Picture Site

Hi There,

Many have been asking about pictures and you
can find them here at http://hannahfrank.myphotoalbum.com

Last Day in China

Well the girls are asleep so I thought I'd pop down to the business center to make a blog entry for our last day in China....

Yesterday we all went to the American Consulate where we got Hannah's visa. Once we get into the US and get the passport stamped, she's officially a US citizen... Yay!!!!!!!!

We took a flight yesterday from Guangzhou. We were supposed to leave at 7:20pm but wound up leaving closer to 10pm. We sat on the runway and waited for the weather to clear up in Beijing. Hannah was a trooper... though most of the children in our group fell asleep, Hannah just kept playing. She was laughing and smiling the entire time. Once we took off she fell asleep on her mom. We got to bed in Beijing around 3am.

We decided to let Hannah sleep through the morning. We went with the other half of our group here on the Hutong Tour. The Hutong's are the areas in Beijing where many of the people here live. These homes were built in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was very interesting and the best part was the rickshaw (pedicab) ride through the alleyways.

It's our last night in China and we get on a plane for home tomorrow. What an adventure this has been. What we have seen of this country has truly been incredible. The people, the landscape, the sights and sounds are something we will never forget! Maybe when Hannah is older we'll come back here. (Though Donna wants to come back for another child already!!!) :)
This truly has been an amazing journey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last day in Guangzhou

Yesterday we went to another Buddhist Temple which was not in use anymore. The temple was used more as a museum. There were many rooms with lots of sculptures and art on display. There was one display in particular of embroidery which was incredible. The embroidered pieces looked like photographs.

In the evening we went with a few folks in our group to dinner. Then we strolled along the waterfront. When we got back to the hotel, we gave Hannah a bath and she didn't seem to mind too much... she's really getting used to things but it will be much better when we're home. She had her bottle after her bath and went down in her crib. For about 15 minutes all we heard were sounds of her laughing and making baby sounds. Donna and I just sat there across the room and smiled.

Buddhist Temple, Pearl River Cruise & The Red Couch

Yesterday we went to a Buddhist Temple. The smell of incense was everywhere. Lots of folks were standing in front of the various Buddha's to pray and offer fruits. We went to a particular room in front of a Buddha and one of the monks blessed all the children.

In the evening we all went on a river cruise. The Pearl River runs through Guangzhou and we had a buffet dinner on the boat. Hannah had fun on her first boat trip. She really wants to walk so she was very squirmy. She was able to stand at the back of the boat and hold on to the rail. She likes trying to walk between Donna and I. In the evening the banks of the river light up like Times Square (ok.. a smaller version) with neon everywhere.

Today we had the red couch picture where all the children in our group get photographed on the red couch in the White Swan... it's kindof a tradition to do this. Hannah was extremely tired and fell asleep briefly in her stroller on the way down to the picture so when we got there she wasn't too happy to sit and smile with the other children. She really wanted her nap and unfortunately between the picture, bus ride, lunch etc.. she didn't actually fall asleep until after lunch... but she got her second wind on the bus to lunch and was her happy self again.

Tomorrow we go to the consulate then pack and we leave for Beijing tomorrow night. We all can't wait to get home!!!! It will be nice to settle into a more stable routine... :) (and have different types of restaurants) :) :)

The streets of Guangzhou

I got up early and took our laundry to Jennifer's place, which is a store outside the hotel. All the stores seem to be named Sharon's place, Wendy's place, Susan's place, etc... While at Jennifer's I also got a stroller for about $12. After breakfast, our group met at 10am in the lobby of the hotel. We walked across the street and had the children take pictures for their Visa. Then we walked to the doctor's office. We had to go to three stations in the doctor's office. One for a general checkup, one for weight and measurements, and one for ears, nose, throat and eyes. Hannah was a trooper, she fussed at the toungue depressor and getting weighed but other than that she was great. She got a good report too. She weighs 17.6 pounds.

