Just Chillin' in the Guange...

We had a much welcomed lazy day yesterday. I think we were still recovering from our Chinese Kareoke night the night before. We got home late (9:00 is now late for us) but had a blast. This place that we went to with The Simpsons was really cool. I think it was 4 floors and each floor was made up of private rooms. Each room had it's own big screen and kareoke machine so basically, you can make a fool out of yourself privately. There was a huge buffet of food and dessert on each floor too.  Frankie got up and sang "Oh, Mandy" with me and Cody--of course we changed the words to "Oh, Frankie." We partied and pigged out with our new friends. Is there anything better?

Our lazy day yesterday consisted of the early morning bottle, the "FJ roll around" and the much anticipated "pea soup poop." We then ventured to our daily buffet breakfast. (I am going to miss all these buffets). We spent the morning walking around the GZ blowing through my budget. At one point I sort of hinted that some of the items are indeed presents and aren't actually for me or Frankie. Cody took the bait and felt bad. He even threw a little extra yuan my way--we love Cody. 

I am happy to say that my daughter is now the proud owner of Chinese outfits that range from size 2 past size 14. (She even has more than one in some sizes which helps to explain how a budget can be blown here). We also got her a few pairs of the famous "squeaky shoes." You guys, these shoes are so funny. She can't wear them yet because she's not walking, but I crack up every time I see a kid walking around with them. They squeak when you walk. I'm fairly confident they will drive Floydie out of his mind (and all other dogs in the general vicinity). 

I would also like to make a note that I am working hard to get good deals here. The girls keep telling me "best price for you" or "discount for you"...who am I not to believe them?

At lunch FJ perfected the art of "raspberries" and had a great time blowing them in my face. She was so into it. It was a veritable CSI crime scene--DNA everywhere--love it. (There is a pic above). She also leaned back and gave me my first kiss. Loved that even more. 

At dinner (do you think we base our days around our meals?) the Frankster decided to throw a total "Frankie Fit" in the Thai restaurant. But really, what would dinner be like without that? Thankfully the place was really loud and loaded with kids so no one paid any attention to us. She had a very wet diaper so I tried to take her to the bathroom to change her. Um...NEGATIVE. I...don't....think...so. Gross me out the door. No shot was I changing her in there.

I promptly took her back to the table and got Cody out of his chair. We made a makeshift changing table right there (the chairs were padded--it's like they knew we were coming)!

Wendy helped us hold her steady and you know it--we changed that diaper right there at the table. Sexy AND classy!

Somehow we ended up in one of the stores on the way back to the hotel where I bought something--who can resist the "best price for me?"

While FJ discovered how funny her own feet can be back at the room, Cody was out looking for dessert. He brought us back some Haagan Daz ice cream and cake. How fun is that? (Note: This did NOT come out of my budget). We tried to give Frankie some ice cream but she just isn't into taking food yet. She slams her bottle like she's ready  to do a freakin' keg stand, but she just won't take food yet. Whatever--more ice cream and cake for me. I'm not worried: If she's anything like her mommy, everyone better watch their plates when she gets going. 

Tomorrow is the big day so we're going to take it easy again today. Tomorrow Frankie Jade Coden will be "sworn in" at the Consulate. Cody keeps telling her not to lie like Kwame. I hope she makes it through with a smile and a wave good-bye.

D-Town News:

I'm a putz.

Fussy Frankie FuLan

Yeah, she may look cute in that picture but it was "Fussy Frankie Day" today in the Guange. I'm going to estimate that she had about 30 meltdowns total today and I plucked about 12 grey hairs tonight (NOT COOL).

After another "stuff-your-face-while-taking-turns-holding-Frankie-big-buffet- breakfast," all three families ventured out to the Jade Market area. Prices are high and the vendors didn't really want to bargain. My "allowance" was burning a hole in my wallet and I really wanted to get FJ something for when she is older. I found nothing that I loved (so frustrating). We finally decided on buying a jade stone and having something made at a later date for Frankie at home. Brilliant! Custom... I do loooooove custom. :)

The meltdowns started this morning and continued sporadically throughout the day. Why, you ask? WE HAVE NO FREAKIN' IDEA. Kid has eaten, butt has been wiped, she's definitely not sick, diapers are changed every minute... 

