Playing Catch Up! & We're HOME!!!

 OK, I was told last night at the airport "You can't keep us hanging like this."  LOL  Sorry I have not updated the blog since Tuesday.  We have been non-stop since Wednesday China time.  Facebook was the easiest way to update.  So now, I will do my best to recap the last 2 days.  So beware of a long post. LOL

We checked out of the China Hotel around 2:45 on Wed. We were so ready to leave.  We got on the bus, drove to the consulate where our guide Kelly picked up the girls passports with Visa's inside. Praise God!  They were ready.  Then we went to the train station.  It was not that bad.  We were worried about Hope getting lost.  Kelly told her something and whatever she said worked. Hope has not wandered off since. She has stayed with us and always reaches for our hands.

Our AWESOME guide Kelly

We were in train car 3 I think with a few of the other families. The girls liked the train. It was a smooth ride. So much better than the 3 hour city bus ride we had to take 2 years ago.  The train was just under 2 hours with 1 stop.  We got off at our stop with no issues.  

Us on the train

We stayed at the Hong Kong Sky City Marriott at the airport Wed night.  We were in room 777.

Yeah, the girls were excited to go to the US

We left the hotel at 7:45 and got to the airport. All checked in and got some breakfast. The girls chose a sandwich.

Breakfast at the HK airport

Ready

The girls & I sat together and Bill was across the aisle. The girls were happy to have their own TV monitor.  Unfortunately it was touch screen. The lady in front of Hope turned around about 1 hour into the flight and said "Can you please not have her hit the chair?"  Goodness lady.  So I kept watching Hope and telling her "quiet" (meaning hit hit softly).  She & Maggie played a Winnie the Pooh matching game. They loved it.  The food was gross.  We were definitely not in first class anymore. LOL  Thankfully we were in economy plus so we had a little more leg room. The girls did great on the flight. I gave them some melatonin about 3 hours into the flight.  They slept for a while. I ended up being used as a human bed.  I was SO uncomfortable.  The flight felt like it was never ending. But, they slept, and slept for probably 10 hours of the 15. So I'm not complaining.  :-)

Ready to get HOME!

Too long of a flight

Games kept Hope occupied

Maggie liked the games too

Our dinner

Hope slept

Maggie slept

The girls breakfast

My breakfast

We landed in Newark and got through customs & immigration with no problem. It took about 1 hour 30 min or so to complete.  The girls are now officially US Citizens.  So glad they make this easy for the kids.  We should receive their citizenship papers in about 45 days or so.  Of course, we go and check the status of our flight to Tampa.  DELAYED!  No surprise there. Just thankful it was not a huge delay.  The girls were tired & cranky. We got some food (found noodles & rice for them).  Then we found our gate.  Maggie had a tantrum because I wanted her to wear a skirt home.  She grabbed her dirty pants and ran off to the mens bathroom to change.  We had a power struggle and then I said "Whatever, wear the dirty pants".  Then she was happy.

Newest US Citizens

Completely wiped out

The girls sat with Bill on the way to Tampa. He pulled out the iPads and let them watch a movie. That kept them happy.  I tried to nap but it was hard.  I only slept what felt like maybe an hour on the whole flight to Newark. It was definitely catching up to me now.  But I could not wait to get off of the plane and get to my kids.  Hope & Maggie had no idea what was about to happen.

In Tampa, ready to meet family

We got off of the tram and I see everyone.  And I see Jadyn crying hard.  I ran to her.  I think I scared Hope & Maggie because they looked scared.  I had to comfort Jadyn and hug on my kids.  I turned around and tried to get them to come to me and they were frozen, scared.  Maggie did come around but was very shy.  It took Hope about 10 min to move. She cried a little.  She finally did move to a chair and we all got around her for our first family photo.

Finally all together

Seeing our family & friends at the airport was priceless to me. Knowing we have such a huge support system means so much. I feel like I did not get to spend enough time with everyone who came out. I hope you understand.  We love that you were there and I can not wait to see you again.  

We got home. The girls were excited.  Exploring everywhere.  We showed Maggie the playroom and she gasped and had a HUGE smile on her face.  We showed them every room, and told them who's room it was. They seem to like their room.  Then Bill opened their closet.  Maggie saw the dresses hanging in there.  She beamed!  

The girls took a shower and got their PJ's on.  I snapped this photo before they went upstairs.  Our 5 daughters.  Wow! Never ever thought I would have 5 daughters.  (Ethan was already passed out asleep).

Sisters forever

Abby & Jadyn asked "Can we have a sleepover together?"  So we put blankets on the floor and gave everyone Melatonin and they all smiled, said goodnight and we went downstairs.  We did not hear a sound.  I snapped this photo this morning before they woke up.

First sleepover as sisters

Ethan woke me up at 7:15 this morning announcing "I'm all done playing!!!"  So I got up and gave him some extra loving. Oh how I've missed my little man.  Maggie & Jadyn woke up around 8.  Jadyn is so precious. She wanted to make blueberry muffins and was showing Maggie how to make them and even let Maggie help.  Hope & Abby woke up around 10:30 or so.  Hope is very curious and is touching everything.  

