Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Day 5

So, we were able to ask a plethora of questions to Addison's orphanage caretakers yesterday about her likes, dislikes, habits, etc. One thing stood out to me...the caretakers claimed she loves to nap and she sleeps straight through the night, 10pm to 8am. Well people, there is truth in advertising, the girl napped for three hours and slept straight through the night. Robin and I actually had to wake her for breakfast!!! (I just knocked on wood 100 times!!!) Speaking of breakfast, the girl put on an eating display-- one whole banana, congee with egg mixed in and bread. AJ can put it away!!! (just like her mommy! hahaha...i will pay for that one) After breakfast, the first poopy diaper was changed (go mommy!!!--although I handed her the powder and carried the thing to the trash (Ba Ba rocks). After the change, we went to the Chinese Provisional Officer for more paperwork, followed by a trip to the Chinese Walmart for some essentials-- bottled water, lotions, diapers and powder for AJ, dates for Robin (she is hooked on these things, and they keep her regular!!!...i will pay for this comment as well). Robin also begged our guide Elvin to take her to Starbucks for a caramel frap, and being the cool guide he is, Elvin obliged. Robin panicked when finishing the frap, fearing that the frap was made with regular Chinese water (hello bacteria), but Elvin assured her that Starbucks uses purified water (I begged Elviin to tell her she was going to experience stomach pain like never before, and he was tempted...but to no avail) A little blurb now about Guangzhou... it is very, very hot and humid. Very similar to Florida, except hotter...and more humid!!! It is also very clean, no doubt due in part to the fact that the Asian Games (like the US World Championships) are coming to Guangzhou in the fall. Lunch for AJ consisted of steamed rice. Quick AJ fact...the girl drools...allot, due in most part to her cleft, so we are always carrying around tissues. Although it is a cute drool, Robin and I have very wet shirts. We had our first family night out to dinner, and we went to Lucy's (also known as the house that Tony Linen built) where they have a wide array of American style food. Hello cheeseburger and fries!! We will go back to our Asian ways of eating tomorrow. After dinner, we went to get AJ some sandals, a special kind of sandal called the squeaky shoe, which obviously squeeks every time a step is taken, thus motivating the child to walk. AJ is just plain cruising around. She is such a sweet baby --very loving, very laid back and extremely inquisitive...she needs to know everything that is going on around her. She is just smitten with Robin, and is slowly getting used to me. After having all female caretakers for the past 19 months, it is very hard adjusting to a male, especially one who ate half of her cupcake yesterday (I know I told you I only had a small piece...but I lied!!!!) I have been attempting to bond with her through food, so I have been feeding her often. I also watched some finding Nemo with her (thank you Howie and Jill) on the portable DVD player that the Hulmes family told us we must take with us (Lifesaver guys!!! we owe you big!!) She is just transfixed by that thing. We bought her a couple of Chinese cartoon dvd's as well as a chinese lullaby dvd for tonight. Ok, enjoy the pictures and I will check back tomorrow! Keep the comments coming!!










29 comments:

  1. My heart is melting - she looks very content with her mommy and daddy! I love her outfits and barettes, which I know Robin couldn't wait to get on her! Thank you for taking the time to keep us all updated. I look forward to checking in on you every morning. (And Eric, you may have found your calling as a Blog writer!)

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  2. Here come the tears again!! What an amazing story! Seeing her eat last night on skype was so much fun for us--again brought tears to Bunny and I. Robin we had 5 chairs in your old bedroom with fruit and fortune cookies waiting for your call. Hopefully her sleeping habits will continue at home--she will love her new room! Eric, I agree you are the king of blog writing--everybody has been calling me and saying how much they are enjoying it. Keep blogging and Lots and lots of hugs and kisses to everyone. Love Mom and Marty

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  3. I also agree that Eric - you are a fabulous blog writer!
    Addison is soooo cute!!! I love the pic of Robin and Addison walking hand in hand - sooo adorable!!! That is so great that Addison is a great sleeper! :) I love reading your updates daily!
    This is just absolutely amazing and I am soooo happy for you guys! Your glow in every picture is sooo bright!
    Love,
    Terri

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  4. Seeing you both with your new baby girl is just the most wonderful thing! You both look like you have been doing this for years-total naturals!! I can't beleieve how many tears have been flowing over here!! Just so wonderful and we are so thrilled for you. Addison is one lucky little girl! Enjoy this very specail time-you two certainly deserve all the joy she is bringing!! Much love-Leigh and Andy xoxo