Is she becoming high maintenance? Yes. 

It is from hanging with me too much? Probably.  

Do we feel bad for Cody? Definitely.

We had a brief reprieve from the "Eye Yie Yies" and wailing while walking around the Jade Market (probably because she knew I was looking for her) until we got to the restaurant for lunch. I was in the bathroom squatting away China style (still can't get used to that) and when I came out, there was FJ, wailing away on Daddy. We calmed her down enough to stuff our faces with more dim sum (insert weight gain here) and after lunch Cathy and I took off for a little unsupervised shopping. (The guys gave us 45 minutes and we used up every minute of it). I found some really cute stuff for FJ and I was very excited to get back to her, but when I got there--it was wail session number I-don't-know-what. 

Cody was DONE (and you guys know what he's like when he's done--eye yie yie!). It was definitely time to go back to the hotel. We finally got a cab and of course she was wailing like we were beating her for the whole ride back. I seriously thought the cab driver was going to throw us out of his cab. (We tipped very generously, and you know I made sure it didn't come out of my budget). 

We lived through a couple more inexplicable and inconsolable meltdowns back in the room until finally I threw down the "Listen, we haven't signed all the papers yet, Sister Sledge...quit pushing us..." and that seemed to quiet her down for the moment. Unfortunately, I can really only use that line until our Consulate Appt on Wed. After that, the Codens will be sucking it up.

It was still beautiful out tonight so we walked over to an outdoor restaurant about 5 minutes from the hotel for dinner.  John, Wendy and Catherine the Beautiful showed up and hung out with us, we suffered through another Cranky Frankie meltdown or five and that was that. Cody carried her back to the room and I followed them until I found myself in one of the shops on the way back to the hotel (seriously, how does that happen??)

Back in the room it was bath, bottle, taps and bedtime. I still haven't mastered the towel off after the bath. How do you do it? Do you lie her on the bed? Do you prop her up? Do you put the towel down and just roll her like a canolli? What's the deal? I keep thinking she's going to pee on me if I don't do it fast and get a diaper on her. I gotta tell you, I've been peed on by the Frankster and I'm not so into it. 

Ok, hope you all have a good Monday. It's bedtime here and Cody is out cold on the couch. I don't want to bug him. Can one of you come here and wake him up? 

XO

Frankie, Frankie, you're so fine...

...you're so fine, you blow my mind, hey Frankie!

So, Cody put me on a budget. 

A LOW BUDGET.

I'm not happy. Frankie isn't happy either.

We don't like budgets, especially low ones.

Thankfully there isn't a Bendel here cuz if there was mama would be throwing a Frankie Jade meltdown.

I have noticed that if I say that something is "for Frankie," that seems to be OK. 

Go figure. :)

Cheer Up, Frankie

We're sorry you're not having fun with Mommy and Daddy...is there anything we can do to make your stay here more comfortable?

Easter Sunday

Here are some things I know to be true on this beautiful Easter Sunday in the GZ:

I miss Floyd. 

I need a manicure.

Chinese food is awesome, but the desserts are weak. (That, however, hasn't stopped me from eating them). China is in desperate need of some bumpy cake.

Poop can sometimes look like split pea soup.

Boogers are endless.

Knives are shiny and enticing, but they aren't great toys.

Hair is for pulling.

It's OK to pee on Mommy's jeans.

It's fun to pull Mommy's shirt and bra back so everyone can get a look at her boobies.

Daddy's nose is the best toy ever made next to paper place mats or disposable changing pads.

We are having the time of our lives with Frankie Jade Coden and we can't wait to get home so you all can take a bite!

Snake in the bed...

That beautiful little Diva is Amelia Simpson (Future camper, I hope). She is our 6-year-old traveling companion, Jake and Cathy's daughter, and I'm totally into her. She, however, thought it would be a fun prank to put a rubber snake in our bed--on MY SIDE. I'd say that was a big mistake. BIG MISTAKE. She messed with the wrong person! We have plans for her, don't you worry. I told her to sleep with one eye open...putting a snake in my bed. Are you kidding me??

