Wednesday, July 25, 2007
We were so glad to be off the plane but sadly our guide was nowhere to be found. It was quite an ordeal for Michael to obtain a calling card to try and reach him since our cell phones wouldn’t work in China. No one in the airport at least where we were spoke English.
When our guide (Jonathan) finally arrived he was very nice. Jonathan told us his Chinese name but explained he chose the name Jonathan to make it easier on the tourists. Jonathan drove us to our hotel (Howard Johnsons Royale Plaza) which was very nice on the outside and in the lobby. Once we got upstairs to the floor our room was on it was a different story. There was this unpleasant smell throughout the hallway. We had smelt something similar at the airport. Inside our room the carpet was soiled and even with the a/c on full blast it was so warm. Now for me to say I was warm it had to hot.
We decided to eat some dinner in the hotel restaurant. They had a full buffet and both of us had a hard time finding anything edible. Michael said we should tell people if they want to lose weight to come to China and go on the Beijing diet! After dinner we went back to our room. Michael could not adjust to it all and he became ill. First he had a headache and then he started vomiting. Hopefully after a good night’s rest we will both feel better in the morning.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
We Are Off To China
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Early this afternoon a cab picked us up to bring us to JFK for our flight to China. When we arrived at the airport it was so nice being in business class. We got to sit in a special lounge designated for business class travelers. Everything was free. I stocked up on some candy before we left for the plane ride. Michael on the other hand did not take advantage of the amenities.
Once on the plane the first thing we noticed was how spacious it was and how extremely attentive the flight attendants were. Unfortunately the food was not that good. Little did we realize that this was a prelude for how the food would taste for most of our stay in China. To top things off I became sick towards the end of the flight. I guess it was motion sickness. Much to my horror I had to use the sick bag on more than one occasion. I think we were both happy after 13.5 hours to finally land.
Early this afternoon a cab picked us up to bring us to JFK for our flight to China. When we arrived at the airport it was so nice being in business class. We got to sit in a special lounge designated for business class travelers. Everything was free. I stocked up on some candy before we left for the plane ride. Michael on the other hand did not take advantage of the amenities.
Once on the plane the first thing we noticed was how spacious it was and how extremely attentive the flight attendants were. Unfortunately the food was not that good. Little did we realize that this was a prelude for how the food would taste for most of our stay in China. To top things off I became sick towards the end of the flight. I guess it was motion sickness. Much to my horror I had to use the sick bag on more than one occasion. I think we were both happy after 13.5 hours to finally land.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
An Ocean Front View
Tonight Michael and I had our last dinner out as a twosome. We went to the South Fin Grill and afterwards took a walk along the boardwalk. It was very nice. Good food and beautiful weather.
Saying Goodbye
Saturday, July 21, 2007This morning we had to return the Mini Cooper. The lease expires on July 29th while we are away. Hopefully the new car will be ready for pick up when we return. It seemed weird tonight looking at an empty driveway.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Our Travel Itinerary
Well, we finally received our travel itinerary this evening. Here it is:
Tuesday, July 24
4:30 pm Depart JFK, NY to Beijing via China Air CA#982.
Wednesday, July 25
6:00 pm Arrive at the Capital International Airport in Beijing.
Staying at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Beijing.
If you dial from the U.S., 011-86-10-5879-6666; Fax: 011-86-10-0000 0000.)
Thursday, July 26
Guided sightseeing – the Forbidden City, Tian’an Men Sqaure and the
Zoo (to see Pandas)
Friday, July 27
Day: Guided group sightseeing –the Temple of Heaven and the Hutong tour
Evening: Watch Chinese Kongfu Show
Saturday, July 28
Day: Guided group sightseeing - the Great Wall and Ming Tombs
Evening: Watch the Chinese Acrobatic Show.
Sunday, July 29
Leave Beijing to Changsha via China Southern Airlines flight #CZ3124.
Staying at the Dolton International Hotel in Changsha.
(Tel.: 011-86-731-416-8888; Fax: 011-86-731-416-9999 if dialling from the U.S.)
