Today has been a relatively low-key day which is a good thing. After breakfast, we went back to the Civil Affairs office for our family photo--which Sarah Beth was not crazy to take--and two interviews with officials to confirm our intent and desire to adopt Sarah Beth. After those interviews China has basically acknowledged our adoption. The visits to the US Consulate later in our visit are so that the US acknowledges our adoption before we leave.
Afterwards, we asked our guide if the Wal-Mart in Guangzhou was close. It isn't but she took us to a something very much like it called Carrefour. It was about 3 different floors of various things you could get at a Wal-Mart. We stocked up on water, snacks, some soft drinks, and some other things.
Sometime I will have to get the kids to file posts about the fast food restaurants we have eaten at (McDonald's and KFC) and the taste of Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite. Coke and Diet Coke are close to the US taste, but not quite; however, the Sprite tastes quite a bit different. We feel pretty sure we have tasted it before in the International tasting room at World of Coke.
After we got back to the hotel we ordered pizza from Papa John's (McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Papa John's, and Starbucks are about as common here as in the US). Since that time we have been resting. Right now, Melissa is asleep and Sarah Beth is asleep laying on top of her.
While the transition seems to be going smoothly, we do covet your prayers over her getting on a eating schedule. Really, eating is not an issue so much as drinking. She has eaten pretty well, but has not been consistently drinking. She will have a sip of water or juice every now and again, but will not take her formula.
Thank you again for all your comments. They are the highlight of our day! Got to go, Sarah Beth is waking up (boy, this is a concept we have not had to deal with in a while).
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11 comments:
Hey Guys -- Good AM from GA! Ally would drink ONLY from one cup that the orphanage gave us. The cup was like the ones that S and J had when they were little - a relatively long time ago in cup technology! Have you tried a straw? I don't know how her palate would affect her drinking (I'm sure you all know)...
I just know one thing - McD's had never tasted so good when we finally got to one! I've never been really fond of American Chinese food, so the authentic kind was a challenge.
Have you all been shopping much? Kids found any fun treasures? Ally finally rode in her stroller about the 3rd day we had her. S and L made it into a game and they got her to cooperate - another reason we were so glad they were along for the ride!
Take care - love you all. Including all Millers (and extended) in our nightly prayers!
Hey the comments really kept us going in China. It was neat to hear from people you did not even know would be looking at your blog. We had so many people tell us they would look at it several times a day. It sounds like things are going well. Glad you got to see Belinda. I forgot, that is what she would call me, D-O-U-G Doug. Everytime we walked by her store she would yell to me. I bought her ice cream one day from the 7/11.
McDonalds is in walking distance from the hotel. I went one day and brought back food for everyone. However it was probably 99 and the highest humidity I have ever felt. The pictures are great. She is adorable. As much as we hated the flights, we really wish we could be there with you all. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. Doug
Praising God that things were more laid back today. I can just picture her sleeping on Melissa's chest. (and her stirring earlier than you are ready for her to) Know that we will be praying for some good bottle time today. I am DELIGHTED to hear about Starbuck's!!(Amy Arnold formula) Melissa I was reading through our favorite chapter in Isaiah...and it struck me in verse 20 & 21...
"The wild animals in the fields will thank me, the jackals and owls (the Miller's), too, for giving them water in the desert. Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed (I will make Sarah Beth drink - so she will be refreshed). I have made Israel(the Miller's) for myself, and they will someday honor me before the WHOLE WORLD."
much love and many prayers,Amy
Glad today has been low-key for you. Have you experienced the Dunkin Donuts? Barton was intrigued by the interesting donuts we found at the ones in Korea - Rye Chewsty, Glutonous Stick, fish bagels....."no thanks, just a glaze with chocolate please!!" :-) We hit the Starbuck's every morning!
We'll continue to pray for Sarah Beth to increase her fluids and smooth bonding for you all! Love, Irene
Hey guys! So good to hear from you again. Can you see the change taking place on a daily basis? The transformation that happens when one is in the presence of His people?