After the doctor's we did some shopping. Clothes are very inexpensive. We picked up some nice chinese style silk outfits for about $6. We also got some shoes for around $5. Then we went to a place called Lucy's for lunch. Then we picked up our laundry and went back to the hotel. We had a pizza party for dinner. Now I know what winning a reward challenge on Survivor must feel like. After all chinese food all the time to have pizza was great!! :)

After dinner we went down to the pool. Hannah fussed a bit initially then sat there and put her hands in the water. We're trying to get her used to this so maybe she'll enjoy the water more.

The shops here are great and we'll have fun walking around the hotel area.

In Guangzhou!!!

Yesterday was a whirlwind day... We had a meeting early in the day to fill out all the paperwork we will need to finalize the adoption in Guangzhou. We have our appointment at the American Consulate on June 6th. Once all the forms were filled out, our guide Helen took the paperwork to the government office and met us later in the day with Hannah's passport!!!

We checked out of the hotel at 4pm and left for the airport around 4:30. The airport in Chongqing is quite modern and very nice. We waited to board the plane. It was a bit late taking off so we just played in the waiting area. Once we took off Hannah fell asleep in my arms. It was at that moment, looking at her adorable face and rubbing her back, that Donna and I completely lost it. It was an emotional feeling when we left Chongqing. I realized that she was leaving her birthplace with her mommy and daddy and she would be home soon. I told her that I didn't know if she ever dreamed of being a princess but she was one now.

We landed and got to the White Swan Hotel at around 11pm. We put her in her crib but she just laid ther and maid baby sounds... it was so cute... We looked over at the crib and she had pulled herself up and was standing and holding onto the rail and smiling. Donna and I just started laughing because she was so cute. Eventually we all fell asleep from our long day.

Visit to Chongqing Children's Home

Today was a very special day.

Hannah is doing great!!!!! She played at the dinner table with her stacking cups and linking rings. What smiles she had!!

Today we went to the Children's Home where Hannah spent her first 14 1/2 months. It was extremely emotional for everyone. We got to see where the children slept and played. We also got to ask the caretakers questions that we had. The children's home is very clean and the people take very good care of the children!!!

Hannah's caretaker also presented Donna with the blanket that was in Hannah's crib. This was unexpected and very special....

On the way back... we stopped at the location where Hannah was found... it was extremely touching for both Donna and I.

Children's Day

It's Children's Day in China, and that means that children get a day off from school and the parents sometimes get a day off from work too. Lots of children's activities are happening in the streets.

Today we went to the Chongqing People's Hall. A beautiful building used for public forums, shows etc... Outside of this is a big plaza and today there were lots of families there. Everywhere we go people stop around us and look at all the adopted children. Everyone has smiles on their faces. Donna brought some stickers to hand out to children that we saw and she had a blast doing that. Lots of kids were huddled around getting stickers and putting them on their foreheads.

Hannah enjoyed the bus ride and walking around in the carrier Iwore. She's taking her nap so I came to the business center to upload some photos and put in this entry.

We also stopped to see where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. It was really something to see. The Yangtze is very brown from all the mud from where it flows from.

More tomorrow!!

Gotcha Day!!!

Sorry it's been a while between postings, but being new parents and all... :) :)

We left Beijing at 8:30 on May 30th. We arrived in Chongqing at 11:30ish and went to a restaurant then to the hotel. When we opened the door to the room, we saw that there was a crib next to our bed. Wow!!! Then we all met at 2:30 to do some paperwork. Then we met at 4pm because our appointment was at 4:30.

We got to the Civil Affairs office and sat anxiously awaiting our daughters arrival. About 5pm a few folks got of the elevator with babies. Then about a minute later more babies arrived and Donna yelled out, "That's Hannah!!!". The woman carried her to us and I asked, "Yu Mei Huai", and she nodded yes and Donna started holding her hand. The woman then gave Hannah to Donna and we sat down to just look at her. She didn't cry in the office. We gave her Cheerios which she loves now. She wouldn't take them on her own, so we put them in her mouth for her.
All in all this was an incredible experience that can't really be conveyed in words but suffice it to say that it was something that none of us will ever forget.

