Monday, September 8, 2008











We have been back at the hotel for a few hours now and everything is going smoothly.




Cheryl and Barb have left for Beijing and we'll meet them in a few days. Frank and Hanlin went for a walk to "scout" out the area and the girls and I are having a bit of some down time.




We arrived at the orpanage at about 9:00am. Hanlin and his foster family arrived late. About 45 mins later. We were waiting upstairs, but it was smoking hot and we saw some children outside singing, so we went outside to wait.


We waited about 5 more minutes and saw them arrive up an alley way. We were able to say hello, and she gave frank some bags, then the orpanage staff took them away to another little room off to the side. They kept the foster parents in there, and lead Hanlin out to us. I could see the staff with thier arms across the door holding the foster mother inside, against her will.


I gave him a kiss, and heard some commotion, and screaming, when I looked up, She had pushed through thier arms and was screaming at them, as she ran towards us, they chased, she was wailing loudly and screaming at them waving her arms.
they were trying to hold her back, I rushed to her and hugged her and let the staff know that it was ok.
The staff had to pry her arms off of us. they weren't too happy, but she didn't care neither did we. I tried to put the pictures in order.
Abigail saw her running at us, and grabbed Lily and put her into our van, Isabelle soon followed. Hanlin so far wasn't showing much emotion. Her was quite happy to come up into our arms. the foster mother gave us bags and bags, very very heavy bags.

Total "adoption"time took about 15mins. Signing a couple sets of paper. Waiting was about 45 mins and then the rest was about another 15mins.

We were all shuffled into the van, and the foster mother stormed down the alley way, the foster father following. Once we drove out of the alley way and out of sight of the staff, the driver pulled over and the foster parents came to the window of the van, and gave us some sort of medicine, (if his pee gets dark?) We let him go to the window to say goodbye, one last time. He started to get upset, so we had the driver start to leave. She at least was able to say goodbye on her terms, this was very important.

The girls were amazing. Lily didn't say a peep the whole time, never once did she quesiton it and Abigail and Isabelle were obviously crying with the rest of us. Hanlin sat on Frank's knees, quietly. He opened up and smiled at us quickly. and once we got back to the hotel he was full of energy. I gave both Hanlin and Lily the llbean backpacks that we had for each of them and they played with them for quite a while. they play well together.


Once we got back to the hotel. We searched into the bags she sent. Wondering why they were soooo heavy.


In one bag she packed a full watermelon!!!! In another bag 12 bananas, and 4 large apples and 4 large asian pears. Also he had a bag full of toys and 1 plastic shopping bag with a bit of clothes, and I mean a bit.


She also sent a pile of meds.... somthing to do with dark pee, and another to do with digestion.

He was soo well loved. He loves to be cuddled and he is as smart as a whip. Frank brought him to the washroom here in the room once, and he peed all over the place, then the next time he needed to go, he went to frank, pulled his arms to stand up and brought him to the bathroom. frank got him to "aim" it this time. and he did. LOL


We went out for lunch and to the supermarket almost right away. He can't use chopsticks.

He has been fed by the foster mother, always and doesn't even hold his own water. When he was thirsty he grabbed a bottle of water from Barb and had her pour it into his mouth, at the same time, Barb and I said...ohhhh noooo you don't ...you have 2 hands... hold it yourself.!! LOL
and he did. It's not something that he does automatically on his own. If he needs his mouth wiped, he'll push his face towards you and grunt. LOL

We need to get another DVD player. Ours is now garbage and we think it will help to have something as down time... for every one....
We played stickers with both kids, and also coloring etc.. cars.... but Lily at times needs "space" LOL from everyone. There is only so much entertaining you can do in a small hotel room.
I'll post more later as time permits.
We don't actually have much happening for the next few days. So we'll be cabbing it back towards the Hyatt for more shopping. We transfered to the Hopeway Hotel and there isn't a thinkg near by and IS NOT child friendly! AT ALL. At the Hyatt there was a park around the corner, pastry shops, nice supermarket...water front and lots of shopping at different markets.
We'll have to spend a fortune on taxi's to go anywhere from this hotel. At least we are only here 4 days.
Talk soon!!
the Dolan family of 6!!!!


13 comments:

Darrel and Karen said...

Congratulations, certainly sounds like some emotional moments. But I am sure it is comforting knowing he was so well loved.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! We are so happy for all of you. It so painfully obvious how much the foster family loved Hanlin. This means so much to him and you both. It sounds like he had a great start in China. Hanlin sounds like he is adjusting great already!
The pictures are wonderful. Enjoy the rest of your trip as a new family!
ttyl,
lisa, Dave and Shai

PennyWolfe said...

Congratulations!! The story is very emotional and I am in tears as I read it.

Best wishes to you - Family of 6!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!! I didn't even read the post before I started to cry, seeing the pictures was all it took. I'm so happy for you guys!

Sheila said...

WOW! I read your post earlier this am, but just could'nt post! I was way to emotional!What a journey for you all!!
Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

I am lost for words! OK OK those that know me well keep the comments to your self*LOL*


HUGS HUGS AND MORE HUGS FOR ALL 6 OF YOU!!!

THE Blanchard Clan!!

Anonymous said...

A family of 6! Yeah!!!!

SOO happy for all of you guys, your blogs are just so full of emotion, it's like we're there with you. And the pics are amazing!

Enjoy the rest of your time there and have a great trip home.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I should have waited to read this at home instead of at work..good thing no one is in yet to see me crying...glad to hear everything is good. What an emotional day for all of you...it will only get easier now!
Maureen Andy and Kylie

Dori's Mommy (Diana) said...

Congratulations!

Just Us Girls said...

Congratulations!!!! What an emotional post to read. I am surprised I can type.
It must feel so good to know he was SO loved!!!

He is so precious and I wish you all the best!!!

Hugs,
Carrie W.

geminirn said...

OK........WOW!!This is one very emotional post......after I first read it,I was at a lost for words and just was unable to comment right away......now not any easier.

Hanlin is truly blessed to have this deep forever love from two amazing forever families.

The biggest of hugs to all of you on this truly amazing day.

Dianne,Joe and Meaghan
xoxoxo

Jamie and Angela said...

Congratulations on your new family of 6! I'm so happy that Hanlin is finally in your arms. I was in tears too reading your post this morning. I hope you had a good first night with him and that today will be a great day.

Anonymous said...

Darn it, you caught up to the Losiers... Yeah, well, we're all older! Ha!
I'm soo happy for you guys! I can't wait for you to get back! Give our new cousin a big hug from us!!
P.S: Daddy also wanted me to point out that we're better looking too!

Tao's Mommy said...

WOW...what a day!!! Full of emotion you had me in tears reading this. CONGRATS on finally having your lil man in your arms!!! He is beautiful!!! I cant imagine what his foster family is feeling.......or Hanlin. Its clear that he was well loved!!!!

Thinking of you.......

Kim & Channing
(WC yahoo group)