Monday and Wednesday

Sunday night, we got 3 or 4 inches of snow.  Enough that the schools were on a 2-hour delay.  That afternoon, the girls wanted to play outside in the snow.  I took Tommy out in his new boots to get a few pictures.

By Wednesday afternoon, the sun was shining, all the snow was melted and it was hovering around 60 degrees.  The girls wanted to play outside again. We went for a walk around the block and then had some playtime in the back yard.  Tommy loves the slide but is not fond of the swing.

Crazy weather this time of year, but somehow, we enjoy it all!

February Photos

February is now gone.   It was not an easy month.  I’m glad to see it go!

Coming back after an adoption trip is never easy:  trying to figure out how everything will work, trying to figure out a new person, etc.  But when you add in 4 cases of strep throat, one ear infection, rounds of antibiotics, sinus trouble and fevers of unknown origins, it tends to make things a little harder.

Nevertheless, there were some happy moments and here’s the photographic evidence.

The girls both had their parent observation day in ballet class.  Abby is progressing nicely in her fourth year.  Sarah just likes wearing the fairy wings!

Tommy took a few outings:  to the library and church.  He fit right in at both. (taken with my cell phone)

Abby spent a lot of time reading.

Tommy likes books, too!

We are putting him to work around here, too!

February would not be complete without making valentines!

Basically we had lots of togetherness!!  As any new family needs.

Here’s hoping March will be smoother.

A few snapshots of coming home

The trip home – it wasn’t pretty.  24 hours of pure adrenaline and nervousness and now I’m paying for it.  Just thankful that it’s over!

A happy reunion at Baggage Claim in which no baggage actually showed up.

A tired Daddy who can’t hold his eyes open.

Meeting the Doggie – no problems there.

Fun gifts from Mommy and Daddy when the baggage finally does show up.

Meeting a cousin who will one day be your very best buddy.

Learning how to share toys with siblings – a hard lesson for anybody.

He’s only been home a few days and already has broken a window (cracked it, really) and one of the doll chairs.  He is all BOY!

Finding his “happy place” – the furnace vent.

And his favorite toy – an empty Huggies box.  He pushes that thing all over the place. And yes, he likes to step out of his pants at every opportunity.

Bed time is fun, too.  As long as it’s the sister’s bedtime and not his!

All in all, it’s been going good.  He’s eating good and sleeping good and likes his toys.  Everyday we become more and more of a family to him and that’s what it’s all about.

Last Day

After breakfast, I started packing. I should have taken a “before” picture of all our stuff around the room.  It was a mess.  Sarah saw it on Skype and said, “Mama, you need to clean your room!”  This is after one suitcase was already packed and another one partially done.

Tommy had elevensies.

Then tried to amuse himself.

There, all done but what we have on and the bathroom stuff.

After another walk around the island, picking up to-go at Lucy’s and a good nap, we had dinner with the group at the hotel restaurant.  Zhou ordered for us.

Then it was bath time.

Now Tommy is sleeping and we’ll be getting up in a few hours to load the van for Hong Kong.  I know everyone has been praying for us because this trip has gone very smooth for us.  Only one more hurdle to go – the airport and 15 hour plane ride.  Then we get to hug our girlies!!!

Signing off from China.

It’s almost over!

Today was the all important Consulate visit.  Our appointment was at 10am.  We got there a little early with all our paperwork handed to us by Zhou as we went through the door.  We all took an oath that all our paperwork was correct to the best of our knowledge.  Then we went individually to the window to have our paperwork looked over.  Billy had to sign one thing and then we were done. We were out of there by 10:30 and the rest of the group was not far behind.  Zhou will pick up the brown envelope and Tommy’s passport with the US visa tomorrow and then Friday morning… we fly home!

After the appointment, we went to Lucy’s for lunch.  Tommy loves lunch!

And then we did our photo shoot “take 2” from the other day.  This one turned out pretty good.

The group met up again and we went to the Guangzhou Zoo.  Tommy was fascinated with this playful tiger.

The stroller brigade minus one little girl.

Checking things out.

They had a wide variety of animals at this zoo, but of course the most popular is China’s own Panda Bear.

After the zoo, we had junk-food dinner from the 7-11 around the corner.  Of course, Tommy had his chicken congee.  He doesn’t seem to be as desperate to get food as he was when we first got him.  He has slowed down some and doesn’t always eat a ton at each meal.  I guess he knows now that he will be getting food again… and again…. and again.

Tomorrow is packing and a final group dinner.