Mia's Adoption... revisited!

This is a repost of a blog that I create for Mia.  It is our journey that we did to get Mia in China.  I have prepared it backwards so that you can read it normally... sort of.  I hope you enjoy reading this as much as we had living it.

Monday, August 08, 2005

Take Off

Things are going a little crazy seven hours before departure. I have decided not to sleep tonight. I have been watching my dad do this routine for the last 20 years so it's almost like a right of passage not to sleep before the big trip to China. We will be taking off tomorrow at around 6:00am to go to the airport. The flight leaves at 8:45am and we should be arriving to Chicago at around noon. And off we go to Beijing by 1:00pm. The 14 hour flight is probably going to be tough. We are super excited so I don't think I could even sleep if I tried. I have got to go get some more cash so I will write more before we take off...

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

First Day in China

All I can say for the first day here in China is ....WOW!!! Since I was a little kid my father has always talked to me about China. Seeing him here was the coolest thing ever. Sandra, you would be so proud of dad. It's really like he says it is!!! When we got to the airport, I was freaking out. All these Chinese people and they all looked the same to me... I was thinking that we would never find dad in this mess. But Noemi soon found him and the Cuban in dad came out. He threw his hands in the air and gave us a loud welcome. That felt good. The whole money exchange thing is messing me up but I am getting the hang of it. I paid $4 bucks for an expresso and only $70 for a 10 course meal for 6 of us. Go figure!!! My father hooked us up with a friend of his over here and we have a personal tour guide. Our dinner was incredible. We went to Teinamein Square (sp?) at night and that was just too cool. Sandra, you should see dad here. It would make you laugh!!! He is like a pig in doo doo. The hotel is really nice and in the middle of the city. Traffic though is rough. Even at 10pm it's packed out there. From all the people on the street you can tell that there really is a billlion of us out there. By the way, I finally know what it feels like being the majority. For the first time, I know what it is like to look over a crowd. Noemi is really tired. Jet lag is beginning to set in on her so she's up in the room relaxing. Tomorrow we are going the the Great Wall. I brought some spray paint so... just kidding. There is so much to tell. Our guide almost got into a fight over a taxi, which by the way took us about 45 min. to get, and from the looks of it... he's got a little ghetto in him. We are getting along just great! My boy was about to throw down Bruce Lee style! So much to tell... We miss you all. Sandra, I read the letter and we are going to do this again.... I promise!!!

T - 3 Days

I got up at 5:30am ready to go. I guess it's the time difference because the only time I do that is when I am going fishing!!! Believe it or not, I worked out this morning. Getting ready for the extra 20 pounds I will be carrying come Monday morning. Here is what I learned today...

1. They are my people but boy are they rude!!! I guess not really rude, but just emotionless! But when they get to know you, they are really nice.
2. The Great Wall was NOT meant for walking!!! Next time I will just look at the pictures...
3. Hold your breath in the bathrooms.
4. Don't speed. They have got camera's instead of cops. Thank God I didn't drive. But I was impressed on how much they all drive like me. (minus the speed)
5. Lord of the Rings should have been filmed here. What scenery...
6. If you are going to order food and you don't like spicy food... go to McDonalds. Telling them to just put a little spice is NOT a good idea. Their idea of a "little" spice is the American's idea of "Freakin' Volcano Spewing Hot!!!!"
7. Being taller is not necessary good here. I kept getting hit in the head with umbrellas. This little old lady almost poked my eye out. After her "little" accident down the Great Wall steps, she won't be doing that anymore!!!! ;)
8. Knowing someone here is a awesome. I don't think it would have been the same experience.
9. Did I mention to hold your breath in the bathrooms?
10. There is about 1 server per person in a restaurant. They won't even let you get napkin off the table. As you dirty your plate, they replace it right away.
11. Don't ever pay full price. Go for the throat and get ready to battle.

