Dinnertime Fun!

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Amen

Gigi saying her prayers at dinner.
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Our First Disney Movie!!

We are at the doctor visit and we're all done! Waiting on older children getting their TB test & having a bottle watching Ratatouille!

It was so hot out & we walked. First we got her picture taken for her visa or something like that then came to doctor. Not sure what's next. It's cool in here - they let us I would live here 'til we fly home. Did I mention it's hot outside! And I have to pee but they only have squatties herte! Ugh!

Gigi weighed in today at a whopping 18.6 pounds & 29 inches long. Daddy did so good holding her at each station while mommy prayed for the room to stop spinning!! LOL! Feeling better now...it's cool in here & I'm sitting - thats good.

The other half of the group arrives tonight from their province. So happy Gigi lived in Guangzhou!!! Our group is about to double & new babies to meet!! Yay!

Some of the group are going to stop at the Charity Shop (not sure if that's the right name) on the way back to shop. They're supposed to have nice things & the $ goes to help children so bonus! Not sure if I'm up to it.

Ok Daddy just came to get us. Time to go! Bye!
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My Smiley Girl!

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Q & A Time

Hi, Aunt Kathleen e-mailed me a bunch of questions & I thought everyone would like to hear my answers too...

What is the weather like in China? hot!
Where you are? white swan hotel in guangzhou - VERY nice hotel

Are they having a mild summer like here in NY or is it more like FL? FL

Very muggy? yes

What was on that breakfast plate? I'd be nervous eating it, LOL. It's dim sum - most of it was really good - all meals but one have been good - best was papa johns!! LOL. Last night I ate just pizza crusts!

How was all the plane rides? 13 hour flight MUCH better than 2 1/2 hour flight!! LOL. Love bonine!!!!! Maybe one day I can take a cruise LOL

I am so happy you got to play tourist a little bit.  I hope you go to the Zoo on Saturday. Me too
 
Questions about Gigi....
Does she stand on her own? no

If she is standing, how many steps can she take?  holding my hands only & not happy about it - wants to sit or be held

Does she still crawl around? haven't seen her crawl - not sure if she can. She's not happy when I put her on her belly

What size is she wearing?  12 months but I think she will grow quickly. Her belly is getting bigger in just the few days we've had her & that's just from formula

What does she like to play with?  the baby einstein small music toy I brought her. It has colored lights that flash to the classical music. She finally touched it yesterday!! That made my day. She felt every part of it w/ her little fingers & not just the nervous tapping she does when scared...she was feeling it.

Did you bring any Disney DVDs she can watch on the laptop? No we meant to but forgot - we haven't even used the laptop...should have left it behind - doing everything on our phones. So happy about our phones!

What words can she say? none that I know of.

Maybe get someone to translate so you can tell her when she gets older? She really just cries. No words yet. It's more like she's an infant than a toddler.

Daddy & Gigi are still sleeping...she is a good sleeper but a wiggle worm. Head startas on one end of crib but ends up on the other in the morning!

I'm going to try to go back to sleep some more now because I think that's why I've been getting so dizzy. It's just hard to fall asleep. I miss my bed and pillows!! Plus we're in twin beds so I miss Dan too! LOL!

Love,

Gigi's Mommy
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A Movie Lovers Paradise

So, at the 7-11 next door to the hotel, they have all sorts of great items, including fried squid on a stick, Pringles (in such flavors as Shrimp, Crab, and, of course, Seaweed), and hundreds of candies' toys, magazines and videos of a cartoon called Pleasant Goat & Big Bad Wolf. This is a cartoon we started watching with Gigi. It seemed cute, until the goat and the wolf suddenly grabbed swords an started slicing each other us,blood flying and all. CRAZY!!
Anyway, just outside of the 7-11 is a cart with every DVD you could want. For example, the new Star Trek, Tranformers 2, Bruno, and the latest Harry Potter movie. Obviously since some of these movies have only been out for about a week they are not, as John Travolta would say, "100% legal." The guy swears up and down that they will play in the US and are high quality DVDs. He even told me to try one in my laptop and that he would take it back if t di not play or was not good, but there is no way I am starting out fatherhood by committing a felony on foreign soil. The saddest part is that th movies are $18 yuan, which is about $2.75 each, an the guy said if I bought several he would "give me best very good price." Oh,well.

Daddy Made Me Miss My Nap!