Monday, July 30 - Friday, August 3
Adoption process: On Monday morning we will receive our daughters.
In the afternoon we will sign adoption papers.
Friday, August 3
Leave Changsha for Guangzhou via flight # ZH 9640.
Staying in the White Swan Hotel
(Tel. 011-86-20- 8188-6968; Fax: 011-86-20-8188-2288 or 011-86-20-8186-1188 at the Hotel’s business centre.)
Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5
Sightseeing
Monday, August 6
Visa appointment with the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou.
Tuesday, August 7
3.00 pm Visa will be available for pick-up.
6:30 pm Leave Guangzhou to Beijing via China Airlines flight # CA3195
10:00 pm Arrive at the Capital International Airport in Beijing
Returning to the Howard Johnson Hotel in Beijing
Wednesday, August 8
1:00 pm Leave Beijing to JFK, NY via China Air flight # CA 981
2:00 pm Arrive at JFK, NY
Tuesday, July 24
4:30 pm Depart JFK, NY to Beijing via China Air CA#982.
Wednesday, July 25
6:00 pm Arrive at the Capital International Airport in Beijing.
Staying at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Beijing.
If you dial from the U.S., 011-86-10-5879-6666; Fax: 011-86-10-0000 0000.)
Thursday, July 26
Guided sightseeing – the Forbidden City, Tian’an Men Sqaure and the
Zoo (to see Pandas)
Friday, July 27
Day: Guided group sightseeing –the Temple of Heaven and the Hutong tour
Evening: Watch Chinese Kongfu Show
Saturday, July 28
Day: Guided group sightseeing - the Great Wall and Ming Tombs
Evening: Watch the Chinese Acrobatic Show.
Sunday, July 29
Leave Beijing to Changsha via China Southern Airlines flight #CZ3124.
Staying at the Dolton International Hotel in Changsha.
(Tel.: 011-86-731-416-8888; Fax: 011-86-731-416-9999 if dialling from the U.S.)
Monday, July 30 - Friday, August 3
Adoption process: On Monday morning we will receive our daughters.
In the afternoon we will sign adoption papers.
Friday, August 3
Leave Changsha for Guangzhou via flight # ZH 9640.
Staying in the White Swan Hotel
(Tel. 011-86-20- 8188-6968; Fax: 011-86-20-8188-2288 or 011-86-20-8186-1188 at the Hotel’s business centre.)
Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5
Sightseeing
Monday, August 6
Visa appointment with the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou.
Tuesday, August 7
3.00 pm Visa will be available for pick-up.
6:30 pm Leave Guangzhou to Beijing via China Airlines flight # CA3195
10:00 pm Arrive at the Capital International Airport in Beijing
Returning to the Howard Johnson Hotel in Beijing
Wednesday, August 8
1:00 pm Leave Beijing to JFK, NY via China Air flight # CA 981
2:00 pm Arrive at JFK, NY
Thursday, July 19, 2007
We have our carriers
Well, it never worked out with the Hip Baby. Turns out they sold out of the model I wanted. It would however have been nice if they would have called to tell me this instead of me contacting them to check on where my 2 day delivery was. So in a panic that we wouldn't have a carrier I ended up ordering 2 new ones thinking this way at least one will arrive before we leave. Surprisingly today they both did.
Still working on the packing list. Luckily though I have purcashed 90% of what will need. Hopefully tomorrow our agency will be able to provide us with our travel iteneiry.
Still working on the packing list. Luckily though I have purcashed 90% of what will need. Hopefully tomorrow our agency will be able to provide us with our travel iteneiry.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
And the beat goes on........
Today started out as a good day. Michael and I had our travel consultation with the international adoption specialist. It went well. She reiterated why she was unable to comment on Tessa’s MRI. We are now armed with a bunch of precautionary prescriptions for Michael, Tessa and myself that I’ll fill tomorrow.
After the consultation Michael went back to work and I proceeded to our adoption agency to pick up our passports/visas. Much to my dismay on the visa inside my passport my name was spelled incorrectly. I asked the staff and no one knew if this would be a problem. The program manager was not scheduled to come into the office until late in the afternoon. The agency offered to contact me as soon as they spoke to the program manger. I decided to take my passport with me incase it turned out to be okay.