Sarah Beth sounds as if she is expressing her grieving through abstaining from liquid. Remember, Nina was close to dehydration because of her refusal to drink..and Naomi did not eat or drink for 2-3 days, nor did several other babies we know of. I remember our guide saying.."your babies are just going to eat everything in sight.." and then when she didn't , I thought "uh oh, now what?" , but found out it was very normal...not pleasant to witness, and certainly not fun to know your new sweetie is grieving, but nevertheless, normal and part of the adjustment. She will certainly make up for her fluid intake soon. (Naomi is now known for her sucking down every drop of fluid that comes across her path and then p--ing it out almost instantly.(We affectionately call her "Puddles") As we speak, Nina is asking Nancy no short of 10 times a minute to go potty, she is drinking so much!
This too shall pass, God will see to it...and Sarah Beth will soon walk around yelling "Apple, apple, apple juice!!!" like her frined Naomi!
Wanting to hug your necks!! Laura
Hi Joshua, Abby and Noah -- How are the big brothers and big sisters? Just thought I'd tell you Mawmaw and Pawpaw have been doing some Christmas shopping while they are in Bloomington :) Josh, I don't think you have to worry about Mawmaw and Pawpaw playing with your Wii while they are house sitting. Although it would be pretty funny to watch!
We love you all! Aunt Amy
A Note to Noah,
Hey man I'm so proud of you. You have gone to great heights, visited huge castles, walked great walls, learned another language, and missed a great feast back at home(Thanksgiving), all while in a foriegn land. So why did you do all these amazing things? Well, you did it to save a princess that didn't even know your name. You were her knight in shining armor, and now your bringing her to her home in Bloomington,IL.
Way to go man!!!!
Elliot
Hey Millers,
One thing we did for Michelle is mix Wahaha milk with formula milk - She liked wahaha flavor so much it helped her start drinking for us. We were a little more indulgent but after a few weeks home we started to ween her off the mix and onto milk. Hope that helps. We are praying for you daily and your family is very sweet looking with that dear baby.
Liz Dan Zach and Michelle Caixing
HFC Family WC list in Dec 06
Atlanta GA
Hey Guys!! I just wanted to encourage you about Sarah Beth not drinking. Nina would not eat or drink ANYTHING for the first 4 days we had her. We actually got so concerned that we were going to take her to a doctor in China. We called back to the states and talked to our doctor and they told us as long as she was having a wet diper a few times a day we were OK. Praise God she did and she finally did eat and drink. She never did eat or drink much when we were in China, she saved her appetite for good old American food. The funny thing is now she has one of the largest appetites of any little one I know. I really believe that her not taking a bottle or food from us was part of her mourning process. It broke my heart when she would call out for her caretaker in the orphanage. But God reminded us that we had prayed for her to attach to someone in the orphanage and that someone would show a special love towards her. So really it is very healthy that she is mourning. Once Nina attached to us the attachment was very strong and we never dealt with any attachment issues after that. It sounds like SB may be the same way. Praise God for that, and again don't be alarmed if she doesn't drink or eat much even the whole time you are there. Nina didn't and she was fine. We love you guys and miss you. I think we are going to stop by and bring a meal tomorrow to your parents. We will call them first!
Love, the Damkoehler crew
Good Morning! I'm praying you all had a good night's sleep. We're praying that Sarah Beth is starting to drink more consistently. I pray that her grieving will pass quickly. Just remember that when you are not able to comfort her, God will comfort her.
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the SOURCE OF ALL COMFORT." - 2 Corinthians 1:3
Abby - Isn't it fun being a big sister?!
Josh & Noah - The girls are even in number with you now!
We're praying your paperwork goes well today, and then are glad you will have a few site seeing days to continue your bonding.
Thanks for the great posts! You are blessing us all, allowing us to be part of your journey.
Love, Sherry
What joy it is to see you all holding Sarah Beth! The experience you have given Josh, Abby, and Noah can never be duplicated nor could they have felt such a part being back in IL. We are so thrilled it has truly been a family affair! It warms our hearts to see the sheer excitement of having Sarah Beth in their faces. What an amazing and emotional feeling it must be to have your new daughter sleeping beside you. We will pray for her eating and drinking. So glad to hear she loves chocolate. I will be sure to tell Mac. Have a great day. It is so strange writing to you and you are getting up and we are going to bed. We can't wait to see more pics!
Love, English
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