Well, it's really mommy's fault but it sounds better blaming Daddy! He's at the "white out" party filling out a 100 forms! It's his fault because he's super good at putting her to sleep and my little strawberry won't go to sleep for me (tried for over 2 hours!) so we're watching cartoons!

I finally gave up & a little while ago went to Vanessa's room where they were doing the forms to see how much longer they will be. 2 people had to go make copies so there was a little break - he got her to go to sleep in the hallway in just a few minutes but then I had to take her back when they started up again. It was hopeless because we had to go in the elevator and she HATES them!!! Screams!! So we came back to relax & watch TV - wide awake again!

Daddy just got back. Yay!!! Gone over 2 hours!

Tomorrow is another big day for us. We have free time (yay!) in the morning then three more meetings including the doctor visit. We are staying in for the evening. The zoo was postponed to saturday but not sure if we will go. We'll see how we are doing.

The province Gigi is from has more meetings than most others because their processes are a little different but we will take that over the extra 2 flights the other half of our group have to take.

Well, Daddy's been home less than 15 mins & she's sound asleep!!! He definitely has the magic touch!

Love,

Gigi's Mommy
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Relaxing & Watching Chinese Cartoons

At least one of us can understand them! LOL!
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IMG00125.jpg

Oops. Forgot to attach the pic! Enjoy.

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I Just Love Her So Much!!

Here's a picture of my angel sleeping so soundly. Last night we put socks on her hands because they get so cold over night. She didn't fuss at all. She's so good! Can't wait to come home with her!!!

Aww! She just rolled over & atretched, still sleeping, one of her hands is now free. LOL!

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Things I Miss!

I miss the smell of clean clothes, my bed, knowing that the water is safe, "real" american food, chinese food made in america, driving in only in one lane at a time without cars cutting you off every 30 seconds & missing you only by inches, my bed, my pillows (oh how I miss my pillows), the simplicity of brushing my teeth at home knowing the water is safe, my washer & especially my dryer, my bed, TV that I can understand, my bed, my friends, my family, and did I mention my bed!

Love,

Gigi's Mommy
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NEVER DrinkThe Water In China!!

Gigi Rides a Zebra

Breakfast Time With Gigi

Oops!

I meant day 3 five - 8 oz bottles
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We've Come A Long Way Baby!!!

Day 1 - wouldn't drink at all
Day 2 - drank 12 oz all day
Day 3 - drank five 12oz bottles & will even hold on to it herself!

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Blog Update

Hi, the entry titled One Day Down...Forever to Go shows a date of July 22 but I actually started writing that last night after Gigi went to sleep but something went wrong w/ my phone & I didn't get to finish it. It looks like it was posted which I guess is good because I thought it was lost but wanted everyone to know that it was a July 21st update and last night she had a another 2oz before bed. Not much...in total she only drank 12 oz yesterday but today has been MUCH better. She's already had 16 oz today & it's only 2:00. We'll give her another after her nap.

We leave for the police interview at 3:00. I know she's not going to be happy about getting up but there's nothing I can do about it! Daddy left the do not disturb light on so when we came back for our nap we had to wait about an hour - she was so sleepy!! Daddy won't be touching that button again!!!

Gotta go get ready. We'll try to have more pics posted by the time you all wake up.

Love,

Gigi's Mommy
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One Day Down...Forever To Go!

It feels like we've had her for several days already & hard to believe it was that just yesterday was "gotcha" day!

I hope she sleeps as well tonight as she did last night...now if only her mommy can sleep through the night!

I was a nervous wreck this morning because she refused any food or bottle since we got her and didn't have a wet diaper after 10 hours of sleeping. Today I think she had two wet diapers...hard to remember - much is a blur! This morning at breakfast I had about 6 or so different options for her but she refused all of them. Daddy kept going up to the buffet to get more things for her. He even fixed me a plate but I barely ate. At lunch he held so I could eat then I took her so he could eat. He's so good to us both!

Here's where we stand right now:
2 wet diapers
2 oz. Bottle at 11:15 (it was a fight but she had a little)
8 oz. Bottle at 5:15 (much easier with new bottle!!!

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Gigi & Friend

What a Difference a Day Makes!