Check out her new little brother, Cameron. Do you love him? "Yeah, waiter--get me a scotch and soda, on ice with a twist." 

We all went to this crazy, good dinner tonight with Jake's brother who is in town from the UK. We had a great time and I think I speak for everyone when I say I hit the "I just went up a size" wall. Good thing we got to do a little dancing in the restaurant! 

Cameron sat with Catherine the Beautiful at dinner tonight. Frankie says she was OK with it, but I'm sure she was a little jealous. Cameron is a stud. It's not easy being him.

Cameron, check out the pics of Swankie Frankie--see what you were missing, buddy.

Some pictures to hold you over...

It's a rainy day in the GZ today so I have some time to send over a few good pics. As cute as she looks, she is THAT much cuter in real life and when she smiles...seriously, forget about it. For a baby who wouldn't eat, do you love how she is trying to get to my water bottle? I feel bad when I drink water out of a bottle around her, but there is no way I'm going to drink out of the faucet here. You think the water in Mexico is bad? Pa-leez, China water can kick the ASS of Mexico water.

Also, have we told you about the "Eye Yie Yies" yet? 

That is the " Cranky Frankie Cry." 

"Eye yie yie..." she sounds like an old Jewish woman who just found out there is no more Coral colored lipstick at the Boca Raton CVS. "Eye Yie Yie..." it's the funniest thing (except at 4:00 am--then not so funny). The best is when she is REALLY dramatic about it and puts her hand to her forward: "Eye yie yie...Eye yie yie." I know I'm not able to express it over this blog, but I'm sure you'll hear it eventually. 

Frankie had her medical exam this morning and she did great. All three of the babies in our group did great. It was really fun in the humid, sweaty, crowded medical rooms with kids and crying babies everywhere. We all thought for sure we were going to be stuck for about 3 hours but we were in and out in about an hour and a half.  We are free for the rest of the day but I think we're going to hang in the room...do a little room service and maybe watch a movie. It's yucky outside and Frankie is enjoying her "naked time" right now. I'm sure she'll crash soon but no doubt before she does we'll hear a little "Eye yie yie..."

XO

Ne Hao!

This blows.
We have so many awesome pictures that I am dying to share but the computer is running so slow, I can't take it. It is just taking too long to upload them and I'm too tired to wait. I will try to get them posted tomorrow, for sure.


I wanted to check in to tell you guys that we are really doing great. It has been a whirlwind of craziness here these last few days but we are rockin' and rollin'. We are having the best time. I can't believe that we have the same kid from just a few days ago. She changes so much in a day, it's crazy. Two days ago I put her on her tummy and she threw a tantrum, now she is not only on her tummy, but she is rolling over and all over the place. She's smiling and cooing and YOU WILL MELT WHEN YOU MEET HER. You will just want to eat her. (But don't OK? We just got her).


In the last few days, our group has gone to the Super Walmart in Chongqing--(that was an experience!!--It's overwhelming enough in that joint but Hello?? No one speaks English and everything is in Chinese! I was sweating my a$$ off looking for Peter--our guide-- to help me translate things), we walked through the Panda Bear Exhibit (so, so cute), and we've eaten so much that whenever I think of the people who claim they lost 5-7 pounds on this trip, I just laugh and throw down some more dim sum.


Yesterday was our most favorite day. All three families met up with our guide, Peter, after breakfast to go on the cable car ride in Chongqing. I almost didn't go because I'm a wuss, but John (who I love, from our group) talked me into it. I'm glad I went, it was actually really fun. After that we all walked around the Chongqing market area just shopping and browsing. The best part of the day (and the trip so far) was when the families stole the Concierge from our hotel and we all went to the Ming Dynasty Market Place. I don't know the actual name for the area so let's just call it that. IT WAS AWESOME. We all had a blast. Kathy, Wendy and I did some MAJOR power shopping and we were all amazed by the old temples and structures. It was one of the coolest places I have ever been. We all loved it. I bought Frankie so much stuff!!! (And maybe a few things for myself).