I could write about 10 more things but I don't want to bore anyone... too late you say? We had a great day today. We went to the Great Wall, Ming's Tombs, had incredible food, and a really cheap massage ($10 for 50 mins.) Boy can those little women pack a punch. This woman massaged my back so hard it made my eyes squint. Wait a minute, could that be the reason why... I can't believe that we have only 3 day's until we get Mia. I keep wishing you were all here with me to enjoy this new experience.

Queen Noemi

Sorry about this but I had to let you all know this story. I can't believe that I forgot... 

Noemi is walking around with the video camera. And if you all know her, she likes to get up close and personal with whatever she is taping. So she sees these people parading around this young girl in this ancient costume and carrying her in this carriage. Well, as they are putting the girl down, they attack Noemi. They grab her and start putting all this crap on her for the costume that they want her to wear. Noemi is freaking out. Before she could say anything, they are picking her up in this wooden box and they start parading her around. My dad is freaking out telling them that she is pregnant. This was way too funny. The best part, we have got it all on video.

Thursday, August 11, 2005

The Louks at the Great Wall

Friday, August 12, 2005

A Day in Beijing

Hi everyone, Noemi here. Today we started out the day with a downpour of rain. We went to a nearby restaurant to have dim sum (Chinese breakfast). I must say that the cusine in Beijing is excellent. We had just sat at our table when all of a sudden this waiter started to yell at the top of his lungs across the room!!! I literally jumped out of my seat. That's the way they order the food from the kitchen. I was in shock!!!!!! Everyone in the restaurant would go to a common table and metal cart to pick food over each others shoulders in combination with the waiters yelling as loud as their lung capacity would allow (one of the male waiters was only 3 feet tall but yelled the loudest) It was quite an experience. Another peculiar sighting was toddlers and young children walking around by their mothers hand completely naked. Some wore clothes that covered their front torsos but with only a string around their butt cheeks. In America they would have gone to jail for child pornography . LOL. I don't know what older folks do for a living in this country. 

Today we were supposed to go to the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace but the rain made it impossible. If you know me this was the perfect excuse for a day of shopping. We headed out to the famous Pearl market. To start all I can say is OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!! can you believe that my husband, yes WAYNE, OUT SHOPPED ME!!!!!!!!!!!Now that will go down in the history books. That man was in rare form. He impressively bargained his way into tremendous deals and for the first time in our 10 years of marriage this man actually wants to go back tomorrow for more!!!!!!!!!!!! At the end of the day he had more shopping bags than my mother in law and myself combined. I thought New York was the heaven of shopping. Well for all you shoppers, I was wrong. There is nothing like China. I believe that Mia and I will be visiting very often, for heritage teaching of course!!! And on our free time we can always do a little shopping (Wayne will never know) ha, ha, ha. Mami and Ani I thought o lot about you guys. I wish you both could have shared this experience with me. I see a trip for us in the near future. Papi, I saw a motorcycle with a sidecar that reminded me of Ani's and I wonderful childhood. It got me a little sentimental so I just want to thank the both of you for the wonderful life that the two of you have given us. Ani you are the best sister. 

We finished our day with a 10 dollar body massage. OHHHH YEAHHHHH!!!!!!!

Saturday, August 13, 2005

The Forbidden Cities

Today we went to the Forbidden City. Actually, they should rename that place the "HEAT BOX" and that market Noemi and I went to yesterday the "Forbidden City." I lost about 5 pounds today of just pure sweat. I cannot imagine doing the tours that we were supposed to do in this heat. Think of Miami, add fog, a bit a bad odor (well actually a lot of bad odor), 99% humidity, no breeze and no AC. I hear it is much nicer in October. This is the reason why the emperor had a Summer Place done. But besides the heat... it is AMAZING. You really can't even imagine how big this place is. No wonder the emperors never left this city. It can take a lifetime just checkin' the whole place out! We went from one end to the other in just about 2 hours without stopping. 

After that, guess where we ended up? Yes... the real Forbidden City. This time, Noemi wanted to go for herself. Even dad came along for the ride. Dad and I have actually spent some really good quality time here. He got to see me haggle. He was very impressed I must add. Heck, I even hooked Noemi up with some good deals. We shall show you the spoils when we get home. 