We got back to the room and when Donna went to put her down she started to cry. She was nervous and scared. I would cry too :) :)

We went down to dinner and she ate lots. When we came back upstairs, I ran next door to the dept. store with some folks because we needed smaller clothes. When I got back, Donna had her changed into her night pajamas and was giving her a bottle. She loves getting her bottle and never likes letting go of it.

It's now Tuesday, and she now takes Cheerios on her own. Also today we got our first smile. She doesn't like to be put down. She really likes to be held. She's so cute!!!!!!!!!!!
As the days pass, she will attach to us more. This is just the beginning of our lives together...

p.s. I finally had a chance to post pictures at http://hannahfrank.myphotoalbum.com !!!!

Tomorrow's the day!!!!!!!!!!

Hi There,

Today was a "tour-intensive" day! First we went to the Summer Palace... it was very interesting an beautiful. Our tour guide Helen is quite good and very knowledgable.

After the Summer Palace, we went to the Great Wall. Unfortunately the day was very overcast and it started to lightly rain. As I looked up the wall, I couldn't believe how steep it was. We
started walking up to the first tower. It was an extremely difficult climb up the uneven stairs. But I really wanted to go further so I just held onto the railing as these elderly Chinese gentlemen started passing me. The steps were so steep that it was like walking 2-3 normal steps at a time. It was extremely tiring, but... I did it!!! I made it to the 2nd tower. Then of course I realized that I had to get down.... duhhh. It was much easier walking backwards down the steps (while gripping the railing very tightly) :)

Tomorrow we fly out at 8:30am to Chongqing! We are told that we'll go to the hotel, have lunch, fill out some forms and then get the children at about 4:30pm. This will be my last post for a bit since I have to find out about the business center at the new hotel. Also it will depend on our little girl too. I can't believe this day is finally here. I guess it becomes real very soon :) :)

The Gang's all Here

The group arrived yesterday around 4pm. It was great to see everybody. Our guides are very nice. We all went to dinner at this restaurant which served a Chinese style fondue. Basically it was hot water to dip meats, noodles, etc... into.

Today we're going to the Summer Palace and the Great Wall

The dirt market

This morning we went to the Panjiayan Jiuhuo Shichang, also known as the Dirt Market. It is an outside flea market that occurs only on the weekend. The market is HUGE, you could easily spend a day just looking around. It is also extremely crowded. Sometimes we couldn't even walk down an aisle there were so many people. It was an amazing experience. We bought a few little things. You have to haggle for everything. We then went back near the hotel and Donna got a foot massage (the one I got yesterday was great so I suggested that Donna get one) :)
I walked around and took some pictures.

As I type this, the rest of our group should be landing in Beijing. We are going down to the lobby to wait for them. It will be great to see everyone!!!!!

It's still surreal to think that in just a couple of days we'll have Hannah!!! We're so excited!!! I think this time in Beijing has been great because I think we'd be going nuts just waiting for Monday to get here!!! We just can't wait!!!

Silk Market & Forbidden City

We certainly walked a lot today....

We started the morning with a trip to a beautiful park. We walked around the perimeter of the park and saw many people dancing, singing, exercising, etc...

From here our guide took us to a very good silk factory. They showed us how the cocoons are woven into silk. They told us that they even either eat the silkworm, or it's used for medicinal purposes... no waste here!!

From here, we went to Tianamen Square. This is a very large area in front of the Forbidden City. The only downside to these areas is the extremely large throngs of folks who attack you to buy souveniers that they are selling. Picture throwing a french fry to a bunch of seagulls and watch them all try to get it. Well we felt like the french fry. The people following you and begging for money get old real quick.

Anyway, we walked over to the entrance to the Forbidden city. The place is amazing. To think that emporers from the Ming and Qing dynasties walked (or were most likely carried) in these same passages.

In the evening we went for Peking Duck to one of the oldest restaurants.....It was excellent!!!! The restaurant was started in the Qin dynasty in the early 1800's.

We can't wait for the group to get here. They arrive in the afternoon tomorrow and we REALLY can't wait for Monday to get our little girl!!!!

