We arrived at the hotel late last night around 10:30. The flight was only 1 hour long so it wasn't bad. Mia did really good. Nothing really phases this girl (except nap time). The hotel and room is really nice, I'll post pictures later. Today we had to go for medical exams first thing after breakfast. This is only a formality, not much of an examination. 
After the exams we stopped by a shopping center that was like a seven story mall with a grocey store inside on the 4th floor, kind of odd. Here is a few pictures of Mia picking out a toy, playing with me, and eating noodles like a pro.
Today is paperwork party day - getting everything together for the consulate visit. Tonight we will eat with the rest of he group over here with AWAA. We enjoy our time with other Americans and Mia really likes playing with the other kids. she isn't shy. Things feel much better now that we are out of that other province. I will have a post of what China is like from the back streets to the overcrowded cities soon, I know most want to see pics of Mia more.
Nothing really to post today. We are just packing up and getting ready to Fly to GZ. We really can't wait to leave this city. It's dark, cloudy, and kind of depressing. We are learning more and more about this special little girl everyday. Here is two pictures to hold you over until tomorrow. Everyone gets kisses but me:( Mia loves her "gia gia", that's Chinese for big sister.
Today was long just not real eventful. Highlight of the day was eating at McDonald's, and ice cream at Haagen Daz. We visited an embroidery Museum and workshop. We then went to the largest park in the province since the sun came out. It has been in the 40's and today it got up into the 60's. The park was kind of like a giant cypress gardens Chinese style with cheap rides and games. Later on in the day we saw the "real" China from the back streets to the over crowded shopping district. We had to take a cab for the first time and that was a ride in its self. Driving here is completely insane. Cab drivers act crazy as they drive and I use that term loosely. Mia continues to cling to Cindy but she did hold my hand for the first time today ( I had to include that pic). She absolutely loves her big sister. Briley got her to brush her teeth, she carries Mia, helps her in the bathroom, and you name it. Cindy is so thankful for that. Briley seems so much older than 12 now. Here's some of the pictures from today. I had to include one of her and her juice, she drinks about 3 glasses every morning at breakfast and many have asked for pictures of all 4 of us so there are some of those too. Here are also a couple of her first McD's meal, it gave her a stomach ache.
We love her more each day. Most of you know she is considered "special needs" by China guidelines due to her crossed eyes and developmental delay. Developmental delay is very common in children coming from orphanages. Many of you have asked about how she is doing. It appears that so far her crossed eyes do not affect her vision, so not concerned about the eyes because we know they can be corrected. As far as the delay, we are not sure how extensive mainly due to the language barrier. We know she is very active and talks a lot but of course in Chinese so we have no idea what she is saying. She has picked up on some of our English words and is already repeating us. We do have some concerns, she is definitely delayed in some ways but we will work through it. God brought us all the way to China to get this little girl for a reason. We appreciate the comments and the prayers.
Here are some random pictures of Mia taken over the last two days. I know this is what everyone wants anyhow. Today we went to the Hunan Museum and ate at KFC. We didn't really care for the food, not like home but it beat the alternative. The first two pics are of the museum and a 2000 year old lady, the rest are of Mia.
I think you all know how much we look forward to reading your comments. Thoughts and words of encouragement from home mean a lot to us. The next few days we will be here in Changsha. It's getting a little boring, thank goodness we are in a very nice hotel. Don't forget that we are half a day ahead of you, as you are going to bed we are getting up. Even though things with Mia are going really good, there are those times of doubt and fear. The Lord has blessed me with strength through this. Mia has taken to Cindy and wants her to help, then comes Briley. She has only let me pick her up once, and in the morning really doesn't want anything to do with me. As the day goes on she will play with me some. I prayed that it would happen this way so it would be easier on Cindy. Mia most likely has never been around males, so I understand. I'll post more pics at the end of the days activities. I'm starting to go through soccer withdrawals. We love and miss everyone.