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  5. OMG, love the pictures!!! Again, I will have to show them to Jaz later b/c after her 6am pee break she went back to bed. In fact I'm pretty sure she was annoyed that i turned the light on to get dressed, lol. YOu can tell Addison not to worry about her half of stolen cupcake. For the party they had for me Sunday at Cindy's they gave me a cupcake cake. There are 3 cupcakes in the freezer waiting for Addison and her daddy (and in theory her mommy, but Robin you better be fast if you want one, lol). And they have plenty of icing! Robin the Starucks story made me laugh:-) Mostly b/c I was thinking about the late night caffiene panic phone calls:-) A baby that loves to eat and sleep - how wonderful:-) Maybe she will be able to teach Avita! Love you guys so much! I can't wait to read the updates every day!

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  6. From Linda Zeller: Eric-- you look so natural sitting with your daughter on the 80's couch! And you seem like a pro with the stroller already (p.s. the basket under the stroller is a good place to stash cupcakes) Robin -- love the barrette in Addison's hair, nice accessorizing. Love the last picture of you walking away (plus I can gauge how tall she is!) I too agree that Eric has a calling as a blog writer. You know that's what the movie "Julie and Julia" was about: A woman named Julie who blogged about cooking her way through Julia Child's cookbook. Seeing that Eric took out the first poopy diaper, I think your movie could be called "Ba Ba and ba ba!"
    Addison seems so sweet. We enjoy hearing about your days, thanks!

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  7. From MOM--seeing you last night on skype was like sitting in the same room with the three of you--we really had a nice time at Shelly's waiting for an hour until you were hooked to the computer--what a thrill. I can't believe how Addison fits like a glove with the two of you--could you ever had prayed for a better daughter! Can't wait until you get home. Love you

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  8. I couldn't help but notice the pic of her with her two fingers in her mouth...she takes after her cousin Talan...he sucks his two fingers too. Clearly, Sailor will have a partner in crime when it comes to the sweets. She's going to fit right in. We're loving the blog...can't wait to hear more when you get home.

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  9. Hi from Aunt Susie - I just loved the new pictures - she is such a cutie pie. Rob I have to tell you when I saw the first group of pictures of her yesterday and saw her real short hair, i said to Uncle Barry that i was sure the next group of pictures Addison would have a barrett in her hair. You guys already seem old hat at being Mommy and Ba Ba - you took to it like a duck takes to water. By the way - what is Mommy in chinese? The new pictures still bring on my happy tears. My favorite picture is of Mommy and Addison walking down the street. Eric you are just too funny - I am so enjoying reading your blog. Love ya

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  10. Robin...one more thing...is it too early for our first Addie/Auntie day? LOL! I'm already excited for mini-pedi's followed by a trip to the ice cream shop. ha! I'm just a little excited to finally be an aunt. :-)
    Also, Jeff is out of town and doesn't have an account that allows him to post comments...he said to tell you he is so happy for you both and can't wait to meet Addie-J!

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  11. Hi Roberts Family!!!! I am so enjoying Eric's blogs. Seeing your adventure become reality is just so blissfully amazing. CJ & I can't wait to see you when you get home. All our love, Kim & CJ

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  12. Eric, you are a riot! These posts are awesome. It is great to be documenting all of the cute little details you may forget in the years to come. Did you know you can get your blog printed into a bound book? I did it with mine and it turned out so cute. A great memento for AJ! The barrettes rock! I have been making some cute ones for Holden, now I have another little girl to send them to! Holden has enjoyed looking at your pics when I check in every morning and now thinks Addison is her friend and wants to meet her immediately. She was sad to hear she would have to wait till Christmas! Me too! BTW, I love how hard Eric is concentrating to get the food into Addison's mouth! So cute! You all look like you've been together forever.

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  13. I love your posts. Eric you are a great blogger. I an hooked, you have to keep it up once you guys get home :)
    Hearing the joy, and seeing such love in all the pictures makes my day a little brighter.
    Jenny George

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  14. Do you know how hard it is to maintain a professional demeanor at work when your eyes are red and make-up is smeared from constant teary eyes? I just love reading your wonderful updates and seeing your heartwarming pictures. I especially love the pics of Mommy and Addison walking and Daddy feeding his little girl. Hugs and kisses to all of you.
    Love, Aunt Linda

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  15. Dear Robin Eric and most of all Addie, WE are so thrilled to see the new roberts family . She is a doll and we love her soo much already. Can't wait to see her . Hopefully that will be soon after she comes home. Eric;we are rally enjoyine your writing. lol uncle jerry and aunt barb

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  16. Our little niece is absolutely adorable! By the way, in the picture with Eric with Addison in the stroller, is that Uncle Jeff (me) to their left??? LOL! I love reading the blog and watching Eric feeding Addison reminded me of the faces I made when feeding Brayden. Enjoy every moment!! Oh, and Eric, the next poopy diaper is yours! I did it all the time so get used to it!! Love you guys!