Yesterday it was a struggle to get Gigi to taste her bottle...or anything else. We managed to get about two bottles done but had to work hard and listen to a great many baby complaints. Today, first bottle of the day she started playing hard to get again and splashed Mommy with a little formula. I went to get a towel and the bottle went with me. Gigi watched the bottle and whined a bit. I walked back over and she opened her mouth wide open and the bottle went right in. Gigi went to work an then, halfway through, Denise placed her hands on the bottle and she drank the whole thing right down! She is just precious!! Her future's so bright, she had to wear shades!!

Shopping and Sipping

I cannot keep my eyes open another minute, but here are a couple more shots for Gigi's loyal and ravenous fans!! Good night from Guangdong, everyone!!

Princess Gigi Finally Eats

She does from time to time, wake up. She loves to sleep and, when she is annoyed se gets VERY loud...she is perfect for our family. On the other hand, she does not like to eat anything at all. After numerous attempts in the past 20 or so hours shehas been with us, Denise finally pulled out the tough love and forced a bottle into her mouth. Gigi fought it, but eventually we achieved suckage and Gigi drank about four ounces of formula. We were both so releived and, of course, Denise cried a river of happy mommy tears.

She Finally Drank!!!

Thank God she's drinking! I was making her miserable with the straw - one drip at a time...then just stuck the nipple in her mouth and wouldn't allow her to take it out even though she fought a good fight! Then she just started sucking!!!!!! 2 whole ounces!!

She's completely off her normal schedule - how often should I feed her a bottle & how many ounces? What if she only takes 2 oz. at a time?

Thanks everyone!!

Love,

Gigi's Mommy
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She's So Tiny!

I really wasn't expecting such a little baby! She's so tiny. The diapers we brought are too big but we didn't bring many. We will get more today. The outfit she was in is the same one from the updated pictures we got a few weeks ago. She likes the minnie mouse on her pants. We will go shopping today.

We have our interview today & I think this is where we request her passort. Then lunch & then the rest of the day is free.

She wouldn't eat last night. She just wanted to sleep! When I gave her the bottle she pursed her lips or pushed it away. But some would drip out on her mouth and out came that little tongue to see what it was. First to the side then up top. Oh man I was weak from that tongue. Dan was down filling out forms so he hasn't experienced the tongue yet!! He's going to melt!
She loves the little music toy I brought. It's one of those baby einstien toys. Plays classical music with lights - like 6 songs & they're pretty long. She tapped at the lights. Too cute!

Not sure about the crib in the room...very fancy wooden crib but so low to the ground & sides are tall...Dan even had trouble putting her down last night & he's tall.

Aunt Jen she's wearing the PJ's you gave her. She looks so cute!
Dan's getting his shower & I'm going to go back to sleep for a bit until Gigi wakes up.

Please pray that she eats & drinks today!

Love,

Gigi's Mommy!
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New Mommy!

My beautiful wife...aka Gigi's Mommy!

Our Precious Gigi

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On Our Way to Gigi!!!

We're on the bus going to Gigi!!!! She's probably there already waiting for us. I hope she's not scared! I hope she likes us!! I'm so...everything!!! Happy nervous nauseous excited...
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Pictures from our journey to Gigi

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Message: This is our first attempt to upload pictures from our cellphone. Hope it works!! By the way...we will meet Gigi in about 90 minutes!!! Options View Slideshow Print at Retail Reply to Sender Reply to All Forward Send and receive Pictures and Videos through Picture MailSM. For more information go to www.sprint.com/picturemail.

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We are in Guanghzhou!

On our way to check in then leave for gigi at 2:30!!! She's about an hour away so she's getting ready to meet us right now! She travels to us & we meet at the civil affairs office. There will be another group there too. There will be 25 families! Oh boy!

This is it!!!! It's Gotcha day!!

Love,

Denise

PS. Happy Birthday Tegan!!!
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Fw: So Tired the Bed Was Comfortable...

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-----Original Message-----
From: denisegurwitz@yahoo.com

Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:05:32
To: <ioadan.gigi@blogger>
Subject: So Tired the Bed Was Comfortable...


Well maybe it wasn't that it was comfortable as much as I was so tired I could have slept on rocks!
What an amazing day we had yesterday! Most of what we saw yesterday felt like we were in the middle of dowmtown NY but with a whole lot of really neat history! LOL! Someone asked on facebook if we ate any Chinese food...umm, hello, we're in China!! Yes, there is Chinese food offered at all meals. I did my best to stay away from carbs yesterday because it was such a heavy walking day but when I saw lomein on the breakfast buffet I was delighted...these people know how to live! LOL! Everything has been great. We didn't eat the duck last night but it got a little silly because they didn't stop bringing food to our table! My favorite was the eggplant...mom, you would have loved it!!! I wish I could bring some home to you. LOL!

