good times

In China, it was just us and James.  Yes, Karen and Payton were with us too, but we weren't having to parent four other children besides James.  It was easy to give him the majority of our attention.  We all did!  He was showered with attention by us, including Karen and Payton.

Now, we're just busier.  There's been a lot to do being home -- loads and loads of laundry, several suitcases to unpack, new systems to put into place (lying with James when we put him to bed, adding another plate at the dinner table, putting his toys in 'his' spot so he know where they are, etc).  As today wound down we realized we're making some headway.  We're getting a handle on things and are getting the house in functioning order.

And there's been so much joy.  So much, y'all.  Full belly laughter as James gets to know Avery, Brooks and Jackson.  And watching them with him.  Truly precious.  They're arguing over who gets to feed him, carry him, change his diaper.  It's so sweet.  And probably a tad overwhelming to him so we've had to tell them at times to give him some space.  I'm trying to enjoy it because I know it may very likely be a honeymoon period that will end.

All in all, he's doing remarkably well.  I mean remarkably.  Not sure if this is just a phase, but I suspect it's not.  He just seems to be a generally happy child.  He's easy going.  The poor boy slept 10 minutes today after being all messed-up sleep-wise.  He took a five hour nap yesterday.  And then today we were on the go a bit, so he only slept in the car on our way to Target.  He was literally falling asleep at the dinner table so we put him to bed at 5:30.  Hopefully, he'll sleep through the night.  I suspect he will because he's a good sleeper.

Okay, here are a few recent shots and videos.  I'm like Quick Draw McGraw with the camera these days.  Every other minute I feel like I'm going to miss something that we'll want on video one day.  Thank God for the smart phone.  

Look at how teeny-tiny he looks!  

His check-up went well, but we're waiting back from our pediatrician after he consults with some colleagues on the best direction to take and where to get started.  

He doesn't mind the carseat at all.  Didn't even flinch the first time we strapped him in.  They don't use carseats in China so he always rode on our laps.  He doesn't seem to mind it at all.  He just points his little finger out the window telling us what he sees.  So sweet.

We put James in bed with us when it's time for bed and let him sleep with us until the middle of the night and then we move him to his pack-n-play.  When JD was heading to bed last night with James, Brooks wanted to lay down with them too, so JD said, 'Sure!'  I got this shot when I went in to get Brooks an hour or two later to put him in his bed.  Priceless.

Lots of videos of his very first interactions with his siblings.  Precious.  Today was a great day for Avery, Brooks, Jackson and James to get to know each other better.

This is the purity of children's hearts.  They just gained a brother and they simply and purely love him.  He's a superstar in our house.  They want him to wake up when he's napping.  They want to sit next to him in the van.  They want to 'protect' him from our Lucy-dog.  By the way, she could care less about him, but if she comes near him he screams.  It's actually hilarious.  And he screams every time he comes near grass.  Grass!  It's spring and the boy can't stand fresh, green, glorious grass.  Honestly not sure if he's ever seen any.  I'll have to capture those two things next because you're sure to laugh with us.  Speaking of laughs, have you heard his?!  How awesome is it?  I wish I could bottle it -- well, I guess I kind of am...here!

wow.

What a trip.

James looking down at the James River.  :)

What a welcome.

Overwhelming, to be honest.

I was not expecting the crowd.

It was a school night.

Our flight was delayed.

But our dear family and friends waited.

And waited.

And waited.  

Folks met for the first time.  

Or caught up.

And goofed off to pass the time.

We couldn't have been more grateful that each and every one was there.  I just cried.  It didn't feel like the end of a 24-hour long journey, but the end of a 16-month long one.  And we couldn't have felt more loved, supported or embraced.  Leaves me feeling completely unworthy.

Then we arrived home and found our 'frig stocked!

Fresh flowers.

Precious words.  

Homemade baked goods!  Friends after my own heart!

The love of Christ literally lived out here on earth and expressed through the people who love Him.  Amazing.  Nothing like it.  

In fact, it leaves a girl like me feeling rather unworthy at times.

And as if we needed anything more to come home to, God gave me this to wake up to this morning.

Blue skies.

Unworthy.  

Downright unworthy, I tell you.

  

     

home sweet home

I have never.

In all my life.

Been happier.

To be home.

Ever.

We're off to take James to the pediatrician for his required (within 48 hours of our arrival home!) check-up.

More later.

blue skies

I miss blue skies something terrible.

I like to be outdoors, but I'm not a nature buff per se.  I'm not an outdoor adventurer, but I've learned over the last several years that I'm very affected by the sun's activity.  I yearn to see sunrises and sunsets.  More than ever.  JD and I talk a lot about living in the country one day and some of that is rooted in my great desire to live on a hill with pasture so I can sit and watch the sun set and rise. A couple of years ago, I was pricked by this verse:

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.  Psalm 19:1


If this is true, then the people of China are missing out.  Lord, have mercy.

From the moment the tires screeched in Hong Kong, we have not seen the sun.  I don't mean to go on and on about it, but I'm about to go completely mad!  The weather has been grey and dismal and ugly and sad for two straight weeks.  Have you seen the sun in one stinkin' photo?  Me neither.