Food again was great and so was the company. Tomorrow we leave for Hunan. Noemi is a bit worried about the food situation but I am sure we will figure it out! T minus 36 hours till parenthood. WOW... we can't wait! 

Oh, I almost forgot. Good news, bad news. Bad news, I smashed my lovely Digital Camera. Good news, I am going back to the Forbidden City to find me another... ;)

Sunday, August 14, 2005

On to Changsha...

Today we left Beijing. I was sad to say goodbye to my father's friends over there. They took care of us BIG TIME! The airport and flight were an experience. Noemi was shocked to see all these chinese people running around. We are really tired. Noemi is getting ready for tomorrow. It's the big day. We have got the crib in the room and they also got us a stroller. The hotel is AMAZING. Food, of course, is awesome. BUT, the pool was out of commission tonight. There is a conspiracy I tell you. No pics. I am trying to figure this new camera that I got. A cheapie but it gets the job done. Sorry if I am a little short but I am exhausted. See you all tomorrow with lots and lots of pics. We are getting Mia at 3:00pm.

Monday, August 15, 2005

At Last!

Hello everyone... This is the second time I write this... Man, internet is slow over here!!! To say the least, today was AMAZING. Our day started out going to Dim Sum... can't get tired of that. Then we went on to the department store for some last minute baby shopping. 2:45pm rolled around really quick and we were on the bus to the Department of Civil Affairs. Tension was super high. Our guide let us know that this was going to be quick. But nothing could have prepared us for what was about to happen... 

As soon as we get into the waiting room of this building... we see all 11 children inside the room with us. Noemi starts crying uncontrollably. There is now mayhem in China. Everyone is freaking out. And of course, everyone is trying to find out who's baby is whos's. Dad starts asking questions in Chinese to all the caregivers and we find Mia. Noemi starts crying way over "uncontrollably." I start taking pictures and I am as dazed as could ever be. I didn't know what the hell was going on. Then it starts... babies are being passed around, people are crying, babies are crying, everyone's freakin' out, and then... "Wayne and Noemi Louk, please come here..." Noemi cannot get a grip of herself. Dad's interrogating the caregivers. Mom's with the camera walking around not knowing what the heck is going on. I am as dazed as I could ever be (oh, I said that already...). They give Noemi Mia. Noemi is falling apart at the seams. Dad's still interrogating. Where the hell is Mom... Where am I? There's no place like home Toto... Am I in Kansas? Then...... silence. I can't hear anything. I see Mia in Noemi's arm. I don't want to pinch myself... could this be real? I am still giddy about the whole thing. Mia falls asleep in Noemi's arms within minutes as if to say "Whew... finally... I am home... goodnight!" She sleeps all the way to the hotel. 

We let her absorb what is going on and then we begin to check her out. Besides being a bit dirty with a little bit of a congested chest, she is perfect!!! We play, we dance, we bathe her, and then she ate... and ate... and ate... She might look like me but she's got Noemi's appetite. After a few, she falls asleep at 7:00pm and hasn't gotten up yet (11:30pm). We might be in for an early morning. She is just beautiful. Noemi is as happy as I have ever seen her. There is just so much more to tell... We got videos!!! More tomorrow... here are some pics.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

My, Oh My, Oh Mia

 

 If you would like... I can make a special chinese delivery... only $20k and it brings a side order of wonton soup!

 Dinner with my honey!

 Sweetest thing.

 Mommy can't handle the "Mia" energy... as for authentic Dim Sum... I can honestly tell you that Miami doesn't have much to envy China. Well, at least the places that I have eaten at.

Sorry about not posting yesterday!!! Mia fell asleep in my arms and I was soon to follow right after her. 

