Today was Meet Matthew Day and went better than expected. We met the representatives from Holt at 10:30 this morning so that they could collect our paperwork and make sure that we had everything we needed. Then we took a trip to the Carrefor in a cab (by ourselves I might add) to get snacks and water since we have learned that it is hard to leave your room for the first 12-24 hours after placement and we needed to be prepared. That is always an adventure. People stop and stare at us. They look at Mike, then me, then Owen and then try to figure it all out. We just smile because it is pretty funny. We like being famous!
We made it back in time for a quick bite to eat and then it was off to the Civil Affairs building. There were a lot of families meeting their children. Most of them were adopting young children and the vast majority were girls. There was another toddler boy being adopted as well. This is the first adoption where we were part of a large group receiving our child. Such a unique experience. Lily was delivered to our hotel room. Owen was the only child being adopted from his province at that time and was one of the first (number 6 we heard) from his orphange. I did like seeing all the other families being formed. It is such an initmate moment and we were lucky to be a part of another family's special day.
At first, Matthew was excited to meet us. Then he was sad that he could not go see his foster parents. He was screaming for a few minutes and flailing his legs. Everyone was staring at us...which has been happening all day today so that did not bother me. The problem was that Matthew's screaming was bothering the other children. It was also bothering the civil affairs people because were were allowed to take him back to our hotel room in a big hurry leaving the other families and their babies in our dust. Then he was downright mad when he learned that he had to stay in the hotel. He kept saying "no, no" to our guide and stomped his feet.
We were asked if this was the worst reaction we had from one of our newly placed children. Heck no! That was nothing, as the crying only lasted about an hour. THEN, he discovered how fun it was to have a big brother to watch TV with, eat pizza with (no kidding) and to play Lego with! Whatever Owen does, he does and just laughs. We have heard him say Matthew, pizza, Owen and let us know when he had to go potty. He looked at me and just laughed. Guess I look funny. He also speaks these long sentences in Mandarin. I bet he is pretty darn funny and I wish I knew what he was telling us.
Mike went to the front desk and got some help ordering pizza for dinner. Matthew ate 2 pieces and had some Sprite. He just kept laughing and watching Owen. He showed no hesitation to trying a new food. I doubt that he ever had pizza before, but you never know I guess.
Matthew came to us with a little back pack. Inside was a letter from the socail worker at the orphanage asking for updates and pictures on him once he gets home. It also had his report cards from school and samples of his work. They expect a lot from children in 4K in China. And, he seems to do well. He also came to us with both the photo books we sent him- one was clearly in his possession because he drew on it and it looked well worn. He has a bit of a cough, but other than that seems OK.
Another perfect match for our family. We can not wait to introduce you to our newest family member! He really is something special.
We made it back in time for a quick bite to eat and then it was off to the Civil Affairs building. There were a lot of families meeting their children. Most of them were adopting young children and the vast majority were girls. There was another toddler boy being adopted as well. This is the first adoption where we were part of a large group receiving our child. Such a unique experience. Lily was delivered to our hotel room. Owen was the only child being adopted from his province at that time and was one of the first (number 6 we heard) from his orphange. I did like seeing all the other families being formed. It is such an initmate moment and we were lucky to be a part of another family's special day.
At first, Matthew was excited to meet us. Then he was sad that he could not go see his foster parents. He was screaming for a few minutes and flailing his legs. Everyone was staring at us...which has been happening all day today so that did not bother me. The problem was that Matthew's screaming was bothering the other children. It was also bothering the civil affairs people because were were allowed to take him back to our hotel room in a big hurry leaving the other families and their babies in our dust. Then he was downright mad when he learned that he had to stay in the hotel. He kept saying "no, no" to our guide and stomped his feet.
We were asked if this was the worst reaction we had from one of our newly placed children. Heck no! That was nothing, as the crying only lasted about an hour. THEN, he discovered how fun it was to have a big brother to watch TV with, eat pizza with (no kidding) and to play Lego with! Whatever Owen does, he does and just laughs. We have heard him say Matthew, pizza, Owen and let us know when he had to go potty. He looked at me and just laughed. Guess I look funny. He also speaks these long sentences in Mandarin. I bet he is pretty darn funny and I wish I knew what he was telling us.
Mike went to the front desk and got some help ordering pizza for dinner. Matthew ate 2 pieces and had some Sprite. He just kept laughing and watching Owen. He showed no hesitation to trying a new food. I doubt that he ever had pizza before, but you never know I guess.
Matthew came to us with a little back pack. Inside was a letter from the socail worker at the orphanage asking for updates and pictures on him once he gets home. It also had his report cards from school and samples of his work. They expect a lot from children in 4K in China. And, he seems to do well. He also came to us with both the photo books we sent him- one was clearly in his possession because he drew on it and it looked well worn. He has a bit of a cough, but other than that seems OK.
Another perfect match for our family. We can not wait to introduce you to our newest family member! He really is something special.