I posted more pictures from the past few days....
The photos can be viewed at:

http://hnnahfrank.myphotoalbum.com

First day in Beijing

Today was our first full day in Beijing. We took a cab this morning to go to the Temple of Heaven. A cab ride in Beijing is extremely exciting!!! The drivers have the right of way and they use it extensively to ward off pedestrians and bicycles and other trucks, cars, etc..

The park at the Temple of Heaven was beautiful. The first thing we saw was a group of folks dancing and behind them were others doing some exercises with a paddle and ball. We walked through this long covered area and every seat on the outside was taken by older folks playing some type of card game or Chinese chess. We saw folks playing hackeysack with a feather on a metal disk, they even let me try (I couldn't do it though) :) When we got up to the gate for the Temple, we found out that it is being renovated and won't be open for months. Oh well, we could still see it through the gates. It is pretty impressive.

Then we decided to go to the market... Donna wanted to buy some pearls and I went to the electronics area. The prices are amazing!!!

In the evening we had a personal guide who took us to a Hutong (older homes in Beijing), a Chinese acrobat show, and dinner for Peking Duck. The guide was excellent and the tour, show
and food were all great too!!!

I posted some photos and will post more tomorrow.

more tomorrow... :)

I posted some pictures

Ok... so I finally was able to post some pictures...

You can view them at:
http://hannahfrank.myphotoalbum.com/

I only put a few up there so far, since it takes a while to upload them.

We're in Beijing!!!!

Wow!!!!!!!

Our friend Dennis drove us to Manchester Airport in the morning of the 24th. Our flight left at noon and we then went from Detroit to Tokyo. That flight was about 12 hours. The audio system was broken on the plane so we couldn't watch any movies. They kept trying so we watched the first half hour of Spanglish about 6 times. :) We both read, did puzzles (thanks Laurie for the puzzle book!!!) and I had my Gameboy. We decided not to sleep and just be
exhausted when we got to the hotel in Beijing.

We then got on a plane to Beijing. We were sitting next to a woman who had her 3 year old daughter with her who she adopted at 9 months. She was going back to get her a sister. It was great to talk with her.

We finally landed in Beijing and got to the hotel around 10:30pm. We checked into our room, then I tried to get a phone card. I finally figured out how to get one and use it this morning :)

From our room you can see the rooftops of the palaces in the Forbidden City.

I walked around outside the hotel while Donna was still sleeping. It is interesting to see all the folks on their bikes, and other folks cleaning their cars and taxis (lots of dust and pollution in the air).

Today we're going to go to the Temple of Heaven and do some shopping. Tonight we're having
a guide meet us to take us to dinner and an acrobat show.

more updates soon!!! and I'll try to post pictures soon!!!

The Alarm Rings in 3 Hours

It's 3 am...

I woke up and sat down in front of the computer and thought... it's May 24th. This day used to excite me as it was my birthday. Today it takes on a completely different meaning as the day we leave to get our daughter. There's some synergy there, and it makes me happy when I think about it. We get her on Memorial Day and I was also thinking that her Chinese name means "beautiful memory". It's funny how things happen sometimes. Well I guess I should try to get a few more hours sleep...

Getting Close!!!

Well, the day is almost here that we leave!!!

We can't wait to get there and get Hannah!!! We actually get Hannah on May 30th. It's still seems so surreal, but next week it will be a reality. I'll make more updates when I get to Beijing!!!

Our Itinerary

Yay!!!!!!!

Yesterday, we had our travel meeting and got our itinerary. We leave from Manchester , NH on May 24th and come back on June 9th. We are flying on Northwest Airlines.
We go through Detroit and Tokyo!! We get Hannah on May 30th... WOOHOOO!!!!

Travel Meeting!!!!

The date of our travel meeting is April 28. Groups usually go around 2 weeks after that date. We most likely will be going sometime after May 10th. Donna and I did lots of shopping for travel items this weekend. We got lots of travel meds for us and Hannah. We're very excited!!! We still have lots to do to prepare!!!

