Family Photos

My good friend Belinda Grant did our first official family photos. Unfortunately Anna was starting to get sick that day and wasn't as happy as usual. We will do more photos of her when she is feeling better.

One year ago today

This Wednesday, one year ago, we completed our pre-approval paperwork for TWCA. On the same day, Anna turned nine months old. Looking back, it's hard to believe everything that happened over the year. When we started the process, we were hopeful we would have a baby this year, but honestly, we didn't believe it.

While Anna hasn't been with us for 2 months yet, it feels like she has been part of the family all that time, especially since we had her referral. All the photos and videos made her seem real to us. It's amazing to look at our little girl and know she is part of our family now. We especially love the kisses she gives and how she lights up when she sees us.

As frustrating as the entire process was (and we had the paper chase from Hell!) I know now that everything worked out the way it was supposed to. If we hadn't gone through the fiasco with China and India, we might not have been where we needed to be for Anna. It made all the tears, heartache and stress worth it.

Anna's First Thanksgiving dinner



Ryan playing with Melanie, a family friend from China



Grandma and both the new babies



Three generations



Anna and cousin Aidric

Why babies are available in Taiwan

Before now, we knew that adoption was not common in Taiwan. Somewhere, I read once that Taiwan has the highest out-of-wedlock birth rate of any of the Asian countries. This week, someone on one of my Yahoo groups posted an expert from a newsletter. The author lived between the US and Taiwan for over 20 years. Here is a summary of what the article said.

A generation ago families still lived on the farm and had many children, many of whom did not survive to adulthood. As Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore became more technology-based, couples waited longer to marry and had fewer children. The governments of these countries have become concerned with the decreasing growth rate and have instituted cash incentives for couples to have babies. The author believes this has decreased the number of babies available for adoption but that there are still many babies in need of Forever Families.

The author said, "Domestic adoption is taboo." She goes on to say that she has known couples in Taiwan who, after failing fertility treatments, would rather remain childless than adopt. She believes as Taiwan and other countries become more Westernized (and, as Ralph added, affluent), they will become more accepting of adoption.

The article leads me to believe if Taiwan did not have an international adoption program, there would be more children growing up in orphanages than there currently are. At some time, Taiwan and other Asian countries may be more open to adoption, but until that time, and fortunately for us, there are babies in Taiwan in need of a Forever Family.

Second week at home

Caught in the Exesaucer! No idea how she got herself in there.



The correct way to use the exesaucer

It's hard to believe we have been home now 2 weeks and 2 days. Anna has continued to adjust to the family. She had about a week of waking every hour at night. So, we really don't remember anything we said or did for the first week. She is sleeping better now, but every few nights, she wakes crying at 2 am then goes back to sleep.

This week's big milestone was Anna spending Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Gloria's. The first days were much harder on Mom than Anna. When I got there to pick her up, she gave me a big smile and then went back to playing with the other kids. I did better on the second day and was almost a pro by the end of the week. I want to continue working only 3 half days, but I know this won't be possible for long.

The next two weeks should be crazy. My best friend, Tara, and her husband will be here Saturday and leaving Wednesday, and we are expecting 15 people for Thanksgiving dinner.

Anna continues to be very happy and loves all the attention she gets. After Taiwan, with people going out of their way to look at us, it seems people ignore us. The local paper visited this morning to write a story about the adoption, and Anna was fascinated by the camera.

We heard from several people this week that while China has sped up the referral process, we would still be looking at several more years before we would have gotten a baby. I still remember Dena and I saying on the phone that, in the worst case, we would lose several thousand dollars if it didn't work out. We count the blessings that we signed on for Taiwan every day when we did. I worry about international adoption with all the problems in China, Guatemala, and Vietnam. I feel that people are just starting the process.

First week home

Ryan and Anna




Anna and Jimmie Grant on her first shopping trip.

We have been back from Taiwan for a week now. Anna has continued to adapt well. For the first few days, she was quieter than in Taiwan. She did not eat as much for a few days, and while she napped, she would try to wake up every hour at night. By 2 in the morning, she usually came to bed with me so I could sleep. Ralph is afraid of hurting her since she is so small and has gone to sleep in Ryan's room. Usually, by 6 am, it's Anna, me, Ryan and the two cats in my bed and Ralph alone in Ryan's full-sized bed. Not sure how fair that is!