It was off then to the travel agent to pick up our airline tickets. Michael and my ticket are etickets but Tessa has a real boarding pass. Seeing her name and holding the ticket in my hands was a moving moment where I really felt like we were a family.
Thankfully the travel agent was able to make some calls and said that since it was only one letter in my last name that is misspelled there was nothing to worry about. What a relief!
After the consultation Michael went back to work and I proceeded to our adoption agency to pick up our passports/visas. Much to my dismay on the visa inside my passport my name was spelled incorrectly. I asked the staff and no one knew if this would be a problem. The program manager was not scheduled to come into the office until late in the afternoon. The agency offered to contact me as soon as they spoke to the program manger. I decided to take my passport with me incase it turned out to be okay.
It was off then to the travel agent to pick up our airline tickets. Michael and my ticket are etickets but Tessa has a real boarding pass. Seeing her name and holding the ticket in my hands was a moving moment where I really felt like we were a family.
Thankfully the travel agent was able to make some calls and said that since it was only one letter in my last name that is misspelled there was nothing to worry about. What a relief!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Never A Dull Moment
Early this morning I was taking the weekly garbage out to the street when I tripped in my sandals and took quite a nasty fall. Luckily no serious damage however I am badly scraped up on the right side of my body and I have a decent size black and blue on my shoulder. I know I'm not going to be healed before leaving to China so I will prepare myself for stares.
Later in the morning I went to the doctor for my 2nd Hep A & B combo vaccine. The doctor couldn't help but notice my leg and said it was badly scraped and just looked unsightly.
This afternoon my car seat (Michael already has his) and Tessa's stroller arrived. We are still waiting for the Hip Baby to come. I'm getting really annoyed that they haven't returned my call about the status of my order. I really don't want to have just pick something up at Babies R Us last minute.
Later in the morning I went to the doctor for my 2nd Hep A & B combo vaccine. The doctor couldn't help but notice my leg and said it was badly scraped and just looked unsightly.
This afternoon my car seat (Michael already has his) and Tessa's stroller arrived. We are still waiting for the Hip Baby to come. I'm getting really annoyed that they haven't returned my call about the status of my order. I really don't want to have just pick something up at Babies R Us last minute.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Booking Our Flights
Thursday, July 12
After hours of searching the Internet and calling airports directly we decided to contact the travel agent our agency's program manager suggested. The travel agent was able to beat the lowest fare I was able to find:
7/24 leave JFK (NYC) at 4:30pm and arrive in Beijing 7/25 at 6:00pm
8/8 leave Beijing at 1:00pm and will be back in NYC 2:00pm
Yes, that is not a misprint. When you travel back to the USA you lose 12 hours.
After hours of searching the Internet and calling airports directly we decided to contact the travel agent our agency's program manager suggested. The travel agent was able to beat the lowest fare I was able to find:
7/24 leave JFK (NYC) at 4:30pm and arrive in Beijing 7/25 at 6:00pm
8/8 leave Beijing at 1:00pm and will be back in NYC 2:00pm
Yes, that is not a misprint. When you travel back to the USA you lose 12 hours.
A Wonderful Peditrcian
At 11am I had an appointment with a potential pediatrician for Tessa. This doctor could not have been any nicer and more importantly informative. He explained the reason why the eye specialist had ordered an MRI was to rule out any sort of tumor that might be causing Tessa’s eye to turn. As for the statement about her brain space the doctor said that Tessa has slightly more fluid around her brain than what was in the normal range. He was not concerned but offered to have a Chinese speaking radiologist read the MRI and conference with him. After conferring with a radiologist, he called me and said that he felt she was fine. However if after we were home there were any concerns he would immediately send Tessa for testing and repeat the MRI. In the interim the pediatrician will look into having a Chinese speaking neurologist give an opinion on Tessa’s MRI.