Ok, this was just a quick hello from me. I think Dan summed up our excited very well. I am at a loss for words when it comes to describing how wonderful this day will be. I'm not sure that I would be able to compare it to anything I've experienced yet in my past 39 years!

Do you realize that in about 9 hours we will be getting Gigi!!!

Love, Denise
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I just cannot sleep!!

It is just past 3:00 am and I cannot stay asleep.  This is, without question, the biggest day of our lives.  When we started on this path over four years ago, I never dreamt it would take this long and I never dreamt so many hills and valleys would come along. I just knew that Denise and I loved children and wanted to start a family. I still remember when Ken, our home study social worker, asked me why I wanted to adopt. I told him that I had 11 nieces and 1 nephew (which has since expanded) and had been "Uncle Dan" since I was twelve years old. I was ready to be "Daddy."  I have never been happier than when spending time with my nieces.  Dancing the tango with a 10 month old Katie, singing La-La-La-La-Lasagna with Rachael, being chased by a tiny monster named Amberly who waved her hands and moaned "Wooow" over and over, watching Jenna spin and twirl on the dance floor at our wedding reception, seeing Taylor dressed as a baby lion on Halloween, watching a variety show performed by our little drama queen Marie Grace and Katie (who made us smile alot alot), seeing "little Mo" ride "It's a Small World" the first time and then imploring every character in Disney to "hug Zachie,"her patient big brother, watching Ryleigh open presents one tiny rip at a time, watching Emily use her eyebrows and attitude to stare down grown men, Tegan leaving a phone message asking if she should hold onto her lost tooth a couple days till Easter so the tooth fairy and the easter bunny can meet, and watching Bryce tromp Godzilla-style through Ryleigh's teaset. These are some of my most treasured memories. To know that I will begin making a lifetime of memories with my own daughter in a handful of hours is thrilling and humbling all at once. I am so sad that my father did not quite make  it to this day, but I know Papa Jerry will be watching over her forever, along with Nana and Papa and Grandma 'Nette, aunts and uncles (both through blood and through friendship), and dozens of cousins who have been eagerly anticipating this day right along with Denise and I.  I can only pray that we can raise a wonderful daughter like Jen & Doug, Joe & Suzie, Liz & Ron, Joseph, Michael & Carolyn, and Steve & Brooke have.  I love you all and cannot wait for Gigi to meet every member of her crazy, wonderful new family!! Love,    Uncle Dan (and in about 11 hours..).Gigi's Daddy    ----- End of message -----

The Great Wall is GREAT!

We just visited the Great Wall. Well, a teeny tiny little section of it anyway. It is over 3,000 miles long! It's really impressive. Today is very foggy out so our pictures won't do it justice I'm sure. They took a group photo and give it to you in a really nice souvenir book with lots of colorful & beautiful images. It was 100 chinese dollars which we think is about $15 to us. Well worth it for the memories.

This morning we had a nice trip to the Summer Palace. It was very pretty. My favorite was going to the pearl factory. We got Gigi two pearl earrings and one set for me that matched one of her sets. We're going to look so cute! They sacrificed an oyster to show us how they makee pearls and I guessed 27 (of course) pearls and sure enough I was right! Grandma's with us!

We're on our way to dinner soon then back to the hotel to pack & get ready for our big day tomorrow! We have to leave the hotel at 6:30!!! If you are up at 5:00 send us a wake up e-mail or facebook message.



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Finally We Can Send an Update! Woohoo!

Saturday 7/18/09 8:30pm From Dan:  Sorry in advance if this blog is a bit untimely.  We are in the Wangfujing Grand Hotel and, although they have free wireless internet access for hotel guests, we cannot seem to get connected and, since we are both ready to pass out, I am going to
type this Saturday night (which, by the way, is Saturday morning to you) and post it tomorrow
when we are better rested.
 
THe flight was great.  It was very long (13 hours) but Denise did great and we got caught up on plenty of movies since they had about half the movies that were ever made as options on the seat tvs.  We both watched Monsters Versus Aliens, and then I watched Kill Bill Parts 1 and 2, Pink PAnther 2, Race From Witch Mountain, an episode of 30 Rock, an about half of Godfather (the
first one).  Denise watched the Hannah Montana Movie, 17 Again, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and Everybody Hates Chris.  They also fed us constantly.  A steak dinner with a salad, a couple of snacks, a very random delivery of a Hamburger and a small vanilla ice cream, and a "Chinese
Breakfast" which was dumplings,dim sum, a roll and cookie.  Everything was good, except for the warm water they kept bringing us to drink.  WE also had sodas and such, but they kept walking by with warm water for some reason.
 