We have good news and bad news. Bad news first. We haven't been able to get Mia to drink her milk from a bottle. It worried us quite a bit yesterday. I went and bought like 3 different bottles to see if that would help and no dice. It seemed as if she had never drank milk from a bottle. Also, she hadn't done #2. A bit constipated. But since she hadn't eaten much, no worries. We ended up going to the hospital yesterday because we were worried about her congestion. Her temp was in the 99 and a couple of other parents were going to go also, so we decided to tag along. What an experience. Thank God I live in the USA. This place makes HMO's seem like the best thing since sliced bread. The condition's were pretty bad. I am aware that it's just different from what I am used to, but man is it different. The other girls that went with us were seen first and the doctor ordered them to get IVs. They were diagnosed with pnumonia. Noemi got a little worried because she didn't want any needles in Mia. When they checked Mia out, they said she just had a bad congestion and prescribed her some meds. WHEW. We got them but we used our Z-pack. 

Good news. After hours of confusion with her milk situation, we went to dinner with all of our fellow parents in our group. It was actually one of the girls birthday. So we had one big birthday party. I (yes I) thought that maybe Mia would like to eat some of our food. And boy did she ever. She had about a bowl of white rice, steamed eggs, a little chicken, cake, and whatever you would put in front of her. This made of feel sooooo relieved. In the elevator after dinner, she was doing this peculiar facial expression. And all of a sudden, this strange odor was emanating from her diapers. More excitement. We rushed to the room and right in Mia's diaper, we had our second relief (actually... Mia's relief), doo doo brown! As for her congestion, it's getting better. She's like a booger making factory but at least it's clear boogies. The Z-pack looks like it's working. 

This morning we had dim sum (again... and I couldn't be any happier... you'd think that I would get sick of this but I'm not!) And so did Mia. We started her off with a little bit of rice soup... okay "a lot" of rice soup. She had some rice and a little bit of cha shue pow ("pork bun" for you Americans). So eating has been good. 

She went to sleep at 8:00pm last night and didn't wake till 7:00am. She actually got up at around 4:00am but went right to sleep. So sleeping has been good. 

But you should see Noemi. She has taken to motherhood like I have taken to fishing! ;) A natural. 

We went to the oldest academy of Hunan today. Pretty cool. Noemi, mom, and Mia, went shopping after that. Pretty cool. We went to dinner to eat some original Hunanian food. Pretty hot. We have been having a great time and the people have been nice. Everyone talks to me in Chinese and it's funny to see their reactions when they realize that I don't. Then they try to write it down and that obviously doesn't help. So communicating has been a little weak. You should see me with my ability to use hand signals for what I want. Pretty funny. 

I highly suggest that anyone visiting China should stop by to Hunan. This place is beautiful. Very different than Beijing. Not as hot and not as foggy. Right now I am in an Internet Cafe. Everyone around me is smoking so I'm getting Black Lung just emailing. I can't believe how grown men come here for hours to play on the Internet. And they say American's got addictions????? 

Sorry so long... just so much to tell.... Can't wait to show you my second love of my life!!! My girls are driving me insane!!!!!!

Amazing...

Thursday, August 18, 2005

I Survived Official Meltdown Thursday and All I Got Was This Lousy Chopstick!

Today was supposed to be daddy day but Noemi's trip to the orphanage got canceled. The government said that that orphanage wasn't to "code." They don't want us seeing anything that isn't to code. After going to a hospital that I thought was pretty bad, I don't want to see what they think "not to code" is... Noemi was a little bummed about this. 

I did my first diaper change today. Actually, as soon as she woke up I handled her so that Noemi could get ready. I did pretty good. But today we will call it "Official Meltdown Thursday." Mia didn't have such a good day. We don't know what has got her so irritated but you can tell she is very uncomfortable. There are many things that could be bothering her. From the Z-pack, teething, being with strange people and environment, not the right food, and now the poor thing is pooping rocks. She did doo doo okay the other day, but today she was pushing for dear life. It was a long day for her. We are exhausted but I feel so bad for her. The orphanage didn't do such a good job on telling us how they took care of her. This is my biggest project yet! 

Besides that, she's lovely. We visited the countryside and I mean countryside. And after dinner, we took a drive around Hunan. What a nice place. We did this all in between the meltdowns.

Friday, August 19, 2005

Look Who's Writing!

