January 16, 2006
The First Day of the Rest of Our Lives
[SHENYANG, 1/16 9:00PM]
Luckily my guide knew where we were going, because the administrative office that we went to to pick up Ben was in a non-desccript room at the end of a non-descript hallway on the second floor of a non-descript gray office building. I could see no markings in English or Chinese that indicated the building function or purpose.
So we knocked on this non-descript door and entered a non-descript room and standing there with two women from the orphanage was the second love of my life.
Things were a little shaky at first. Ben had obviously been told what was about to happen, but I don't think he expected his new father to look like a big, goofy-looking, blonde American. He didn't cry and kick me in the shins as I had half-expected he would, but he was a bit bashful.
We had to take a quick trip to the passport office for pictures and do begin processing the passport that will allow me to bring him home. During the short car ride he got a little more comfortable with me, sitting on my lap and laughing at my funny faces. By the time we got to the passport office he was calling me ba-ba (Chinese for daddy) and calling for me to hold him. Here is our fist picture together just after he gave me a kiss:
He really is terrific. He's very healthy (he likes to run and skip) and is terribly smart. He keeps cracking up our guide with the funny questions he asks. We went for a walk today, played with our cars, did some coloring, and ate (he loves to eat), had a bath, and generally goofed around. I'm kicking myself that I didn't learn more Chinese, though. As much fun as we had today, I could tell he was starting to get frustrated when I just stare at him blankly when he asks apparently clear, concise Chinese questions.
I'm starting to pick up the basics, though. I know when he's telling me he needs to use the bathroom and I know when he says he's thirsty. I thought I knew how to tell him when it is time for bed, but obviously not, as it took me a good hour of pleading, cajoling, and demanding (that method at least is apparently not going to work with him), finally I just played possum for a while and he eventually climbed into bed (I'm typing very quietly now so as not to wake him).
He's beautiful and you both look soooooooo happy. My kleenex is soggy. I love you all!! (Kari, too)
Posted by: mOM at January 16, 2006 08:30 AMWhat a beautiful boy. I wondered how you would have time to blog but the possum bit works well. You look like a very comfortable ba-ba. I often have trouble understanding english try using some sign language for simple things.
As for the love of food ... he has come to the right family as if there was any question!!
The cousins want to know whe they can play?
Lots of love
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Abby is so excited to see her new cousin, she's running around her toy room showing me all the things she's going to share with him when he comes over to play. So far it's chalk, a fireman's hat, blocks, a crown (Burger King style), and the list goes on even as I type...
Posted by: Julie at January 16, 2006 08:57 AM(sniff) Wonderful!
Posted by: Doug at January 16, 2006 09:01 AMKen, he looks just like you!
Congratulations. We are very excited for you and will be thinking of you guys on your LONG plane ride home! Can't wait to meet Ben.
Posted by: Mike at January 16, 2006 09:04 AMChristine is going to sob when she reads this. I am a bit choked up myself. Don't worry about the communication problems. Kari says she also gets frustrated when you just stare at her blankly when she asks clear, concise questions in English.
Good thing funny faces are universal!
BTW, there was a Chinese bureacracy joke on the West Wing last night. I want to hear all the details in triplicate and notorized twice.
WHOO - HOO!
Posted by: Seth at January 16, 2006 09:57 AMWow, you two look very comfortable together already. I'm laughing to hear about your problems with Ben and going to bed at night - glad to see you won't be missing out on that bit of parenthood joy ;-)
He's gonna love it here.
Posted by: Other Mike at January 16, 2006 10:16 AMLook like a Natural !!!
Barb and I are so psyched for you !!!
-Tom
Posted by: Tom Cousins at January 16, 2006 10:41 AMThey say a picture is worth a thousand words. but that one can be summed up in three very concise english ones: Father and Son. The communication will only get better and easier, and you've already got the funny faces down pat. Be safe. See you soon!
Posted by: jane at January 16, 2006 11:03 AMHe is adorable!!! I am so happy for all of you!! I cannot wait to meet him!!!
Christine
Ken, Carrie and Ben,
Me, Lisa and Dominic are so happy for you!! You 2 will be awesome parents. I wish you 3 the best. I cant express how awesome it is to be a Dad. Ken im glad that you get to experience this. : )
Posted by: Nick at January 16, 2006 11:56 AMKen:
Cogratulations (最好祝願)! Great picture. You've got half the office sobbing (not me of course). Lori passed on her best wishes. Safe travels (安全旅行).
He's beautiful and looks so happy to be with his ba-ba! It sounds like you're already getting the hang of this parenting thing... Kari, watch out - these two could be trouble! Lots of love from our family to yours.
Posted by: Carol, Derek and Dylan at January 16, 2006 12:37 PMWell, we don't quite know the right words to express how this makes us feel for you but as we look at each other there are grins from ear to ear and a few wet eyes too!! We can't wait to meet him, we can't wait to see you two...Umm three!! again, and most of all We LOVE you Guys and we are so proud of you for having the strenght to see this through. He is quite the "pot of gold" at the end of your rainbow. Keep us posted!!! :) M & S
Posted by: Matt & Stacey at January 16, 2006 02:33 PM" I thought I knew how to tell him when it is time for bed, but obviously not" - not necessarily - he may well have understood, but figured out that he can pretend not to understand when he doesn't want to comply. You did say he was smart!
Keep these wonderful reports coming. You're lighting up a lot of lives.
The last couple of posts took me by surprise. I did not expect you to be updating your blog these days, silly me! I got more than a couple of tears while reading these. You both look so comfortable with each other in the picture and that is so awesome. Like Michael said, we can barely wait to meet Ben. have a safe trip home.
Posted by: Viviane at January 16, 2006 05:01 PMI am awestruck by how beautiful Ben is and how natural you two look together! I know that you and Carrie will be awesome parents! I am truly honored to have met you and enjoyed sharing some of the adoption journey with you both! Isn't it amazing how God works everything out! Best wishes and I hope that we can get together when you next visit Doug and Julie. Take care, Jackie
Posted by: Jackie Ham at January 16, 2006 05:03 PMCongratulations Ken and Kari! (the water works are flowing...) What a dear heart! Doug and I are so happy for all of you. Welcome Ben!--we can't wait to meet you! Love, Julie (Doug,Audrey,&Will)
Posted by: Julie H. at January 16, 2006 07:51 PMKen,
You both look so happy & I'm so happy for you. Ben is adorable. The photo of you two together brought tears to my eyes (in a good way.) Take care and see you soon. I'll keep reading your updates.
L,
Sharon
Ben-Lag
Capitalism, Chinese-Style
Year of the Sleeping Dog
Learning from Each Other
Home at Last
We Are Family
Ladies Man
Feeling Blessed
Traveling in a Pack
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