, 2005

Grandma will have a wonderful Christmas surprise!

Thursday, November 10, 2005

A highchair fit for a Princess awaits Taylor!

Wednesday, November 9, 2005

Taylor's crib is ready and waiting:

Wednesday, November 9, 2005

Consulate appointment arrived today - Travel plans can be made and......The table and chairs have been assembled!

Friday, November 4, 2005

Each day I seem to find more information on the land that we are to visit - the home of Yin Chun Sha (Taylor).

Yin Chun Sha is from the Hunan Province, which is known for its spicy food and Xiang double-sided embroidery. The adoptees are known as the "Spice Girls". It is located in the south central part of the Chinese mainland. Hunan has long been known for its natural beauty. Hunan is surrounded by mountains on the east, west, and south, and by the Yangtze River on the north. Hunan's mixture of mountains and water makes it among the most beautiful provinces in China. For thousands of years, Hunan has been a major center of Chinese agriculture, growing rice, tea, and oranges.