FuLu here... Today I woke up and that guy was looking at me again. He's been here for the last few days. I wonder if he is going anywhere? He's nice to me but he keeps kissing me???!!!??? What's up with that? The pretty lady didn't show up till later. I am not sure if she's the same person from last night. She sure looks the same but somethings different. Maybe it's all that paint that she puts on??? She's looks pretty either way. 

"That guy" looks like one of us but everyone who talks to him can't understand him. So is he really chinese?There's also this crazy older lady that looks like "that guy." Boy, she's wacko. Always making funny faces at me. You'd think she might need a diaper change or something. And that "old guy" that's with them... he's a character. He's always socializing with other people. Looks like he works around here or something. 

Apparently... these guy's can't get their act together. Thank God I am not as stuffy but now I can't poop. Well... that was in the morning. These people gave me some grub that tasted funny and now I am all gased up. Hopefully they will get a clue on what to feed me. By the afternoon... I felt a bit of an explosion right after they changed me. Seems like they better get more of those diapers... 

The pretty girl seems to eat a lot so "that guy" is mostly feeding me. Maybe that's the reason why her belly is getting bigger??? They have given me everything on the menu. I really like those steamed eggs but I only get those at night. Milk sucks!!! 

As for transportation, they got me this mini car that is propelled by them. "That guy" doesn't know how to drive. But I like his speed. The pretty girl, though, is great when it comes to manual transportation. She is much warmer than he is. She always has these pillows in front of her that's confortable to rest on. 

As for the clothing... rumor has it with the other babies that I will never wear the same clothing twice. Okay by me. Everyone says I look good with these bands around my head. 

We went shopping today... "That guy" didn't look too excited but the pretty girl was like another person. After I let them know that I wanted to eat. They took me to this place called KFC. I ate yogurt. Sucked it down. Wonder what that will do later on. We also went to this thing they called bowling. I think the pretty girl won. She kept all the pretty pins still standing after each time she went up. "That guy" played like he drove. A wreck. Now he's complaining that his back hurts. I wonder what are those white things he's poping in his mouth??? 

Anyway, the crazy older folks took off today. The lady looked sad. I can't blame her... she's with that crazy guy. They gave me kisses and said they would see me Monday. I am tired so I will let you all go. That pretty girl is beginning to sing that song again. She's talking in Spanish. All I understand is that its about some kid sleeping and about a piece of her heart. I don't know but it get's me sleepy. I wonder if they will be here tomorrow... I hope so. ;) 

p.s. Whose is Mia and why are they calling me that???

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Getting to Know Her

 Mia and me eating dinner... no clothes because she's a mess!

She ate herself to sleep...really!



Hello everyone... 

Mia kept us quite busy yesterday so I decided not to post so that I could get more sleep. It was a learning day to say the least. We are beginning to understand lil' Ms. Mia. I was about to pull out my hair by the end of the day but I managed. We were able to use all the things we learned yesterday, today. It worked!!! She had a great day. 

Today we went to a museum that housed a lady that they found back in the 70's. She had been down in her tomb for 2000 years. When they found her, she not only was intact, but she was completely preserved. So preserved that they were able to do a full atopsy. They found out what she died of and all. It was really cool. They had everything in the tomb on display... yes even her body and her inner parts. Wild I tell you. This trip has taught me so much about my culture that I never knew. If any of you out there have a month to spare. come to China. You won't believe what's out here. 

As for Ms. Mia (that's what we call her), she's just too much. She loves to eat!!! She is either on or off. There is no in between. Everyone over here thinks that she's my biological daughter. It's funny how all of the kids kind of look like their adoptive parents. I believe that the adoption agencies try to match them up that way. 

Tomorrow morning we take off for Guongzhou (Canton... not the restaurant). My parent's are there already and they say the hotel is the shiznizel (well... not exactly in those terms). We miss Mom. Man, she's helped us sooo much. Dad has too but mom is .... well mom. If you all know her, you know what I mean. The hotel here is actually cleaner since she came. I am not looking foward to the airplane ride. So, I will let you go so that I may rest!!!