Once we landed, everything went smoothly going through customs and such, although everyone was wearing face masks and they did have a group scanning us from about 50 yards away with some kind of infrared temperature scan to check our temperatures.  Luckily, nobody on our plane seemed to have any issue.  The only bad thing that happened was while I was getting our bags at the baggage pickup.  One of the bags was stuck on a crate and, rather than be smart and let our bag go, I pulled it free and it snapped back and hit a young girl who was travelling in our group right in the face.  She was defnitely hurt and, even though she seemed to feel better quickly, I still feel terrible about it.  Not five minutes on foreign soil and I am attacking children with luggage.

WE have two very nice guides who will be with us, Tom and Vanessa.  They

Sunday 7/19/09 3:53am From Denise:  What an exhausting day we had yesterday!  We collapsed about 9:00pm and woke up about 3:00am.  Clearly Dan was so tired he stopped blogging mid-sentence.  I guess his brain just couldn't handle anymore output.  We did have a great flight as Dan mentioned.  I took Bonine so that could have made the difference.  I usually get very nauseous on short flights so was thrilled at how well I did!!  I started getting queezy towards the end when they had us filling out health declaration forms and arrival and departure cards that we would need to leave the airport. 
 
We were so amazed at how very, very quiet the airport was.  It almost seemed like it must have been three in the morning but it was about 1:30 in the afternoon and really quiet!  Like a
library kind of quiet.  It just felt bizarre.  I made sure I was first in line as our tour guide led us to the busses so I could get a front row seat. I didn't want to get motion sick on the
bus!  I felt bad for everyone behind, me which was everyone, when we had to walk up 3 flights of stairs.  Up on the right, down on the left!  I stepped on each step with both feet because I can't step up on my left - bad knee.  Going down I can't go down on my right.  It's crazy but I'm grateful that if I have to have bad knees I at least have one good "up" knee and one good "down" knee!!
 
Our tour guide, Vanessa, is just great.  She was able to get us our room keys in advance and
collected our passports and took care of having the hotel scan them or what ever it is they need to do with them.  We were able to go right to our room and she brought them by shortly after. 

We were very excited to have a room to go to immediately.  We were so tired.  We only slept
about four hours Thursday night and didn't sleep on the plane.  I think Dan dozed off for a
little while but I just couldn't. We were hysterical about how much they fed us but everytime
they came by you could see everyone perk up and put their tray table down.  There was excitement and anticipation in the air - I wonder what we're getting!  Actually they gave us a menu when we first got on the plane but I thought it was a list you choose from and not that we were getting the entire page of food!  LOL!  Back to our room...it is very nice, except for the "wooden" bed! LOL! 

We took a quick shower and a two hour nap before dinner which, of course, we were late for.  The group was gone when we got down to the lobby.  We thought we were eating in the hotel but there was a chinese restaurant (ha ha I guess they're all chinese restaurants here! do they just call them restaurants?) literally next door to the hotel.  Several staff members helped us and they were all very nice.  Dan went back to the room to get our tour guide's number and a staff member called her for us.  Tour guide Tom came back for us.  We were surprised to see it was right next door, happy but surprised!  It worked out good because we got to sit at the table with our new friends Michelle, Jason (I think that's his name - too many new people with so MANY names to remember!), and the very sweet Sara whom Dan attacked with our luggage - I guess she'll always remember our names!  ha ha! Cindy, our WHFC guide and the two tour guides Vanessa & Tom were at our table too.  We got to ask all kinds of silly questions and get lots of tips.  Dinner was very good.  We tried just about everything.  They served it family style on a big lazy suzy.  White rice, steamed brocolli, chicken stirfry, beef & peppers, eggs & tomatoes (I didn't try that one - too runny looking), pork meatballs in a sweet sauce (I didn't like that one), french fries (seemed random), and other various chinese stirfry dishes. 
 
