One Week Already

Well it's been one week home already, and we can hardly believe where the time has gone. A little synopsis: Raina began her time at home here completely messed up with the time change. She thought that bedtime was more like 4am instead of 9pm. This proved extremely challenging to our transition back to homelife since our exhaustion level hit an unprecedented high. Coupled with the time-out-of-whack, was the world's most raging ear infection in her left ear. Turns out, she has a ruptured eardrum, for which we have her on a double antibiotic to heal. Our pediatrician said it's one of the nastiest he's ever seen, which we thought was oh so special. We pray she does not experience any hearing loss from this. She has spent the week getting to know Evan and Colin (she has taken to them both very well). And we've discovered that Raina has one incredible appetite, for which we are thrilled. She is figuring things out in her own time - and considering all the changes she has been through in the previous 3 weeks, we feel she is adjusting extremely well. She has been a wonderful addition to our family, and we still pinch ourselves that she's really here. Friday was her initial pediatrician appointment for a full examination. A plan has been developed to begin her first testing - pelvic and sacral spinal MRI, kidney and bladder ultrasound, EKG and Echocardiogram, and a full urinalysis (which will all be performed next week at the University of Chicago). When the results of these initial tests are in, we will be traveling to Cincinnati Children's Hospital to consult with their Pediatric Colorectal team, as the focus of Raina's surgeries will be performed there. Our pediatrician, as well as Dr. Levitt's team in Cincinnati, have been encouraging to us. We are fully aware of the potential future that Raina faces - the best case and worst case scenarios. Although there are many unknowns regarding her condition, we are moving forward in the confidence that she can and will be helped. I realize that I have not delved into the full details of Raina's condition (which I will attempt to clarify when the official plan is in place). I feel it will be more appropriate to share when I can clearly lay out the steps ahead, without resorting to speculation. Until then, we are simply a happy family of 5 learning to live with each other. Yes, we're tired. Yes, we've been frustrated. But no, we wouldn't change it for the world. Because when you love each other as much as we do... that's just the way it is.

Coming Home

Well, this will be my last blog posting while in China. Tomorrow we will make our final jaunt to Hong Kong, followed by a quick turnaround flight to Chicago. Today we had our appointment at the US Consulate in Guangzhou where we took the oath, and our adoption of Raina was officially recognized by the US Government. Upon landing at O'Hare airport, Raina will be granted her US citizenship, and the process will be complete. There is a sadness in leaving here. We've made friends... lasting relationships. It seems almost surreal that it's ending. All the waiting, all the planning, all the anticipating... it's finally over. When those wheels touch down on Chicago ground, Raina's new life will begin - an American life. Although we have only known her such a short time, she is one of the most incredible people we have ever known. We would give our lives for her, our precious daughter. And there is a whole group of other people whose lives have been changed forever also. The picture above is of our travel group. Every one of the people in this photo have a story to tell. Every one of these little children will touch countless lives when they return to the US. The miracle of adoption reaches far and wide... from the cities of America to the villages of China... the Hand of God at work amongst the people of the world. We say this all the time, but I'll say it again: If you would've told me 5 years ago that I'd be blogging from the other side of the globe with the most beautiful 2 year old little Chinese girl sleeping gently in the bed beside us, I would've told you "You're crazy". But that's what God does - He changes your world. Sometimes it's scary, sometimes it's exhilarating. But it's ALWAYS what's best. So there it is... The Curatolo family... coming home... no longer waiting... for Raina.

More Pictures... What Else?

We have had a lot of free time here in Guangzhou (sometimes it seems like too much), and at this point we are just looking forward to getting back home to the US. The paperwork that was filed with the US Consulate takes a few days to process, so we are in a holding period. We have our appointment before the officials on Wednesday the 4th - where we will be "taking the final oath" regarding our intentions in adoption. Until then, without much to post, (other than another pic of the beautiful White Swan) I figured I'd post the most important thing I could think of... more pictures of Raina.  Enjoy.

The Red Couch

Today was a somewhat slow day with only a little official business to attend to. We had all our US Consulate paperwork to go over, which took some time - but the real event of the day took place this morning. It was time for the famous "Red Couch" photos to be taken here at the White Swan. In the lobby of the hotel, there is a red couch where pictures are taken of all the adopted children. This has become something like a right-of-passage for all families staying here. Traditionally, families dress their children in Chinese clothing, and we just couldn't resist following along with this. Raina looked simply delightful in the little China dress we bought for her. All the children in our travel group took pictures together - all dressed up in their cute China clothes. Completely... adorable.