Monday, August 22, 2005

On to Guangzhou...

A bad doctor's appointment!

We made it today to Guangzhou... 

Mia's first plane ride was a success. Noemi is sitting here next to me so if you see that I am getting annoyed, you know why. Anyway... Mia did great. She fell asleep on take off. About 15 minutes before landing, she woke up and started her little earthworm dance. 

I can't believe how neat this place is. Dad and mom greeted us at the doors of the hotel. Mom said that if we would have gotten there any later, she was going to kill dad. I feel her pain. We also went to do Mia's medical exam. Not a happy baby. But, after their thorough exam (NOT!!!), they said she was okay. She weighs a whopping 15.5 pounds. Which she probably gained 5 lbs of it this week. ;) 

We went to eat dinner with mom and dad (of course) and it was awesome. He really knows where to go. Mia behaved incredibly. Mom had been bugging us to stay with Mia so we put her to bed and took off with dad for a stroll out in Guangzhou. It was beautiful. Here are some pics of the day... enjoy (we sure did!). 

BTW... Phil, in they restaurant the serve rat redfish... amazing!!!

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

God's Great Little Gift

 The famous "Red Couch." These were all of Mia's friends on the trip...

 Mommy's little doll.

Daddy's little girl!!!

Mia is an AMERICA CITIZEN. We went to the American Consulate here in Guangzhou with about 50 other families to naturalize our kids. What an amazing thing. 

Before I came here I was told that there was a shortage of women here in China. I cannot say that anymore. That might be the case for those in the country but I believe the ratio of women to men here in the cities is probably 3 to 1. Now with that in mind, I realize what an important thing is it that we did. As we walk down the streets we realize what kind of life a person that has no social status can expect. You are limited to being a servant or a street hustler. We had children no older than 10 come up to us to try to sell us things on the street. I was hoping that it was only a few of them doing this but I was wrong. Every street you go, every place you visit, every corner that you turn, there are people trying to sell you something in the street. It's not like when you visit Mexico or any of the islands. It's way more extensive. The average salary for someone here is about $200 a month. And that's if you work at an established place. 

Today we went to shopping center (go figure). Imagine Coco Walk during a Saturday night. Okay, make it about 5 blocks wide and 3 blocks deep. Multiply the nuber of people by 5, and that's how many people are there on a Wednesday night!!! Can you imagine a Saturday night??? Everything you can imagine is sold there. To give you a better perspective of this, there are 3 McDonalds in this tight area. They were all packed. For my fellow Primericans... THAT IS DISTRIBUTION!!! Okay enough about that... 

Mia is great. We have figured her out pretty well (...well...good... whatever... this is Wayne remember?). We aren't too excited about the flight home but I am ready to go. She is still eating big time and now it's all caught up with her (if you know what I mean). She is so happy. When we first got her, she smiled once the whole day. Twice the next day. Now, she is laughing every minute. She is amazing. The gift that we have been given was perfect. We saw all the babies in the consulate (about 50) and we thought that any of these kids could have been our child, but God pick the perfect one for Noemi and me. Isn't God great???

Sunday, August 28, 2005

On To Hong Kong

Hello Everyone... 

Watching the news, I figured that many of you wouldn't have a chance or have no power to check online, so, sorry for the delay. It's been a little crazy over here. Thank God we did a little sight seeing before we got Mia. Even though she's a trooper, it's been a little tough. 

Today, we took off to Hong Kong. I was sad to leave Guangzhou, but I was also glad to go. It's getting time to come home!!! We went by train and am I glad we did. We have a lot of luggage. It was only about a two hour trip and a quater of the price of an airline ticket. Even though flying was only half and hour, just dealing with customs would have delayed us 3 hours. 

Hong Kong is beautiful. If you like city type life. I thought Guangzhou was packed. This takes the cake. Everything is crammed here. You have shops on every corner. No one lives in a house. They all live in an apartment. And from the minute you wake up till the minute you go to sleep, the streets are jammed!!! Think of New York on New Years Eve... squared... and then squared again!!! 