After dinner we had a group meeting, got some Chinese money, and made new friends.  A nice lady named Mary walked us next door to get a big jug of water.  It cost 25 RMB.  When the man came to bring us the adapter & extra pillows we didn't have any idea how much to give him and gave him 25 RMB - we really don't understand the conversion yet or if that was enough but figured at least we know he can buy a big jug of water and that seemed about right for three pillows?? 
We're such a mess!  Everyone is very nice and we're looking forward to touring the city today. 

We are jealous of the other half of the group that get to go to their province today and get
their babies today but we're happy not to have to get on another plane today.  Tomorrow will come soon enough! 
 
Ok, we're going to try to take a little nap as it is 4:40am and I'm starting to feel really sleepy again!  Dan just put on Sumo Wrestling...how will I ever fall asleep now!  LOL!
We're so happy to be able to update everyone on Facebook!  And just love getting everyone's
comments.  Even though the day has barely begun here I think we already have today's facebook
quote of the day - it comes from Anne - "You can sleep when you're dead! ;-) Enjoy the day!" 
Sorry we can't get these blog entries updated quicker. We're typing them on our laptop when we can and will copy/paste into our blog when we have internet access. 

7/19/09 8:00am From Denise:  we just had a wonderful breakfast at the hotel and we're waiting for the rest of the group for today's fun tourist day to begin! Dan said that Dim Sum rules.  He did not like the cognee though!  I stuck with lo-carb options since we have a big walking day ahead of us and I don't want my feet to ache! We think we can access the internet from the lobby.  We are leaving our laptop behind for the day though so if you want updates check facebook we're both updating our status throughout the day.  Hopefully we'll have internet access on our phones throughout the day - so far, so good! 
 
Can't log in to our blog on the laptop but Dan just got in on his phone!! Woohoo.
 
Love From China,
 
Denise & Dan

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This is a test

OK... apparently Blogspot does not work well in this hotel, and possibly in China, soooo...
We are trying to post directly through email so we can type long blogs on the laptop, then send them to out blog email, where it should post automatically. If you are reading this then that works!!
Alright...off to the Great Wall now!!

If You're Reading This Friday Morning Around 6:30AM Please Help Us Wake UP!!

Hi, if you happen to be up ridiculously early and have nothing else better to do than read our blog can you please send us a text, e-mail (denisegurwitz@yahoo.com), facebook message, or call? We're happy to have a few hourse of sleep in an actual bed rather than hang out at the airport for 12 hours but we're nervous that we might miss our flight! We have a wake up call from the front desk for 6:15 so anytime around then or after feel free to help get us up and at 'em, Adam Ant! (dan & i always say that - i don't know why)

Good night! (good morning!!)

Scenes From the First Leg of Our Trip to China

I only have a few minutes because it is vital that we get some sleep now (even though our original plan called for us staying up all night until we got on the 13 hours flight to China) but I MUST take a moment to discuss the flight crew of our flight to Newark from ORlando. While waiting at the gate for them to begin boarding the plane, I walked to the restroom and one of the women working at the gate named Heather came running up. She was a bit off-kilter to say the least, but nice and she asked if we enjoyed our vacation. I told her that our vacation was just beginning and she made a joke about Orlando being where you GO on vacation, not leave for vacation. I told her that we were going to Newark and then travelling on to China. She gasped and said that was amazing and then I told her that we were going to be adopting. She really flipped out then and started literally squealing. She was fun and asked me several questions about Gigi's age and such. THen she told me that she had recently become a grandmother and that parenthood is the most wonderful thing on Earth.
When I got back from the restroom, Heather came back by and started asking Denise and I all about the process and seemed almost as excited as we were. When we got on the plane, we quickly realized that Heather was one of our flight attendants. We discovered this because she was on the plane handing out happy face stickers to everyone. Not just handing them or placing them on shirts, she was literally placing the stickers on people's foreheads. She gave Denise a whole sheet of them and told her to share them with everyone she meets. Denise decided to leave one behind at the Best Western and stuck it on the hair dryer in the bathroom. When we were getting into our seat, Denise made some comment about wondering is there was anyone next to us on the plane. Heather said, very enphatically, "if there is, I will make them move." Shortly afterwards, a couple came on and the man was seated next to us and the woman was across from him in the opposite aisle. Heather noticed there was an empty row two rows back and she told them to move there. THe man said, "are you sure there isn't anyone there?" and Heather came back with, "if there is, I will tell them you have a communicable disease so they leave you alone."
Once the flight took off, Heather mostly calmed down, aside from walking by from time to time and winking at us. She did stop by at one point and serenaded us with "Hello Young Lovers, Wherever you are". A male flight attendant on the flight took over though by making numerous comments over the loudspeaker about what movies people were watching and making everyone on the plane give Heather a round of applause. His biggest achievement came about mid-flight. Denise always has to have SAltine Crackers when we fly to help avoid getting sick. Well, the flight attendant came over and stared at us and asked if they were Saltines. Denise said yes and started to put them away thinking there was something wrong. He then said, "No, that is fine, it's just that I have an upset stomach and those would really help. Denise asked if he would like some and he said "yes...in a few minutes." Sure enough he came by about ten minutes later and asked if he could have them now. DEnise opened the package and he took about ten saltines. He put them in his shirt pocket with his other recent conquests and said, "I'll put them in here with my twizzler stick and skittles and save them for later." I was amused, but figured it was over. Not so fast. He came back about a half-hour later and said they helped and asked if he could have some more. Denise said sure and he reached out and said, "can I just take the rest of the bag" and then he did. There were about another 10-15 SAltines in the bag. I was not the least bit concerned, but I thought it was very bizarre.
In any case, they were both very nice and Heather gave both of us a big hug on the way out. Just another pair of characters on the journey to Gigi. TAlk to you all tomorrow, when we are spending more than half the day on a plane.