Sent Hannah's package!!!

Well, we sent the package to the Chongqing Children's Home today. It contained:

- Disposable Camera
- Photo Album of Donna & I
- Blanket
- Hello Kitty toy that plays "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"

Hopefully it will get there in 1 to 2 weeks and she can see pictures of her Mom & Dad.

Pictures for my dad...

Yesterday I took all the paperwork to get notarized and then sent it to our agency. We are continuing to learn more about where Hannah is now, learning more about China, etc...

Last night we brought the pictures to show her grandpa and he was so happy!!!! We put the pictures in frames because he was so proud to display them!! We got lots of wonderful responses to her pictures!!! Everyone is looking forward to meeting her!!

An earlier photo!!

Love the boots!!!

Hannah with her toy!

Hannah's Pictures

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm posting the pictures of Hannah. We got lots of great info:

She likes to smile
She likes to be held to go outside
She's attracted by lots of new things outside
She likes to play
She likes toys with sounds
She mimics when hearing music
She likes to play peek-a-boo
She learns if things are repeated a few times
She likes to play with bells

They sent along her routine and what she likes to eat.

We're so thrilled and excited!!!!

Getting Pictures Today!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday I spoke with our Social Worker, Maureen Brown, and she told us that we could come to the agency at 2pm to get Hannah's paperwork and pictures!!!!!!!!! Yay!!!!! I'll post the pictures later today! Donna and I are very excited to get Hannah's information!! :) :)

I also spoke with our friend Andy this morning. He said that Taylor was doing fine and that he and Sharon were very happy!!! He also put John on the phone so I got to say hi to him too!!! You can check out

Sharon and Andy's blog at:
http://taylorkrawiecki.blogspot.com
check out the pictures of Taylor!!!

Robin and John's pictures are a:
http://homepage.mac.com/robinpinto/PhotoAlbum23.html
Little Stella is very cute (various links at top of page)

Also Sharon's brother Doug is keeping a blog at
http://tayloranxielu.blogspot.com/
Great pictures here

Yay!!!

Yesterday, we visited with Bob and Ceil and their new son Ty! He's so cute! He came from Korea back in December. We got lots of ideas from looking at what they have done for Ty. I spoke to Andy in the evening and he and Sharon were just 6 hours away from getting Taylor!!!!!!!!! He said all was calm but it wouldn't be that way for long. They got Taylor at 2am our time. I can't wait to hear about that experience!!!!!

Grandpa was there too!!!!!!!!!!!

Hannah's first birthday cake!!!!

Birthday Day!!!

We celebrated Hannah's birthday yesterday. We got a little cake and put a candle in it. I'll post the pictures shortly. Our neighbors the Gorelicks brought over a birthday present for her! We went out in the evening with Tim & Rebekah to Giggles for dinner and a comedy show.

WE GOT THE REFERRAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have a little girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Her name is Yu Mei Huai
She will be named Hannah Mei-Huai Frank
Mei means beautiful
Her birthday is March 19, 2004
(She's 1 today!!!!!!!!!!) We're having a little birthday party for her and we'll take pictures to show her! :)
She is in Chongqing, China .

We'll know more on Tuesday or Wednesday after our agency translates all the paperwork. We'll be posting her picture here as soon as we get it next week!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break."
--An ancient Chinese belief

Superbowl Sunday

Well it's Superbowl Sunday and we're all excited for the big game today!!!
Sharon and Andy are coming over and their friends Mary and Dirk are coming today too!!!! Lots of appetizers :)

I'll pick up a little championship Patriots shirt for Hannah if we win!!! She already has a Red Sox warmup jacket...

go pats!!!

Sharon, Andy and little Taylor

Our Friends

I just wanted to make mention of our friends Sharon and Andy. We are so fortunate to have them in our lives!!!!!!!!!!!! They are expecting Taylor in March!!! Yay!!!

Almost there

Well it's February 3rd and the first week of March can't come soon enough...

Every day that passes brings us closer to Hannah. I love waking up in the morning and seeing that another day has passed.