As for Ms. Mia... She really is a trooper. She eats solids. Doesn't drink milk. She can sleep in all types of environments. But boy is she aggressive. She won't stop until she gets what she wants. When we first got her, she didn't know how to lay on her belly. Not only does she lay on her belly, she does it herself. She couldn't stand to well, let alone get herself up. She stand in the crib with no problem now (by herself). Mom just taught her how to do rasberries (sp??). Noemi isn't too happy about that. She can throw a kiss and say "bye bye" (kind of... well at least we'd like to believe it). We have seen her grow in just two weeks. I can't imagine what we have to look forward to. Oh, she does the "happy food dance" when she eats (for those who don't know, a few of us do a little dance when we like something we eat!!!). 

It was neat to see how many families have adopted. It's estimated 20,000 a year around the world adopt from China. I think 6,000 from USA alone with Spain doing about 8,000 (who would have thunk??). It was also neat to see that many of the parents there were adopting for the 2nd or 3rd time. What was even neater (remember... Engineering degree), was how people looked at Noemi when she carried Mia. I am talking about the locals. Without Mia, people would stare at her a lot, and now, it's just funny. When I carry her, they don't even look at me (well, they didn't look before anyway so no change here). Well, they look at her because she's gorgeous but that's besides the point. 

T-2 days till we come home. Not looking forward to the flight!!! I hope that all of you are well.

Monday, August 29, 2005

Homeward Bound

Last night in Hong Kong. We are coming home. Our journey in China has come to an end, but our journey as parents has just begun. We just went around town today and enjoyed the sights. Again, this place is nice, but thank God I live where I live. 

I am not going to get philosophical today so... WE ARE COMING HOME!!! 

I can't wait to sleep in my own bed, drink water without wondering where it came from, and two words.... ICE CUBES!!! 

See ya when I see ya!!!! 

Thanks for taking this journey with us... 

Love, 

Wayne, Noemi, and Mia Fulu 

p.s. Check for more pics in the next few days... I have been fed up with the internet over here!!!

Thursday, September 01, 2005

We're Back!!

Sorry that I haven't written in the last few days. It's been a little hectic (that seems to be the trend). The flight home wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.... well... okay it was!!! The poor girl didn't sleep but 90 minutes in the whole 14 hour flight. She didn't go nuts but when you can't sleep on a 14 hour flight, you tend to get irritable. When we got to Chicago, we were able to hang out with Noemi's family. That was very nice. Mia was a little frightened at first but was able to adjust right before we left. It was kind of neat to see Mia so clingy on us. It's really the only way for us to see if she has taken to us. 

Thankfully, Mia was able to sleep on the way home from Chicago. Unfortunately we had a 7 hour layover there so we were really exhausted by the time we got to Miami. When we got to Miami, the rest of the family was there to see us. It was great. We had told the family to keep the number of people to a minimum simply for Mia's sake and it was perfect. Again, she was scared. We went to bed at around 4:00am. She went at around 2:00am. 

I won't bore you with the details, but we have finally caught up in sleep and the house is coming back to order. She is back to being her normal happy self. I will continue updating this website and I will post a lot of pictures in the next few days. So, keep in touch. If you would like to come by and see Mia, call me 305-992-5590.

Saturday, September 10, 2005

The Joys of Adjusting to a New Life

The village grandmother...(she's 200 year's old... just kidding)

Home Sleeping

China Boy's in the Hood.





 I have been promising a few of you more pics, so here we go... 

It's now been a week and a bit that we are back home. Mia's adjusting perfectly. Noemi has been able to find her groove again and she's moving along quite steadily. I am back building the biz. I am excited to be back there but I kind of miss the little one. She is soooooo yummy. 

I usually get the privilage of waking her up in the morning so that I can spend a few hours with her. She smiles as soon as she sees me (heart is now melting...). So far, she is a morning person. She is now taking soy milk, so, I get to feed her that after we play a bit. She is also drinking PediaSure. Noemi brought that home the other day, and Mia loved it. So after we ran out, I went to go get her some. Look's like I will be working weekends now. You all thought gas was expensive. I am trying to convience Mia and her mother that water ain't really that bad!!! 