What a Day
Well, first thing this morning I spoke with the international adoption specialist’s office. The secretary assured me that she would speak to the doctor and request that the doctor get back to us ASAP. Within an hour the doctor responded. Unfortunately she would not comment on the MRI. The doctor wasn’t sure what if anything the 7mm space meant, or as to why the MRI may have been ordered. She suggested that the MRI was not necessary and said just to relax.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
No Word Yet on MRI
Wednesday, July 11
Contacted the adoption specialist’s office and spoke to the secretary. She is extremely helpful. She said although the doctor wasn’t in today she would email her at home and remind her of our situation. She advised us that if we didn’t hear anything by late tonight to call first thing tomorrow morning.
Contacted the adoption specialist’s office and spoke to the secretary. She is extremely helpful. She said although the doctor wasn’t in today she would email her at home and remind her of our situation. She advised us that if we didn’t hear anything by late tonight to call first thing tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Travel Conference
This afternoon we had our travel conference. We were given the choice of two dates one this month and the other the beginning of August. The group all wants to leave ASAP. So far we plan to leave on Tuesday, July 24th and arrive in China Wednesday morning. That will give us 3 full days to sightsee in Beijing. We will then receive Tessa on Sunday afternoon (July 29th) and can leave China on Wednesday, August 8th. Depending on what flight we choose to take home with the time difference we can arrive back in NYC and it will still be Wednesday. The agency would like for us to have our flight plans ready for this Friday.
We are just hoping that we hear something from the international specialist by then. I was able to find one web site that said normal space between the brain and skull is 5mm. Tessa's space is 7mm. I have no idea for what age that is. I also read that it's normal for babies to have some space in order to leave room for maturational growth.
We are just hoping that we hear something from the international specialist by then. I was able to find one web site that said normal space between the brain and skull is 5mm. Tessa's space is 7mm. I have no idea for what age that is. I also read that it's normal for babies to have some space in order to leave room for maturational growth.
Possible Travel Dates
Monday, July 9
After the agency program manager finished discussing Tessa’s report he mentioned that they had just received possible travel dates for our group. If the group agrees we could be leaving anytime around 7/24 and have our daughter given to us on 7/27. Before we can make any travel plans, we need to find out what the MRI results indicate. Depending on how long it takes for us to find out medical information it could make us miss our group's departure date. I don't even want to think about that happening. In that case we would travel by ourselves to China. Our agency was trying to be very supportive and does not want us to rush into anything.
After the agency program manager finished discussing Tessa’s report he mentioned that they had just received possible travel dates for our group. If the group agrees we could be leaving anytime around 7/24 and have our daughter given to us on 7/27. Before we can make any travel plans, we need to find out what the MRI results indicate. Depending on how long it takes for us to find out medical information it could make us miss our group's departure date. I don't even want to think about that happening. In that case we would travel by ourselves to China. Our agency was trying to be very supportive and does not want us to rush into anything.
Eye Exam and MRI
Today I called the agency to check on the status of Tessa’s eye exam. The agency program manager told me on 7/2 Tessa she had her eye exam in a pediatric hospital in Changsha. She was diagnosed with a lazy eye and at the eye doctor's request an MRI was done. Unfortuantely we are unable to get in touch with the eye doctor so we will never know why he made this recommendation.
The results of the MRI (brain scan) were normal with the exception of a comment that the space between her brain and temples was mildly wide (7mm) We don't know what that means. I forwarded the report to the international adoption specialist and now we wait to see what it means. No recommendations or prognosis was mentioned. I asked if the agency’s facilitator had been able inquire with the orphan director about the term "oblique shoulder" and/or to see Tessa while she was at the hospital and the response was no to both questions. Our program manager was unable to say why. He did recommend that we submit this new information to the international adoption specialist that we are using. We are on pins and needles worrying if Tessa could have some sort of neurological damage.