The Trip Has Begun With Tears - Already!!!

We're at the Gate waiting to board the plane!!! When we approached the security area there was a large group of people clearly waiting for a loved one to arrive. They had welcome banners and some were wearing shirts with Chinese symbols on them. I immediately got teary-eyed and told Dan that they were probably waiting for a baby. I had to ask and a lady told me her niece traveled to China to adopt a baby and she's about to land. Then the tears started! I told her we were on our way to adopt our daughter and she got so excited and hugged me. I didn't want to leave. I wanted to wait and see the baby. I had no choice but to go. Luckily the security lines took forever and we got to see the family and the baby from afar. The family was clapping and snapping a million pictures. The baby was just adorable, I mean she's no Gigi but she was cute! She was several months younger than Gigi and just hung on to her mommy. I was, of course, in full blown tears at this point. What an amazing way to begin our journey by getting to see a glimpse of the end. As much as we look forward to the next 16 days we can't wait to be arriving home with her to begin our new life together!

Ok, they're boarding now!!! Gotta go!!!

1 Day to Go!!!

We're getting everything ready to go. We decided not to sleep at the airport Thursday night (what were we thinking?). We booked a hotel that's right across the street from the airport. They have a 24 hour shuttle. It just makes a lot of sense (thanks Kathleen!!!). We'll be refreshed and ready for that 13.5 hour flight to China!!!

We take off for Beijing at 12:10pm on Friday, 7/17. We'll try to give updates on our blog as long as we have internet access.

5 Days to Go!!!!

OMG!! We leave in 5 Days! This is crazy! We are very excited and trying desperately to get ready. We're almost packed. The hardest part is meeting the luggage weight restrictions. I've packed and unpacked and repacked more times than I can count. I've given up on the house being ready for her. Hopefully we'll baby proof it this summer while she's here. We just don't know how to do any of it and we can't afford to hire a handy man right now. We've depleted all our Gigi funds and then some in the past few weeks on the adoption fees and travel arrangements. No worries, we always get by and always have more than we need. This time will be no different. I am worried: however, about things not being baby proofed. Well, I won't really worry about that until 11/4 when I return to work...until then I won't be taking my eyes off of her! LOL!

In exactly 5 days we will be sitting on a plane headed to Newark airport where we will live for 12 hours until we fly to Beijing, China!!!!

Video Test

Posting one picture at a time while we're traveling doesn't seem like a good idea. We are trying to figure out the best way to load videos or slideshows. If anyone has suggestions please share. Here are all of the pictures we have of Gigi at this point. We put them together in the Windows Movie Maker. I tried to add a song but that made the size way too big and I couldn't upload it. The quality of the photos isn't that great but she's still beautiful. The first few are infant pictures - too cute! So happy to have them. Then you'll see the three referral pictures we received in April followed by more current pictures of her, some of which we posted when we first got them. Enjoy!

We have TRAVEL DATES!!

Not only do we have travel dates but our air is booked!!!!! We will be leaving the Newark airport for Beijing on 7/17 at 12:10pm! Please pray for safe and healthy travel for all of us!!