    Love, Jeff, Anna, Brayden and Hailey

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  17. Hey Robin and Eric,

    Ms. Li has been sending me regular updates on everything, but your blog has been wonderful... Addison is absolutely beautiful and making a GREAT initial adjustment. (I agree, you ARE both naturals!) I am glad that everything has been going so well. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything.

    Amy at WH

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  18. hey guys its mike here
    just wanted to congratulate both of you
    it looks like your all having a good time and AJ looks beautiful
    have fun truckin around china for a bit and we will all be seeing you soon
    i love you guys
    later

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  19. Hey Robin, Eric and Addison, You are a beautiful family! Enjoying your stories and the photos. A dream has come true :)

    Love, Joan, Marty and girls

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  20. From Michelle, Bob, Talia and Liana,
    Robin and Eric,
    You are a beautiful family! The girls have made so many pictures for Addison. We all can't wait to meet her and create memories together. It's hard not to get emotional when we look at all the terrific pictures. Enjoy your time together :)

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  21. What an angel!!!! We are addicted to your blog...including the kids! Sounds like everyone else is, too! Addison sounds like an incredible little girl! You are both so lucky! Tell Addison she better rest up because it sounds like she is going to have a busy schedule when she arrives back in the states!!! I am positive that she will be attached to Daddy soon enough!!! Who can't resist that sense of humor on that handsome man?!! (She just doesn't understand English yet!) It will be all over when she finally does!!!

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  22. Hi!
    Tony wants to know if you noticed the framed picture of him on the wall at Lucy's? I think it's right next to the US license plates. We are love, love, loving your blog! I am thrilled that AJ slept through the night - she seems to be making a beautiful adjustment.
    You guys are naturals!
    Love,
    Amy & Tony

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  23. Congratulations Eric and Robin. Have been following the blog with my morning coffee and look forward to it every day. You are so blessed and Addison is a very lucky little girl.

    Kristin Meeker

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  24. Eric you're making me laugh with these wonderful/hilarious posts, esp. with the comments that Robin is going to kill you for later!! Loving the picture of Robin and Addison walking, seems like she's been with you guys forever! Words can't express how happy I am for you both!! Tell Robin I bought that picture today so now our houses can match even more!!! Can't wait to see you guys when you get back and Tony send his congratulations and happiness on to you also!!

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  25. I have been checking in every day. Addison is SO CUTE! I am so excited to meet her in person. You guys are having the experience of a lifetime. It is amazing to watch :)

    Love Julie

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  26. She is just a DOLL! I adore reading about your journey and get teary eyed with your pictures. Jeremy and I are SO happy for you. Nobody deserves this happiness more than you and Robin. Robin looks just like a new mommy...absolutely GLOWING! And Eric, you are really fitting nicely into the daddy role. Congrats on your new baby girl - she has surely changed your life, as you have changed hers! Can't wait to meet little miss Addison!

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  27. okay I am tearing up again, I love the picture of Robin walking with her and holding her hand. This blog is such a great idea. She looks so happy, Eric you look like a natural feeding her, love the tshirt too! Robin you already have a the mommy glow. Good luck for the rest of your trip, leaving tomorrow for costa rica so will be off the radar so to speak, enjoy enjoy
    Linda sheftel

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  28. I am SO loving this blog! Natalie had squeaky shoes too, they are too cute! ( warning - you'll be able to stand these for a few weeks after you come home & then its off to the closet w/them!! SQUEAK!SQUEAK!!LOL...) I imagine her head is shaved due to the heat there, smart move by the orphanage. Sounds like you all are adjusting very well, I'm so happy for you. The waiting is over & your life as a family has begun. Doesn't it SEEM years ago that we sat in Paneras & talked about this????? Those "labor pains" are long forgotten now I'm sure. God bless you all! ( cue tears..........) Pat Luftman

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  29. We are so thrilled for you, Dave just showed me the blog, what a great way to cherish this special time! Enjoy the rest of your trip and we look forward to meeting your beautiful daughter very soon!
    Kathy and Dave

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