Since last night was our last night in Chongqing, Peter picked out a great restaurant, came out with us, and did all the ordering. I for sure ate everyone under the table (shocker) and the food was amazing. Frankie even sat in a high chair for the first time ever. She wasn't into it at first, but she had one leg on the table and was sporting her classic "stripper position" in no time. My girl has no shame, I swear. It's great (and very impressive) that she can do the splits, but I think Cody would be a little more comfortable if she kept it within the confines of our hotel room...


Today we all left Chongqing after breakfast to fly back to Guangzhou. Frankie and the other babies (Cameron and Catherine) went on their first plane ride with their new Chinese passports. Frankie has a passport, how crazy is that? Her picture is so cute. She looks very "mod" in her black sweater. I wish I had some white earrings and go-go boots for her. Shee did great on the plane--we were a little worried, but she rocked it out Frankie Jade style.


We're back at the White Swan in GZ, but in a suite this time. It's not nearly as nice as the hotel room we left in Chongqing, so we have decided that we are spoiled (Is this new?) I am missing certain things like the buffet at the other hotel, Cody misses the kitchen area and size of our old suite, and Frankie is just happy to be with us. We asked her tonight, when she was rolling around on the floor clad only in her diaper--with toys everywhere cooing and smiling, if she wanted to go back to the orphanage and she threw some stink eye our way.


We have been working really hard on getting Frankie into a routine (and it's working). She is the happiest baby I have ever seen. Cody is so in love with her, I think he has forgotten about me. I will really try and get some good pictures uploaded tomorrow.


Love and miss you all. We love the comments. Have I told you that? XOXOXO

Daddy's little girl

I'll leave the clever blogging to Robyn. I just want to say that she is worth every second that we had to wait........She is my little girl!!!!!

Out of the mouths of babes...

I was so close, oh....so close!!

I had the one who is supposed to be "The Mom" in the bathroom at the end of her rope in tears twice yesterday because I was crying so much (and very loudly, I might add). I pulled out all the stops. I was a sight to behold. Yelling, screaming, crocodile tears--the whole bit. I even rattled his cage a bit--you know, the one who is supposed to be "The Dad." I didn't get him to cry though. He is kinda tough, that one.

But what's the dealio? They think they did me such a big favor getting me out of that orphanage? I was fine. Ok, ok, so maybe this is a little bit better, I mean they did hook me up with a nice hotel room, and I guess they are all over me trying to see if I need anything. That Mom Lady would change my clothes 20 times a day if I let her, and I'm sure if I let up a bit I can eventually get those rings she is rockin', but come on? Am I supposed to not test them at all??? I was in an institution for almost a year of my life. This is hard on me too. I'm grieving, ya know? They look different, smell different, talk different. I have some issues that I developed while in the orphanage, I know that, but I'm sure I'll get over them with time...but as for them-- I don't trust them at all...well, not yet. 

Also, can I just say (to my defense) that it's not my fault they were freakin' starving me! I tried to let them know I was hungry by crying, wailing, flailing, crying, wailing, flailing, repeat, repeat, repeat but HELLO? Shoving a luke warm bottle in my face is not going to get the job done. Heat that sucker up and cut a bigger whole in the nipple! I'll drink it if you idiots do it right. Jeez. It's not that hard, people. You know... I really expected more from them. 

Here's another problem with them: Every time I freak out and cry they think it's because I'm teething. Well, I am but that's besides the point. Last night, when they were freaking out because nothing they did was working, they finally gave me some new wave, homeopathic teething medicine-- but it didn't keep me down. No, no, no. Just when they were starting to fall asleep, at a nice, ripe time of 3:30ish, you know it brothas and sistas, I woke them up screaming. It was AWESOME. They jumped a mile, I swear it.

But that's when it happened.

They figured it out. It took them until 5:52 AM, but Frick and Frack figured it out. ACES. They had the bottle at the right temp, the right amount of formula and they cut the nipple. I caved. I couldn't help it. I caved and cut them a break.

They're really not so bad and they earned it...so I drank the formula.