We have got her doing a bunch of little things now. She started throwing kisses (only to daddy of course...heart is melted now...). She is finally able to sit up on her own. I was teaching her how to do a recruiting presentation, but Noemi said it's a little too early for that, oh well. But... how can a little thing like that have poop that SMELLS that bad?!?!?!?!!?!?? Damn, we nearly had to re-paint the walls the other day! 

I will be updating this regularly for those of you who care to read.

Friday, September 30, 2005

Update

Hello Everyone... 

I know, I know... It's just that I have been quite the busy bee. Glad to report to all of you that all is well here in Miami. Everything is coming along just great. Mia has adopted to her environment as if she has been her all of her life. She now has gained a little over 2 pounds since we have had her. Some of you may not think that gaining two pounds is a big deal considering how much some of y'all gain and lose weight throughout the day (like me... nothing wrong with a colada of cuban coffee and a snickers for breakfast), but little ole' Mia looks like a different baby with those two pounds. She's as happy as can be. Her eating habits haven't changed much and neither has her sleeping (thank God!). But, she's learning so much with mommie. I have come to terms with just being the "comedy relief." She just laughs when she sees me. I don't know if it's because she thinks I'm funny or she's making fun of me or she thinks that I an idiot... DON'T ANSWER THAT! 

Mia's a blast. She has her moments, but don't we all. She's about to start walking now. She's doing that drunken style stance. Can't blame her, with a head that big, it's tough to manage ;) But Mia's a cutie. I also have come to terms that she will eventually get married... at 70. By that time I will be long gone and she can do whatever she wants (right!) 

As for mommie, she's is doing great. Her back is killing her, she get's cramps, her cravings are a witch, her attitude swings are lovely, but I still love her. For those who don't know, we are having another little girl... whoopie for me!!! I knew thinking about girls all the time growing up would eventually catch up to me. No really, I am excited. Mia's gonna have a play mate, I don't have to buy new clothes, I don't have to paint half of the room blue, all the girlie stuff in the house will do for two, Noah is going to love hanging at our house in about 15 years, (uhh oh) two fifteens, two proms, two weddings, two college plans, and 3 PMS... can I get an AMEN. 

I really am excited. We think that we'd like the name Madison. So for anyone with ideas, please let us know. I hope that you all enjoy the pics.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Growing Up Louk

 Mommy and Me at sunrise... The reason I can't leave Miami!

 Mia cute as can be

 I am in trouble!!!

 Mia and Isabella (PFS Kids)

 Mia and Mommy on Mia's birthday

Mia at Disney

Hello Everyone... 

I know, it's been a while. But hey, we have been a little busy. There is so much to tell. Mia's growing... mommy's tummy is growing... my tummy is growing... ;( We are having a blast with Mia. She is just the coolest baby in the world. I have been working to the bone, but I am enjoying every minute of it. Thankfully, I get to come home quite often during the day and I get to spend a lot of time with mom and mia. 

Speaking of mommy... she is getting huge... In a cute and cuddley way (whew...) Her first two trimesters (sp?) were great. This last one is kicking her booty. Her feet are swelling up like fat kid in a candy store. I am on foot massage duty around the clock. Between her and Mia...wow! I can't complain though. Noemi is a true champ! She doesn't complain a bit with all the work I leave her. She's the best! 

As for the name of the new one, I think that we are sticking with Wayna. It has kind of a ring to it, doesn't it? NOT! Noemi shot down that idea quite quickly. I love the name Madison. Mommy and Mia seem to like it too. I can go on and on about the last months events but I will wait for you to give me a call to fill you in. Hey, it's the holiday's, give me a freakin' call!!! 

I will post before the years over but in case ya miss it... have a Merry Christmas (for you Christian's), Happy Holiday's (for the rest of you) and a happy New Year for all! I apologize for those of you in other religions, I really do wish you all the best it's just that I don't know how to spell the other holidays... engineer, remember? ;)