The results of the MRI (brain scan) were normal with the exception of a comment that the space between her brain and temples was mildly wide (7mm) We don't know what that means. I forwarded the report to the international adoption specialist and now we wait to see what it means. No recommendations or prognosis was mentioned. I asked if the agency’s facilitator had been able inquire with the orphan director about the term "oblique shoulder" and/or to see Tessa while she was at the hospital and the response was no to both questions. Our program manager was unable to say why. He did recommend that we submit this new information to the international adoption specialist that we are using. We are on pins and needles worrying if Tessa could have some sort of neurological damage.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
A Mother's Love
Please turn on the volume as you watch. At the very end there is a little girl drinking from a cup whose eyes are just like Tessa's.
Vaccines and Visa’s
Sunday, July 8
Today we went to Kinko’s and got updated passport photos. We have to carry one set in our passports while we are in China. I think it’s because some people’s passports can be so old that they no longer resemble the picture inside it. I’m sure the Chinese officials want to make sure there are no impersonators for adoptive parents.
While at Kinko’s we sent off by FedEx all the information the agency requested in order for them to obtain Visa’s for Michael and I. Hopefully by the end of the week or by Monday 7/16 we will have them.
Michael and I then went to the doctor for routine checkups. I showed the doctor all of Tessa’s pictures and he agreed that it could be a lazy eye and felt it could be easily treated. The doctor had never heard of an “oblique shoulder” and said Tessa's posture appeared normal.
We then discussed being vaccinated for the trip. Michael felt it wasn’t necessary. The doctor felt that at least one of us should be vacinated so we agreed it would be me. I was given a combination hepatitis A and B vaccine. I have to get 2 more shots. One on 7/16 and then one any date after 7/29. Thankfully the shot didn’t hurt. I was afraid though when I saw the size of the needle. I told myself to remember all the fertility shots I’ve had and that kind of put this one shot into perspective. Luckily there has been no side effects other than a pretty sore arm.
Today we went to Kinko’s and got updated passport photos. We have to carry one set in our passports while we are in China. I think it’s because some people’s passports can be so old that they no longer resemble the picture inside it. I’m sure the Chinese officials want to make sure there are no impersonators for adoptive parents.
While at Kinko’s we sent off by FedEx all the information the agency requested in order for them to obtain Visa’s for Michael and I. Hopefully by the end of the week or by Monday 7/16 we will have them.
Michael and I then went to the doctor for routine checkups. I showed the doctor all of Tessa’s pictures and he agreed that it could be a lazy eye and felt it could be easily treated. The doctor had never heard of an “oblique shoulder” and said Tessa's posture appeared normal.
We then discussed being vaccinated for the trip. Michael felt it wasn’t necessary. The doctor felt that at least one of us should be vacinated so we agreed it would be me. I was given a combination hepatitis A and B vaccine. I have to get 2 more shots. One on 7/16 and then one any date after 7/29. Thankfully the shot didn’t hurt. I was afraid though when I saw the size of the needle. I told myself to remember all the fertility shots I’ve had and that kind of put this one shot into perspective. Luckily there has been no side effects other than a pretty sore arm.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Our Travel Letters Are Here
Friday, July 6,
I just got off the phone with our agency and was told they received our travel acceptance letters today. The next step is to apply for visa's for Michael and I to go to China. Our agency will take care of this for us.
We also learned that next Tuesday afternoon will be our travel group meeting. By then our agency may have some idea of when we will be able to travel. It all depends on when the Chinese consulate in Guangzhou has open appointments. I'm thinking the earliest we will travel is the last week of July which is also the first week of August.
This evening I finally downloaded several of the packing lists I've been saving to see exactly what is suggested for us to bring. Most of the things on the lists thankfully I still have time to purchase.
I just got off the phone with our agency and was told they received our travel acceptance letters today. The next step is to apply for visa's for Michael and I to go to China. Our agency will take care of this for us.
We also learned that next Tuesday afternoon will be our travel group meeting. By then our agency may have some idea of when we will be able to travel. It all depends on when the Chinese consulate in Guangzhou has open appointments. I'm thinking the earliest we will travel is the last week of July which is also the first week of August.