Maggie ate the blueberry muffin for breakfast.  She did not ask for anything else.  Hope wanted baked beans, rice and noodles for breakfast. I gave her the choice of granola bar and/or muffin.  She took it, did not want it though. She ate a few bites. I said "That is breakfast".  She walked away.  She went back a little while later and finished it.  

For lunch I made Ramen noodles.  All 5 of my China kids were excited.  They also had apples too.

Our 5 miracles from China eating lunch.

I'm going on 6 hours of sleep.  I hope I can make it all day.  Tomorrow I'm spending the morning with Tiff. Can't wait!  The girls are doing well. I'm trying to have the kids bond with each other.  They are doing well.  We have not done much today.  But they are finding things to do.  Maggie is the little mother to Ethan and Ethan does not like it.  He has already yelled at her a few times.  :-)  Maggie has also washed dishes without being asked too.  And she keeps cleaning up.  

School starts on Tuesday.  I will be calling the middle school on Wed to set up an appointment to have the girls evaluated.  Right now, I feel sending them to school is the best option for them.  We'll see how I feel after I meet with the school though.  

Your love, support, encouragement etc have meant so much to us.  I will keep updating this blog with things that pertain to the girls. So keep checking.

Love & Hugs from FL!!!

The Girls

I'm going to try to type up some things about the girls.

They truly are sweet girls.  They are trying to understand us. They are trying to understand what it means to have a mommy & daddy. Even though they do test us, they are still GOOD girls.

Hope:
-Hope ALWAYS has a smile on her face.  She LOVES to giggle/laugh.
-She is very SMART.  We were amazed at how fast she can write her name in Chinese. She also LOVES to read. She reads every sign that she sees.
-Last night on the bus, she SANG.  She has such a precious singing voice.
-She is ACTIVE!  She is CURIOUS!  She touches everything.
-She HATES to shop. She only asked for 1 thing while we were on the island shopping. A bracelet.
-She is a tomboy. She loves shorts & t-shirts. She loves her new sneakers.
-She wears her hair in a ponytail with a headband.
-She is trying to learn English words.
-She learned her name FAST. Probably because we said "HOPE" a lot.
-She's a TV remote hog. LOL

Maggie:
-Maggie can be moody. But get her in the right mood and her smile lights up the room
-Maggie is a neat freak.  She wiped down the bathroom before we checked out of the last hotel
-She has to have the beds made. She picks up the trash
-She yells at Hope when Hope does something wrong.  She yells "FU FANG!!!"with an attitude
-She LOVES babies. She lights up when she sees little babies
-She is a girly girl.  Has to wear dresses. She can not wear dirty clothes. Wears her hair in a ponytail with a headband.
-She likes to shop, but for clothes.
-She asked for a small art kit yesterday and painted a little
-She understands the rules and tries to behave. But will test us a little.
-I think she is interested in boys.  :-)  There is one boy in our group that she keeps checking out LOL

Both girls:
-LOVE taking showers every day.
-Brush their teeth without me asking
-Are crazy sleepers. But sleep all night (and have been taking good naps)
-LOVE to eat!  Thankfully they have started to feel full. They are not eating all day now
-Will eat fruit and drink water
-Love candy, but go into hyper drive if they have any (so candy is nonexistent right now)
-Have bonded with us.
-They give hugs & kisses without us asking
-They know what I love you means.
-They understand "stop it" and "don't hit"
-Communicate using hand gestures

They truly are precious girls. They are excited to go HOME!  I think they are wondering why this is taking so long.  :-)
-

Consulate Appointment and Update

We woke the girls up at 7 AM to get ready to eat and then get on the bus for our consulate appointment.  The final step before we can get home.  We arrived. Different room than last time.  This is our 4th adoption and we have been to 3 different places for the US Consulate.  :-)  A lady finally came over the speaker and gave us instructions on what to do once we are finished here and enter the states.  Then we all had to stand, raise our right hand and repeat after her.  The 2nd sentence I could hardly say, I got choked up and tears swelled.  This is happening. The girls will be US citizens very soon. This makes me so happy.  We then wait for our turn.  The same lady (who is from the US) called us up. SUPER sweet and nice.  She went through our papers, I had to sign, the girls had to sign. Then Hope needed to get fingerprinted because she is 13.  That's it. We were done.  Tomorrow Kelly will pick up our brown envelope and their passports. We e are to keep the brown envelope safe & sound with us and not open.  We will give immigration these unopened envelopes when we land in Newark. As soon as we get through there, the girls are US Citizens.  I confirmed with the lady that we will not have to do anything else, because of their age. And she said 'NO, as soon as you get through immigration, they are citizens, as long as you plan to live in the states".  

An update on my last post.  First I want to thank everyone who has sent messages.  You have reassured us that what we are experiencing is normal and how we are handling it is good.  Emotions are everywhere and we're just so tired of being in a hotel room. The girls want nothing to do with swimming, and they hate shopping. So we just sit in the room and watch TV (they seem content doing this).  Bill & I on the other hand are tired of this.  