When I hear that the weather at home is so beautiful that Avery, Brooks and Jackson are playing at the beach at Gramma and Papa's, my heart is filled with gratitude of what we're returning to.  And then I feel for the people of this world who don't have the fortune of experiencing the simple, beautiful pleasures of God's creation on a regular basis.  In fact, we experience it on so much of a regular basis that it's taken for granted half the time (a-hem, pointin' the finger directly at myself).  I realize that China isn't like this year round, but even just weeks and weeks is tough.

Can someone pass the Vitamin D, please?

Moving on...

We wrap things up here in Guangzhou today.  We'll hang around the Island until this afternoon, let James get a little nap in and then head by van to Hong Kong.

But before we go, let me tell you a little about yesterday.  After our time at the U.S. consulate (no camera allowed), we headed to the pearl and jade market.  I was expecting an outdoor market like the one in Hong Kong, but this was a full-on mall.  Actually, it blew away Tyson's or Potomac Mills or Short Pump.  Only in size though.  It was 6 stories?  Maybe 8?  The stores were packed in like sardines.  The Chinese way of urban life makes me claustrophobic.  It's very tight.  Everywhere.  

I believe this is a school.  

(Look at the weather!  I'm sorry, I'm sorry...I just can't take it...the poor children!) 

This shot is on the interstate.  Notice the Chinese writing on the road?  The driving here is altogether different from home.  Very little stopping at intersections -- just merging and missing other cars by inches.  There's an unspoken language -- no road rage or real anger at coming so close to each other.  Very interesting.

This is a bead shop (among hundreds) in the mall.  I couldn't even shop it was so overwhelming.  

Floor after floor after floor of store after store after store.  Oye.  

Outside was the pedestrian mall.  My first impression was of Times Square, I kid you not.  

Here's a video too.

Payton (and James who constantly pointed his little finger at her and gave his little grunt asking for more) enjoyed a strawberry kabob with a caramelized sugar glaze over top.  

We got a smile out of her on that one!  

This was taken in the pearl shop we went into.  This woman is stringing pearls by making a knot between each pearl.  Notice the bags and bags of pearls on the back wall.  We started wondering if they were real, but our guide and the workers assured us they were.  Hmmm.  

One final note because I always love good book recommendations.  I'm sure you readers out there can relate to reading a book during a certain trip or vacation and those two experiences being associated in your mind forever.  Well, such was my experience on this trip.  

Here's what I brought: the Bible, the devotional 'Jesus Calling' and the book 'Seven.'  Highly recommend them all.  They were my saving graces when I needed to slip away and slow down and get a good shot of perspective.

'Jesus Calling' gave me that jolt I needed when I felt far from the Lord or just off.  It takes five minutes to read the day's reading.  And I've never had a devotional speak more sweetly to my soul.  If you're looking for something to start your day on the right course, this is it.  

'Seven' is a great book if you're feeling like you'd like to change things up in your life, but you're not sure how or where to start.  Not to mention that Jen Hatmaker is hilarious.  She had me laughing out loud.  It takes a lot for me to audibly laugh if I'm not laughing with a living, breathing human being.  Good book.

There you have it!  Not sure if I'll blog again before we head for home.  Actually, not sure if I'll blog again once I am home!  ha!  

 

so frustrating

I did a long post last night about our trip to the Yun Tai Garden, but the auto save wasn't working and something happened to it.  Ahhh.  I feel like I did in college when I'd lose a paper I was typing on my Brother word processor.  The good ole days.  :)


So here we go again.

The rain ceased.  Although grey skies remain.

Our ride to and fro in GZ.

Entrance to the Garden.

Right when we walked in, we were greeted by this 'Barbie on the go!'  Hilarious.  I had to get a video...

JD and I had to go corny in the wedding area of the Garden.  JD was attempting to do his serious 'wedding portrait' gaze until I cracked up.

And then Karen wouldn't let us forget the must-have wedding band shot.

He's come to love a shoulder ride!

This expression on James' face has become so sweet to us.  It's his 'I'm going to hold in my smile' face.  Cracks us up (clearly)!

Back to the Island we went.  We ate lunch at Lucy's with about ten other American adoptive families.  It's the American fare restaurant on the Island complete with posters of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Jude Law adorning the walls.  Of course, we had our fall back of french fries and pizza but did spice it up a bit with grilled cheese, tomato soup, and a chicken wrap.  I should've gotten a photo of Lucy's in honor of our Lucy at home!  :)

Here are some more shots from around the Island.  

There are many, many beautiful statues around the Island.  You better watch out, Monument Avenue!

I found this one neat.  It's the evolution of the Chinese woman: ancient, traditional and modern.  Beautiful.

Now this Barbie we couldn't pass up for our Avery.  (Don't tell her, Mom.)  If you'll look closely, you'll see the little sign on the front says 'Going Home.'  It's an adoptive Barbie with her baby!  Priceless.  

James is quite a hat model! 

Today (Tuesday) we went to the U.S. consulate.  That was a neat experience.  We swore an oath as James' parents.  Cool.  His visa will be ready tomorrow at promptly 3:30.  Aron will fetch it for us and then we're headed to Hong Kong.

All is well.  I can't believe we're 48 hours from being on our flight home!  Fantastic.