In the last few days, we have seen Anna's personality emerge. She laughs and smiles easily again. She is one of the happiest babies I have ever seen. She is interested in everything, and nothing within arms' reach is safe. Or, for that matter, within 5 feet of her. She is rolling, pushing back, and pushing herself forward to get to whatever she wants. Today, for the first time, she got both her hands and knees under her and pushed herself forward. For the last 2 nights, she has slept through the night in her room for 11-12 hours; thank God! She still takes 2 naps an hour in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. She is eating like crazy and wants solid food not even old-fashioned donuts! The Dr. laughed today when I told him about her diet in Taiwan. She is not eating rice, cereal, oatmeal, fruit, or sweet potatoes. She still likes her bottles in the morning and at bedtime.

Anna still believes she should be held or with us all the time but she has gotten used to playing in her exasaucer or play mat for short periods. We bought a door jumper for the office as we only have a few tall door jambs at home, and she loves it. She gets to spin around, look at everything, and jump up and down. I thought I could work with her at the office, but it's now evident that she is too active for that. It's too distracting. The staff wants to play with her; patients would rather see her than Ralph.

Our first outings with Anna have been a learning process. The first day, Ralph and I took her to Costco and Target. At Costco I turned to Ralph and said, "Do you realize we brought nothing for Anna, no bottle, food, diapers or clothes?" The next day, I took everything but forgot the bottle. The day after that, I had everything but the formula. Guess it's a learning curve. We remembered everything the last two days. Anna, Ryan and I had a shopping day with my friends Belinda and her daughter Adrianna, who is 2 months older than Ryan and her son Jimmie who is two weeks younger than Anna. Four stops and lunch took from 11:30 until 6:30. It was fun but exhausting. I had thought of leaving our application in China just in case we decided on another baby, but after that, two kids are good for us. Funny aside, while at the Asian food market, an Asian cashier told Belinda, "Looks like she might have some Asian blood in her."

We had our first visit with the pediatrician today. I felt bad filling out the forms as I could not answer most of the questions. He said she looked very healthy. For her rash, we are going to try some over-the-counter lotion. He thinks her flat head in the back may have been her looking at something or someone interesting while in the crib. We will try to change what side she lays on every other night. They did accept the vaccinations she received in Taiwan but she got two more today and was not too impressed with the process. At one year, we will do basic labs on her and recheck HIV and Hepatitis, although these were normal at referral. Had she been from China, the doctor said he would have repeated the lab tests and shots, but he was not worried about the quality of medical care in Taiwan. We thought Anna was so petite, but on the growth chart, she is 15% in weight and 75% in height. Tall and skinny, just like Ryan. The Dr. said that being so skinny makes her look more petite than she really is. Oh yeah, and she has wide feet, I never would have noticed that.

Ryan has continued to surprise us. He grew up so much while we were gone. He has been helping Mom and Dad and playing with Anna. We had his annual education plan update today, and the therapists were impressed by his progress. In many areas, he is age-appropriate or even a head. We have only heard one, "I don't want a sister," which we think is pretty good. Last night, he helped feed Anna for the first time. In the morning, he insists on saying goodbye and kissing her. Yesterday, while lying in bed together, Anna crawled over to Ryan and gave him a big baby kiss.

Next week, Anna will start at daycare at Gloria's house for 4 hours three days a week. This will allow me to exercise and be at the office for a few hours. I feel bad having her go to daycare, but not working is not an option for us. Gloria watched Ryan for several years and has become a part of our family. Most of the babies there now are within a month of Anna's age. We visited yesterday and Anna loved watching all the kids play. If you remember, there was another baby she loved in her foster home. I think this will work well for everyone.

Grandma and Anna

First Meeting



Ryan kissing Anna goodnight



First time in the crib

Trip Home

Playing in the bassinet on the plane



Just after touch down at LAX. Anna is officially a US citizen!



Last hour in the hotel







Take-Off

Anna did very well on the flights. She fussed for the first 1/2 hour of the first flight, then was happy. She stayed up for 4 hours, until about 10:30 Taiwan time. After that, she slept in the bassinet for 6 hours and played in it for another hour, almost to the descent.