This evening I finally downloaded several of the packing lists I've been saving to see exactly what is suggested for us to bring. Most of the things on the lists thankfully I still have time to purchase.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Travel Acceptance Letters Are Being Mailed
Thursday, July 5
On the Rumor Queen web site a family whose LOA's (letters of acceptance) were mailed on 6/13/07 back to China received their TA's (travel acceptance letters) today. Their agency is located in Texas. This family was told depending on the choice of consulate appointments they could leave for China possibly as early as 7/16. That would be in 11 days!!!! There agency is hoping to get a consulate appointment for 7/23. I nearly passed out. On the one hand I am very excited. On the other hand freaking out over all I have to still do, buy, take care of. Plus Kelsey......yikes. I think our agency will probably receive their TA's tomorrow or on Monday. Our agency mailed the LOA's back to China on 6/13 also.
On the Rumor Queen web site a family whose LOA's (letters of acceptance) were mailed on 6/13/07 back to China received their TA's (travel acceptance letters) today. Their agency is located in Texas. This family was told depending on the choice of consulate appointments they could leave for China possibly as early as 7/16. That would be in 11 days!!!! There agency is hoping to get a consulate appointment for 7/23. I nearly passed out. On the one hand I am very excited. On the other hand freaking out over all I have to still do, buy, take care of. Plus Kelsey......yikes. I think our agency will probably receive their TA's tomorrow or on Monday. Our agency mailed the LOA's back to China on 6/13 also.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Agency Contact
This morning everyone in our travel group was all abuzz after reading on the Rumor Queen's website that some agencies had begun receiving their travel acceptance letters. Unfortunately our agency was not one of them. I spoke to our social worker and was told possibly by the end of the week they will receive them. The agency does not want to schedule a travel meeting until they receive the acceptance letters. I also learned that we will have to bring $4,500 in hundred dollar bills to cover the orphanage donation ($3,000) and adoption costs ($1,500).
As for the email we received yesterday I spoke with the agency program manager. He said he wanted to first make sure that something wasn't lost or changed in the translation. He finds it odd that something with her shoulder would be brought up now especially if it was first noted by the orphanage last year. If the translation is correct when Tessa has her eye exam being she will already be at a hospital he will probably request a full health examination. I guess I will wait until late next week to call the agency to ask if they have heard anything.
I also read on an adoption website that while in China if after you have received your child you decide not to go forward that the child will never be placed again. Its a shame on the country for the child to have been rejected. Generally if the child is up for non special needs adoption, they are okay or they never would have been placed up for adoption. Supposedly, only children who the Chinese believe will be adopted are put up for adoption.
As for the email we received yesterday I spoke with the agency program manager. He said he wanted to first make sure that something wasn't lost or changed in the translation. He finds it odd that something with her shoulder would be brought up now especially if it was first noted by the orphanage last year. If the translation is correct when Tessa has her eye exam being she will already be at a hospital he will probably request a full health examination. I guess I will wait until late next week to call the agency to ask if they have heard anything.
I also read on an adoption website that while in China if after you have received your child you decide not to go forward that the child will never be placed again. Its a shame on the country for the child to have been rejected. Generally if the child is up for non special needs adoption, they are okay or they never would have been placed up for adoption. Supposedly, only children who the Chinese believe will be adopted are put up for adoption.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Agency Update
Today we received an email from our agency stating that the orphanage director had finally agreed to take Tessa to see an eye specialist. Unfortunately they will have to travel to a hospital in Changsha which is a 5 hour drive each way. I'm guessing they will probably stay over night in the Social Welfare Institute in Changsha before returning to the orphanage the following day. An agency representative is planning on meeting them in Changsha so she can see Tessa and report back to the NYC office. The representative is hoping something can be arranged within the next few days.
One thing that was mentioned in the email that has us confused is that the orphanage director mentioned that “the baby’s shoulder began to be a little oblique last year”. We have no idea what that means. When we look at Tessa's photos if anything her shoulders appear squared off. I spent hours on the Internet trying to find information with no success. Michael seems to think maybe the director’s phrasing was lost in the translation. Tomorrow I will be calling the agency to see what I can find out. I am trying my best not to stress over this latest comment. Michael is doing a much better job at this than I am.