Guangzhou - The White Swan

After a long day of travel, we made it to Guangzhou - the final leg of our trip. The US Consulate is in the city of Guangzhou, so that makes this the last stop for all American families adopting from China. We landed late, and made it to our hotel - the infamous White Swan. It has been a pleasant reuniting with the families from our travel group. This hotel and area is a hotbed for American adoptive families, so it's a very welcome place. There are families that look like ours absolutely everywhere - it's almost commonplace - VERY refreshing. We have a beautiful view from our room at night. Although we were definitely spoiled by the amazing Lakeside Hotel in Fuzhou, the White Swan is certainly nice. After a quick night's sleep - (too quick), we were up early for Raina's medical exam. This process is basically a formality that all families must go through to receive a doctor's seal-of-approval. Raina received a TB test also, due to the fact that she is over 2 years old. We enjoyed a little shopping this afternoon, followed by a great dinner with the entire travel group. This was a wonderful time of just being together - great conversation, great food, great company. Yep, we are glad to be in Guangzhou. Back to the White Swan, where we enjoyed another evening of cute Raina mischief. Although at times she can test us with just how far her little toddler limits can take her, she is still our dream come true.

Fuzhou Free Day 3

Yep... that's right... free day number 3 here in Fuzhou. This also marks the halfway point of our time here in China. So it's downhill from here. We had only one main excursion today - to the Fuzhou Panda World Museum and Research Center. Panda bears obviously come from China, with the majority of them living in Western China. There are only about 1000 panda bears living in the world today, so the government of China has set up panda research centers in various provinces throughout the country. Seeing the pandas up close was a real treat - they are beautiful creatures. Raina enjoyed watching them as well as what is known as the "lesser" pandas - a smaller raccoon/cat type panda with huge paws. The lesser pandas did a performance show for us that was so cute - we all enjoyed it. After Panda World, we did a little shopping, followed by some lunch. Then back at the hotel, another hysterical discovery: upon seeing a reflection of light on the ceiling from a small mirror, Raina couldn't get enough of it. For some reason, she would try to "blow" out the light like a candle. Watching her puff out her lips and blow sent us in to completely hilarious laughter. She is the cutest thing on earth. We took our daily afternoon walk on the boardwalk outside our hotel, and it was beautiful as usual. Although we have thoroughly enjoyed Fuzhou, we are anxious to get to Guangzhou so we can reunite with our travel group. Being the only caucasian couple with a Chinese child has provided us with some awkward moments. Our guide Isabel (whom we simply adore) informed us that very few adoptions take place out of the Fujian province - only 92 in the year 2008. She told us that many of the Chinese people here do not even know that international adoption exists, so they are puzzled when they see us. Isabel gets asked questions by the people when we are out with her. We've been stared at, pointed at, and talked about. It has made for some uncomfortable moments, but we just press on. As we prepare to leave Fuzhou, we do so with a level of sadness. Leaving here will pull us one step further away from Raina's heritage, the only home she's ever known. We grieve with sorrow for her birthmother. Although we will never know her, we thank God for her bravery - to make, undoubtedly, the most difficult decision of her life - to give up her child for a hope at a brighter future that she could never provide. She does not know that by doing so, she has given us the most precious gift - our beautiful daughter. We are so thankful for Raina's caregivers and her orphanage doctor. We are grateful that they not only took care of her needs, but that they truly cared for her. And most of all, we thank the Lord for His beautiful gift of life displayed in the eyes of Raina... she is our little angel.

Fuzhou Free Day 2

Today was another day of free-time touring. First we visited the memorial home of Lin Zexu (1785-1850), who was a Chinese scholar and official during the Qing Dynasty. He is recognized as a national hero for his stance and fight against the opium trade in Guangzhou at the time. Because of his "high moral ground", he is generally considered a role model for moral government, especially by the Chinese people.  We toured a memorial created for him, and visited a Tea House opened in celebration of his life.  We were treated to a demonstration of the art of tea service in China.  Eloquent hand gestures, sweeping pouring motions, specific tasting techniques, even the posturing of the fingers... all very important to the "right" way to enjoy tea.  Fujian's mountains make it the number one producing province of tea in China... they are serious about tea here.  We then made our way to the West Fuzhou Buddhist Temple, a breathtaking campus of wonder.  Dating back 1200 years, the Buddhist buildings and pagodas are simply beautiful to see.  Serene grounds, quiet and simple walking paths through trees and rivers - contrasted with giant temple structures of bright color.  Although watching the monks and people worshiping left us with a slightly empty feeling, we were amazed at the beauty of the place.  After leaving the temple, we had our guide Isabel do us a huge favor.  We had her order PAPA JOHN'S for us!  We picked it up on the way back to our hotel, and we ate American pepperoni pizza and drank Coke right there in our room.  Pure American food heaven.  Believe me, as far as food goes, we are really looking forward to getting back to the US.  Adventurous in Chinese cuisine... we are not.  Trust me, this ain't Panda Express over here.  We had a good evening together enjoying Raina's personality... she is really the cutest thing on earth.  I got her to explode with giggling by doing the simplest little things, like tossing little finger puppets in the air and letting them land on my head.  Her laughter is one of the most glorious sounds we've ever heard.  So there you have it... Fuzhou free day number 2 in the books.