We had 3 hours in LAX. We were directed to one customs line, called out of line, and taken to another. It ended up working in our favor as one officer told the other the one time they could bump people to the front of the process was for baby adoption. I had to wait with Anna in the holding area for about 15 minutes while they processed her paperwork. Ralph was sent to get the luggage. Anna was cleared before anyone else. The immigration officer said she is not a citizen until all the paperwork is processed, about 2-3 months. He said they would automatically send her citizenship and social security paperwork to the house. After that, we can apply for her US passport.

The flight from LA to Reno was very quick. Anna was happy for most of the flight but started crying about 30 minutes before landing and fell asleep. We know she got her first 2 teeth during the trip, so I'm surprised she didn't fuss more.

My friend Belinda picked us up at the airport and took pictures. We stopped briefly for fast food and for Belinda to feed her son Jimmy who is only several weeks younger than Anna. We were so tired when we got home, but wound up.

We're home

We got home at 9 pm local time. It's been 30 hours since we left our hotel ad 24 hours in transit. We are all exhausted and my eyes look like someone punched me. Anna did very well. Ryan was excited to see us and has done very well with sister.

I'll post more when we get some rest.

Arriving at Reno.

On our way home

I'm just checking out of the hotel and bringing gifts to "The Girls." I don't want to see the hotel bill, especially Taiwanese money. It's 33 times the US dollar so it always looks like a lot. We are doing fairly well with luggage. We have only 1 more small bag than we came with, but everything is stuffed to the gills; we're definitely going to use the bellboy. I'm not sure if Mr. Yeh's associate will be here today, but I really hope so he can help with the luggage. Anna is in a very good mood right now, and I have some great photos.

Wish us luck. We should be home by 9 pm Tuesday, which doesn't sound too bad to me as it is only 6 hours in Taiwan time. I don't even want to think about the actual travel time. Hopefully, Anna will sleep for much of the flight to LA.

Sunday at the North East Coast

Temple at Keelung

Anna in her stroller (Ralph got attacked by an elderly woman who thought he was letting Anna suffocate)

Bridge at Fisherman's Wharf (Taiwan has some of the most beautiful bridges)



Ralph playing with the Gong at Keelung

We started the day at a little amusement park and a Buddhist Temple. We all got to ring the gong. I didn't do well, but I had slick shoes and was carrying Anna. Ralph got the biggest "gong." We walked to the top of a statue, thinking there must be something for all those stairs, but we were very disappointed to find only a small gold statue. It was not worth the six flights up submarine-type stairs with Anna on me.

We didn't get many pictures, but Ocean World is very small. They had a show with seals, high divers, and synchronized swimmers. They also had a small aquarium. It may have been very nice, but it wasn't very impressive after our usual San Diego and Monetary.

We went to a beach with some unusual rock formations. One is called "Queens Head". It was very beautiful but was so hot it was miserable.

After a very long and winding drive, we went to Fisherman's Wharf, the big white bridge. There, we discovered that Anna loves old-fashioned donuts. She ate one herself.

Poor kid probably thinks we have been starving her. We were told she only eats formula and applesauce. She likes her bottles in the morning and evening but not during the day, and she hates applesauce. We now discovered she likes ice cream, donuts, these flaky churros, and bananas. We are such bad parents!

The funniest thing was at the aquarium. I was holding Anna on a corner and this old guy and his son came around and must have seen me. He looked like a stereotypical old Asian master, bent over with a cane and a Fu Manchu mustache. He came around as my back was to him, looked at Anna, looked at me, and looked at me. He gave me this confused look, shook his head and walked away.

Last full day in Taiwan

Street market in Jiufen

Taipei 101 (Tallest building in the world)

Temple on the North Coast







Water barricades

We took a drive to the North West coast. It was very beautiful and looked like I imagined England would. Since it was Monday here, there were not as many people. We then went to a traditional town built in the mountains. Mostly we shopped and ate there. We were the only Americans we saw at the marketplace. As usual, we had many stares, and a group of teens had to touch and play with Anna. I guess this will prepare us for the attention we will receive at home. We returned to the hotel early since Dena and her family are leaving tonight.

We will spend tomorrow packing and finishing shopping. We don't leave the hotel until 3 pm. Our flight is at 6:30 and we arrive in LA 3 hours before we left.