One thing that was mentioned in the email that has us confused is that the orphanage director mentioned that “the baby’s shoulder began to be a little oblique last year”. We have no idea what that means. When we look at Tessa's photos if anything her shoulders appear squared off. I spent hours on the Internet trying to find information with no success. Michael seems to think maybe the director’s phrasing was lost in the translation. Tomorrow I will be calling the agency to see what I can find out. I am trying my best not to stress over this latest comment. Michael is doing a much better job at this than I am.
Surprise....Baby Shower
Tuesday, June 26
I still was feeling uncomfortable and decided to call back the agency. I spoke to the agency program manager. He was very reassuring and could not have been more supportive stating he had already contacted China about having Tessa brought to a hospital to see an eye specialist. The agency fully supported our concerns and wanted to rule out any permanent handicapping condition. He felt it would take about 3 weeks for this to happen.
Today was also a surprise for me. I thought I was going to meet my two friends Jenn and Lori for lunch when instead they had put together a baby shower with all of my friends from work. I was overwhelmed and so touched by the gesture and their generosity. When I arrived home it was Michael’s turn to be overwhelmed by the number of gifts we had received for Tessa. It's feeling very real now that soon Tessa will be here.
I still was feeling uncomfortable and decided to call back the agency. I spoke to the agency program manager. He was very reassuring and could not have been more supportive stating he had already contacted China about having Tessa brought to a hospital to see an eye specialist. The agency fully supported our concerns and wanted to rule out any permanent handicapping condition. He felt it would take about 3 weeks for this to happen.
Today was also a surprise for me. I thought I was going to meet my two friends Jenn and Lori for lunch when instead they had put together a baby shower with all of my friends from work. I was overwhelmed and so touched by the gesture and their generosity. When I arrived home it was Michael’s turn to be overwhelmed by the number of gifts we had received for Tessa. It's feeling very real now that soon Tessa will be here.
Agency Contact
Monday, June 25
I contacted the agency to discuss Dr. Aronson’s report. They agreed that Tessa should be seen by an eye specialist to rule out any vision problems and to possibly diagnosis strabismus. They will contact China about having an exam scheduled.
I contacted the agency to discuss Dr. Aronson’s report. They agreed that Tessa should be seen by an eye specialist to rule out any vision problems and to possibly diagnosis strabismus. They will contact China about having an exam scheduled.
Received Doctor's Report
Sunday, June 24
We received an email from Dr. Aronson based on the latest information we had received on Tessa. Dr. Aronson indicated that Tessa may have estropia which is a type of strabismus where the eye or eyes turn inward. What surprised us was that she though both of Tessa’s eyes might be misaligned. Again in her report she stressed that this was something that could be cured with patching, glasses, and or out-patient surgery.
We received an email from Dr. Aronson based on the latest information we had received on Tessa. Dr. Aronson indicated that Tessa may have estropia which is a type of strabismus where the eye or eyes turn inward. What surprised us was that she though both of Tessa’s eyes might be misaligned. Again in her report she stressed that this was something that could be cured with patching, glasses, and or out-patient surgery.
Oh No!!!!!!
Friday, June 22
Today our friend Scott took one of Tessa’s new photos and turned it into a cute picture. See above
Today our friend Scott took one of Tessa’s new photos and turned it into a cute picture. See above
Chinese Translation
Wednesday, June 20
We received two new photos of Tessa now at 9 months old along with the translated narrative written by the orphanage director. The narrative was extremely positive and warmly written. It also included updated height, weight, and head circumference measurements. Tessa has grown almost two inches and gained one pound. She also now has 4 teeth (2 on top and 2 on the bottom). It was the two photos were a surprise to us. We could not get over how much Tessa had grown. She looked so different. We had to look at the photos quite awhile to be able to see the 6 month old baby from the referral photos in these new pictures. The inward turning of Tessa’s right eye was much more apparent in these photos. We decided to forward this information to Dr. Aronson and get her opinion.