Here's the thing though-- Now they think they're back in control because I'm kind of into the eating thing. They aren't calling me "Cranky Frankie" anymore. Oh no...now they're calling me "Frank the Tank" and pumping their fists while chanting "Frank, Frank, Frank" every time I slam a bottle. Just because I didn't see "Old School" doesn't mean I don't get it.

I mean, really--"Frank the Tank?" 

So not cool. 

I'll get them back though. Wait 'til it's time to poop and I can't go. Constipation should cause quite the crying episode. I'm taking them both down. Over confident, newbie, wanna-be parents, you're going down--going down to China Town.

Sleep with one eye open cuz I'm Frankie Jade Coden and you ain't gonna sleep til I go to college--and maybe not even then! 

FJCoden OUT.

FJC Day (Frankie Jade Coden Day)

The pictures actually start from the bottom up (I messed up, I'm tired). We started at the airport, we didn't end there.

Anyway, this was our day yesterday--the "Day of Frankie..."

We had an early breakfast before leaving Guangzhou and the White Swan hotel. All three familes (The Norris', the Simpsons' and us) met up with Peter at 8:50 AM to go back to the Guangzhou airport. (See the bottom two pictures). We did the whole security and baggage thing and got on a 2 hour flight to Chongqing (worst flight ever--thankfully we were all together so we could laugh about how horrible it was). We got off the flight only to get into a van so we could drive another 3 hours to the orphanage. When I tell you the ride was the craziest ride ever--I'm not kidding.

I don't think there is any way for me to describe it so you get the full effect, so let me just say that we drove through slums that made Detroit look like freakin' Malibu, roads that were broken up so badly our driver had to beep the horn so others knew we were coming because there was no way to drive on our side of the road, and the rest stops-- oh, the rest stops...I just won't even go there. Trust me, you don't want me to. Wendy, Cathy and I decided that we are traumatized for life from the rest stops. There is no toilet in China. There is like a porcelin thing in the ground and you can imagine what it's filled with and what is all around it. Yeah... I'm supposed to squat and go in there? Um....REALLY????

BARF.

Needless to say, my beverage intake was MINIMAL yesterday.

Anyway, after a very long and tiring day, we finally made it to the orphanage, nauseaus and anxious, around 5:00 PM. It was wet, cold and rainy. Perfect. We first had to go to the office of the Orphanage Director. He had us sign some papers and he gave us the camera we sent with Frankie's care package. The rest of the time we spent there was kind of a blur so I'll try to remember as much as I can:

We were told where Frankie was dropped off (by the front gate) and I just lost it. I regained my composure back in our van just in time to go into the orphanage. Our visit there was very brief. We walked in and I remember it was much smaller than I thought it would be (and it smelled really bad). The smell was overwhelming. Now, the people who know me real well are probably cracking up because I KNOW I HAVE SMELL ISSUES , but I'm telling you, it was pretty rancid.

I believe the Simpsons' were given Cameron first, and then the Norris' were given Catherine and after what seemed like an eternity, one of the caregivers reached into a crib and pulled little Frankie Jade Coden out and then she handed her to us.

FINALLY. While the other two babies were crying instantly (that is a good thing, it shows that they were attached to their caregivers), Frankie was just looking around, not making a peep.

We were hardly in the orphanage for a moment, I didn't even really get a chance to see the other kids (which was probably a good thing), and before I knew it, we were being whisked off back into the van for a long, three hour ride to our new hotel in Chongquing.

Frankie did great on the ride to the hotel. All the babies did. She had some trouble with all the bumps from the broken road, but who wouldn't?

We were exhausted when we got here but not too tired to notice that our hotel suite is SWEET and we should be very comfortable here for the next five days. Frankie was not into the bath we tried to give her but she slept pretty good last night.

We have had a pretty rough day with her today but we are optimistic that each day will get a little better. She has several of the "institutional issues" that I was afraid of, but also expecting. On top of that, it seems she is teething and probably constipated (the gas this little girl lets off would bring Bin Laden out of his hiding place). She won't let us feed her so we've had to resort to getting liquid to her through the dropper that comes with the Baby Motrin. She mostly cries a lot which is hard because I know some of it is grief and some of it is from just being uncomfortable.