Today is the first day where I'm homesick and ready to be home. The sad thing is now we are over the jet lag. But 10 days living in a hotel has become old.

I'm borrowing a laptop and have to give it back.

Street outside of Taipei



Yep, that is squid on a stick

Wulai Falls

Anna's first taste of ice cream



""World's best beer." After a bazillion stairs carrying a baby in 70% humidity, I agree!

What a busy day. We are so tired. We visited Wu Lai Falls and the village today. It is an aboriginal village. We saw a 1-hour show, something like the Polynesian Cultural Center. The first thing that struck me was how much influence they must have had on Hawaii. The show told the tribe's story but was very modern with the lights and sound. We all went up on stage and Matt and I were pulled forward for part of the marriage ceremony. We thought we might be marrying each other, but we are now married into the tribe. That explains the Asian kids, huh?

We had a traditional lunch of multiple dishes, including fish with their heads still on. Mr. Yeh was great again and held Anna while we ate. The waitresses kept coming up and taking her from him. Taiwan is so baby crazy. Even older businessmen come up to the babies.

We took a gondola ride to the top of the falls and, from there, 251 steps to the bottom of the "amusement" park. It's not much of a thrill park, just a few kiddie rides. We walked around and found the "Fresh Beer." I usually don't like beer, but after climbing 350-400 steps with Anna, it tasted really good and cold. The server thinks we are all crazy taking pictures of the sign, "World's best beer," and "suckers," aka straws.

Another street market on the way home. This time, squid on a stick, more steamed buns with meat on the inside, and grilled rice cake on a stick with chocolate and strawberry sauce.

It's amazing how much Anna has blossomed. She will go willingly to anyone and sleep in Mr. Yeh's arms for several hours, but no one else gets the smiles and laughs. She clearly now wants "Mommy". Her new game this afternoon was looking at me, and when I made a kissing noise, she would lean forward and give me a "kiss" and then start laughing. They were really open-mouth slobbers, but we both had fun.

When she first came to us, she just looked at us and gave a few half smiles. Now, it's all giggles and full smiles. She is so much more animated and open. She is very happy and fusses only when wet or hungry. She is totally spoiled and wants to be held by me all the time. She refused most of her bottles today but stuffed herself with the steamed bread. She would pull my hand towards her to get the next piece. I think "real" food is what she has either been having or wants to have.

Tomorrow, we're off to the north coast of Taiwan, and we'll go shopping at the Jade Market in the evening. Only 2 more full days and we head home. Can't wait to see Ryan!

Tea Museum and food street market

Ralph, Anna and I visited a National Park today. It looked very beautiful, but it was raining and blowing so hard I didn't leave the car. Anna had a "fussy" morning for her. Usually, she only fusses when she is wet or hungry or not with one of us. She started crying and wouldn't stop for almost an hour until she fell asleep. We think it was all from her stomach problems. Hopefully, she is better now.

She is very well-natured and very inquisitive. She loves people and looking around at everything. We can't go anywhere without people stopping us to look at her. Anna is grabbing everything within reach. Of course, she tries to put everything in her mouth. She has gotten more used to us and is getting us trained. She is hopelessly spoiled and always wants to be held or with us. She smiles and laughs most of the time. She has learned that if we say "One, Two, ...Three," something fun will happen. She starts bouncing up and down on two. She likes Peek-a-Boo. She is very good at getting where she wants to go on the floor and bed so we have to be very careful with her. She will be our climber. Other parents might not notice, but she uses both sides of her body very well.

The agency said she liked formula and some applesauce. She hates the applesauce but wants to eat everything. We gave her some bananas this morning, and she loved it. She was trying to lunge after it. We will try mashing up some in rice cereal and see what she thinks. For comfort, she likes to suck her thumb, usually her right. We were happy at first she didn't use a pacifier, but now, when she is upset, we don't have anything to give her.

Since Anna was fussy, Ralph stayed with her at the hotel while I went to the tea museum. Very interesting. I had no idea how much work went into making tea leaves. Afterward, we went to a food street market and grilled tofu on a stick. They had stall after stall of bakeries and goodie stands. We tasted at most of them and bought stuff to bring home. We still haven't tried the stinky tofu and don't think we will after today. I decided it smelled like a cross between a rotten dumpster and dog poopoo.

We will hang out for a few hours and then go to a street market.