We received two new photos of Tessa now at 9 months old along with the translated narrative written by the orphanage director. The narrative was extremely positive and warmly written. It also included updated height, weight, and head circumference measurements. Tessa has grown almost two inches and gained one pound. She also now has 4 teeth (2 on top and 2 on the bottom). It was the two photos were a surprise to us. We could not get over how much Tessa had grown. She looked so different. We had to look at the photos quite awhile to be able to see the 6 month old baby from the referral photos in these new pictures. The inward turning of Tessa’s right eye was much more apparent in these photos. We decided to forward this information to Dr. Aronson and get her opinion.
Happy Father's Day
Sunday, June 17
Today is Father’s Day. I gave Michael a card from Tessa and I with her two referral pictures made into wallet size. He was very surprised.
Today is Father’s Day. I gave Michael a card from Tessa and I with her two referral pictures made into wallet size. He was very surprised.
Acceptance Letter
Tuesday, June 12
I went to the agency today and hand delivered our acceptance letter. I showed the program manager Tessa’s pictures and expressed concern over her eye. He did not feel it was anything to worry about. I asked when we could expect to have our travel meeting and was told sometime in July but that we definitely will be going to China in August. We will see. After this 19 month wait I believe nothing unless it comes directly from China.
I went to the agency today and hand delivered our acceptance letter. I showed the program manager Tessa’s pictures and expressed concern over her eye. He did not feel it was anything to worry about. I asked when we could expect to have our travel meeting and was told sometime in July but that we definitely will be going to China in August. We will see. After this 19 month wait I believe nothing unless it comes directly from China.
Introducing Tessa Ru Giovanniello
Monday, June 11
We finally agreed on a name. Our daughter will be called Tessa Ru Giovanniello. We also received by email Dr. Aronson’s report. She said Tessa is a “nice average risk”. She did make note of Tessa’s right eye but wasn’t sure if it was cultural or the possibility of strabismus. Dr. Aronson did not seem at all concerned and felt even if it was strabismus it was easily correctable.
We finally agreed on a name. Our daughter will be called Tessa Ru Giovanniello. We also received by email Dr. Aronson’s report. She said Tessa is a “nice average risk”. She did make note of Tessa’s right eye but wasn’t sure if it was cultural or the possibility of strabismus. Dr. Aronson did not seem at all concerned and felt even if it was strabismus it was easily correctable.
Top Choices
Sunday, June 10
We still cannot agree on a baby’s name. My top 5 includes Juliana, Hayley, Sofia, Tessa, and Emma. Michael seems to like Natasha, Erin, and Kristen. Hopefully by tomorrow we can decide on something.
We still cannot agree on a baby’s name. My top 5 includes Juliana, Hayley, Sofia, Tessa, and Emma. Michael seems to like Natasha, Erin, and Kristen. Hopefully by tomorrow we can decide on something.
The Quest to Name Ru Continues
Saturday, June 9
The search goes on. Michael wants more time to think.
The search goes on. Michael wants more time to think.
Pediatrician and Baby Naming
Friday, June 8
Went to interview the first potential pediatrician who happens to be Chinese. He looked at Ru’s pictures and felt that her eyes would look normal by age two. He did not feel she had strabismus. Although that was good news unfortunately I did not like his demeanor and would not feel comfortable if our daughter was sick talking to him.
Well this is it. We have until Monday to decide on a name for our daughter. I sense a long weekend.
Went to interview the first potential pediatrician who happens to be Chinese. He looked at Ru’s pictures and felt that her eyes would look normal by age two. He did not feel she had strabismus. Although that was good news unfortunately I did not like his demeanor and would not feel comfortable if our daughter was sick talking to him.
Well this is it. We have until Monday to decide on a name for our daughter. I sense a long weekend.
Received Referral Package
Wednesday, June 6
I received at work today Tessa’s actual referral package. She looks beautiful in her pictures. I contacted Dr. Aronson’s office and was able to forward the referral package to her. We should receive a response in a few days.
I received at work today Tessa’s actual referral package. She looks beautiful in her pictures. I contacted Dr. Aronson’s office and was able to forward the referral package to her. We should receive a response in a few days.
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