Steve
OK everyone can get off my back now, here are more pictures. Today we had to go finalize some paperwork to get Mia's visa and make her officially Mia Grace Yi Linamen. Right now all the ladies are sleeping so I thought I would do an update. Mia cried a little last night before she fell asleep, she didn't want to lay down. She woke up around 4am so we put her in bed with us and she watched tv for a couple hours until we had to get ready for the day, that's why Briley and Cindy are napping with her. It's amazing all the things she does by herself. She is very independent. She wants to try everything herself before she will let us help. My mom gave her the backpack and she put it on right away, she tries to carry it with her toys in it all the time. She wants Cindy to do most of the things with her, but started letting Briley carry her a little. So I guess for the time being you can say she is a momma's girl....that will change:) Cindy got the first kiss early this morning and then Briley a little later, but while we were waiting to do some paperwork, she gave daddy his first kiss. She is a vary sweet little girl. Not much else going on today but I'm sure we will have a lot more pics to post.
Big smile
Signing papers
Mia letting big sis hold her for the first time
This was taken when she first came into the room yesterday and we first saw her face to face.
We flew in to Changsha and got to our hotel around 12:30pm. It is cold and rainy, not the way we would have pictured today. We met our guide back in the hotel lobby at 2:30 and drove to the civil affairs office through rain, horrible drivers, crowded streets, and in a van that had to be 105 degrees. More on the driving and streets later. We got there on time but had to wait at least an hour for Mia to arrive. Once she got there she made a grand entrance half skipping half running into the room. She was a bit shy and clingy to her caregivers. They left while she wasn't paying attention, and she handled it well. She never really reacted to them not being there. They did say that they have been telling her she has a family now and will one day go away with them, but she is only 3, how much can she understand, she has never had the kind of family we are use to. No the way home she sat it the set kind of quiet watching outside go buy when I noticed she had tears running down her face. That's when it became emotional for us. The sadness but somehow the understanding this little girl has about what is happening to her. Once we got in the room we couldn't keep her quiet. Laughing and playing endlessly. She loved her bath and it was back to her loud Mathews(for those that don't know the Mathews are Cindy's family) talking and giggling again. She played with grandma, and wore her out, and play some more. Mia is a ball of energy and full of life. She just now at about 9:30pm past out.
The day didn't start out the way we thought it would nor did it end that way. We expected crying and not wanting a lot to do with us at first, but that was far from what we got. We could not have been blessed more. God gave us a wonderful daughter by birth, and now one by the miracle of adoption on the other side of the world. Until you experience it, it may be difficult to understand. We are now a family of four. And yes she was playing with and kicking a soccer ball in the room already.
Hey, it’s Briley! Right now we are getting ready to pick Mia up! I can’t believe this moment is about to happen! I just wanted to say hi to all of my friends especially the Scream team. I’m so happy you won the game! Don’t worry Coach Mike, I’ll bring you Chinese candy! I miss you Courtney and Katie from church. I can’t wait to see all of my best buddies! Well we only have about 45 minutes until we become a family of 4! See you all in 9 days!
Briley
Today was another very busy day. Up at 6am (5pm for most of you) eat and on the bus to Church. After Church we went to a Jade factory and then to lunch. The theme seems to be eating over here. Cindy was really worried about the food but so far it all is good. We haven't had to eat American yet.
After lunch the bus drove about an hour to the Great wall. It is absolutely amazing. Pictures don't do it justice. It is the most spectacular man made thing I have ever seen. Cindy and my Mom only took a few steps on it so they could say they were here. Briley and I lost my dad somewhere around the first tower. We made it all the way to the Fifth tower. Note to all my players; your lucky the Wall is in China or it would replace the fit test. If you can catch your breath going up, your legs are killing you coming down.
In the morning we fly out to Mia's province. Tomorrow will be the whole reason for this trip, to meet our little girl and bring her home and that is really starting to set in. Many times I've been told what a wonderful thing we are doing, and I understand that statement. But, its more about how this little girl will enrich our life and those around us. It's a wonderful thing that God is doing not us. The more we are around the culture, the people, and the heritage the more I know this is part of HIS plan for us. Tomorrow more than ever we need your thoughts and prayers for us and Mia. Tomorrow her life will change forever and she won't understand that for awhile so it may be stressful for her and us. I will try to post updates as soon as I can. Thanks again for all the comments, we miss everyone at home.
Steve
A few pics from the Pearl Factory.
More street vendors. Rolex anyone?
The yams smelled really good. I was tempted, but I didn't eat one.