I about lost it today when she had one crying spell I didn't think was going to end, but I felt so much better after I read all of your great comments. Cody, I don't know how, is still managing to make me laugh. He is unreal. He rocks as a Dad. He's even better than I thought he would be. Wait til ya'll see him in action. He's a natural and it only makes him hotter than he already was!

We love you guys. You are all so "fetch." (Hee hee)

Gotcha Day!

We are both so spent that Rob asked me to at least post something. So here is my something.....IT"S A GIRL!!!!!! And she is supper cute in person!

Miss. Frankie Jade Coden is in our loving arms. Robyn will give out all the good details tomorrow, but we wanted to at least get her name out there. Thank you all for the love and support. We all love you..

Robyn, Cody and Frankie!

Lucy and Ricky....or Bruce and Patti?

Today is our last day of not being parents. 

Here's  how it went:

Cody was not into both of us in a twin bed last (I can't imagine why) so we each took a separate bed. We had a jet lag episode around 2:00 a.m. and then went back to sleep until 6:30 a.m. I woke up complaining that we didn't get to sleep together and Cody agreed while cursing and referring to our room as "The F-in' Ricky Ricardo Suite." We only have one more night in this room because when we come back, we get our real suite--and it better be "real SWEET" (get it?) :)

Since we have to take a plane and then a bus to Chongqing tomorrow (pronounced Chongching) to pick up FuLan at the orphanage, we (Cody) decided we needed to not only unpack everything, but also and take out some stuff and leave it here.  (See top picture) That did not make me happy. I didn't bring too many "wardrobe changes" to begin with and now I have to cut THAT in half! I also had to cut FuLan's clothing in half which was not easy since I'm really not sure what size she is... 

While we were doing the "re-pack," one of the families in our group came to meet us: Jake, Cathy and their 6-year-old daughter (also adopted from China), Amelia Simpson. THEY'RE AWESOME. They're so cool and funny and warm. We loved them instantly and I'm not just saying that because they might be reading this--they are THAT cool. We hung with them for awhile and then Cody and I hit the streets of Guangzho.

We had a blast. It's so much more fun than I thought it would be. The people are WAY friendly and the stores are all so much fun. Most of stores have the same kind of stuff, (all tourist traps) but I love those kind of stores and I had a great time boosting the economy of China today. I bought FuLan some super cute stuff and made some new friends (see middle picture). No, I didn't haggle and yes, I got totally ripped off but I don't care. I know they don't have a lot of money here and I had a blast. 

The Chinese people are definitely intrigued by Americans. They stare (but always smile) with a great intensity. They're full of compliments--my favorite by far was "sexy mama," when I told them why we were here. The boys seemed really into Cody. I told him that they probably thought he was Bruce Springsteen or something. BRRRRUUUUUCCCCEEEE!!!!!!!

We shopped and walked learning our lay of the land. On our way back to the hotel, Cody stopped at a 7-11 while I chatted with some shopkeepers. While we were walking away, a group of kids came out of nowhere and swarmed us. (See third picture for the kids). "Can you sign your name? Can you sign your name???" They were shoving notebooks and pens at us so we would sign their pads. It was so funny. We thought we were so cool until some other American guy walked by and they did the same thing to him...

When we got back to the "Ricky Ricardo Room," The Simpsons came by to hang and then Wendy and John came by too. YAY!! The whole group is here! I love our group and I can't believe we're all going to get our kids tomorrow. BIG DAY TOMORROW.

Cody and I are going to an Italian place we found on the island tonight for "the last supper," and then we're going to go to bed early.

We're meeting Peter (our guide) and the group at 8:50 a.m. BIG DAY TOMORROW!!!!

We probably won't get to our new hotel with FuLan until around 8:30 p.m. our time (so 8:30 am'ish your time) but I promise I will log in with pictures, details and FuLan's American name as soon as I can. I'm still not sure what name Cody is going to go with. I really like all the names we have on the table (except one I think is a bit of a "stripper name)."

BTW--we love, love, love all the comments. Thank you guys so much. It makes us feel a little closer to home. Thank you. XOXO