Trip to China
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Monday, July 2, 2007 Wow, she’s a Kobert now. We signed all of the official papers with the government of China agencies, they are notarized, and being processed. We spend the next few days in the beautiful city of Nanchang while we wait for her Visa. Ava Claire was such a trooper. The Civil Affairs building was hot with lots of crying babies. She is so sweet and likes to hold the hand of the other babies. Roy is telling everyone that she can already count to 10 in English and Chinese and knows 22 of her letters so far. He’s not proud or anything. We also don’t have to worry about Roy losing weight. He’s found plenty to eat and even has the local store owners giving him free things to try. He turned down the Eel flavored Lays. Go figure. Ava was surprised this morning to see our faces again when she woke up. Yes, dear it’s not a dream. We are your forever family. As the day went on she began to look for us and reach for us. She is bonding with us equally. Roy is so moved, as I knew he would be. I know he can’t believe how much he is feeling right now, but we all knew all along what a softie he is and what a big heart he has especially for his children. We are off for massages. Feet for Roy, neck and shoulders for me. Aaaah, China. Posted later . . . I just have to elaborate more on yesterday. I may have to drag Roy back to the States because he’s having too much fun. Our guide, Kathy says there is a saying for personalities like his in China. They like to “take the first bite of the crab”. In other words, he’s adventurous and wants to experience everything now, now, now! We went to a place for Chinese massage. We had an hour neck, shoulder, back massage while our feet soaked in a tub of hot Chinese herbs. Then another half hour foot and leg massage. Yes, Ava was with us. Don’t you wish you had a baby who would go with you for an hour and a half massage and sit perfectly contented? She’s so good. Then we went to a little shop where Roy had met a man who just LOVED him. Roy was annoyed with me when I told him that $75 was a perfectly fine price for a custom silk jacket for me, a silk dress to match for Ava (how cute is that?), and 4 ties for him and Ryan. (Adam, we have gifts for you, too but you don’t need a tie). He kept saying “tai guay” too high, until the man gave us New Year decorations, a silk box, and offered to do our laundry for free. It was embarrassing (I’m used to that). However, the man just loved him and said he was a good businessman. Is Roy in his element or what?

Back at the hotel, he was the life of the party as he told all the Dads of his escapades. I think 3 of them are going with him for his appointment today… You will all wish you had a baby like Ava Claire when you see her. I can lay her down in her crib and she puts herself to sleep. She only cries if she is hungry or tired, and we are learning as quickly as we can. Yesterday, we held her over the potty and whistled and she tinkled! The Chinese potty train from a few months old to save on diapers. We American parents are just fascinated by this and we were all practicing and reporting back. It was the topic of dinner last night. Dinner, by the way was fabulous! The most basic vegetables like eggplant or broccoli or carrots are so delicious when made the Chinese way. Even Roy eats them (we just aren’t telling him what they are). Well, more later today…we are having fun, learning, and missing everyone at home.

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