So, last night.....The girls did not fight me on the discipline I gave (no showers/shampoo and going to bed).  They changed, and got into bed. Maggie did cry. We comforted her.  We also hugged and kissed Hope.  They were asleep by 7:30 I think and slept ALL NIGHT. We woke them up at 7.  Maggie acted a little distant for a little bit.  But we still hugged her and then she came around. She did ask if she could take a shower when she woke up and I told her "No".  She did not complain.  Hope is Hope and smiling and laughing.  The spitting is starting to get under control.  But we still have to remind her.  We told our guide about last night and she seemed upset.  She talked to Hope AGAIN today and Hope stayed with us. If she walked ahead she remembered to stop and wait and come back for our hand.  So, we know what we are doing is working.  And we know we will be tested. We know they are not used to any kind of discipline at all.  And they are not used to having a mom and dad around 24/7.  Things have improved A LOT since last week.  It has only been a week, I have to keep reminding myself this.  

Last night, I said "I love you Hope". She usually repeats what I say. But last night when I said that, she said "I love you mommy".  Melt my heart!!!!  After she says I love you in English, she repeats it in Chinese.  So I know she understands what she is saying.  Hope is super smart and eager to learn.  

Again, thank you for the support you have given us. Thank you for the prayers.  We are anxious to get home.  We are scheduled to land in Newark around 2 PM I think Thursday afternoon. And land in Tampa around 9:28 PM if there are no delays.  I will be able to update Facebook and the blog if there are some delays.  

Right now we are chilling out in the hotel room.  We are going to meet the group at 3 for more shopping and maybe we'll get to go out for dinner with the group tonight.  

Love & Hugs from Guangzhou, China!!!!

What should be a happy post, is not....

*Warning....This is not a mushy/happy update. I'm being totally honest & open here.....*

So, just when we think things are going well, and decide to take the girls to get ice cream, they act BAD!  We're talking with another family in McD's and Hope decides it's time to leave.  She walks out the door and down the stairs.  So we get up. She then proceeds to keep walking. You have to cross the entrance and exit of hotel which is  busy with cars getting back to the hotel.  Almost got hit 1 time. She was clueless.  She gets through the lobby and almost the elevators before we can catch up to her.  I take her hand and won't let it go. She's laughing.  This kind of behavior from Hope, leaving us and walking far ahead of us and not stopping when we say stop, is a daily occurrence.  Both of our guides have told her to stay with us. She understands, but does not listen.  

Then Maggie is STOMPING through the lobby because it's loud and she thinks it's funny.  We tell her to stop. She laughs.  Bill goes to get me a Starbucks and she follows. We tell her "NO, get in elevator with me" She refused. So Bill walks her in, she stomps while laughing and then splashes ice cream sundae all over Bill & elevator.  He takes it and walks out. She throws her spoon at him and laughs.  

yeah, we're pretty upset right now.  So I got them to the room, gave them their PJ's. Said "no bath, no shampoo" and told them to get dressed. They did. They are in bed now. Maggie is crying. She knows we are mad.  

I'm glad she is pouting/crying because it means she understands.  It's 7:20 and we are putting them to bed. After a few minutes of us calming down, we kissed them goodnight. I do not want them going to bed thinking we are mad at them. But I do want them to understand that their behavior does have consequences.  

Here are photos BEFORE the bad behavior. I can promise you this....no McD sundae's for a while if this is how they act after having some ice cream.....

Please continue to pray. Pray that we can parent these girls in a  way that they will understand.  Pray for our sanity because the laughing at us when we are trying to lay down the rules etc is just getting to us now.  Thanks!

SHOPPING!!!

So, I think I left off yesterday that Bill was going to Walmart and then we were going to get Mexican food. Well Bill did go to Walmart. But we did not go to the Mexican restaurant.  We were not that hungry and we figured Hope & Maggie would not like it. Bill bought noodles from Walmart so the girls ate that, with some fruit.  I had to wake the girls up from their nap, again.  It think it was after 6.  We were hoping to meet our friends at the pool. The girls said "NO".  They did not want to go.  So we finally said "lets go see it". So we did.  They did not want to go in even after seeing our friends in there. But they sat in the chairs and watched.  Bill got his suit on and got in, hoping that would change their mind.  Nope.  After 30 min or so we left.  It was like 7:30 or so. I told them to take their showers and I made their noodles.  We Skyped with the family for a bit and then around 9:15 time for bed.  The girls were wired. Well Maggie was wired. Hope was calming down. So down goes the Melatonin and 15 min later snoring.  Have I said how much I love that stuff???

Hope sitting by the pool.

So this morning, I woke them up at 8.  UGH!  We were rushed this morning. Had to be downstairs by 9:30.  Bill & I can not shower until they are awake and dressed. Because they will walk in on us. I know I've said that several times.  We can not wait to get home so we can get showers in privacy.

Breakfast was the same stuff.  I'm tired of french toast.  When we were here 2 years ago, I remember the selection being much better.

9:30 we had to meet in the lobby to go back to the medical exam to have their arm tested from the TB test.  the bus was stuck in traffic. It was after 10 before another bus arrived.  We drove about 20 min to the clinic, got out, walked past about 50 people waiting, the nurse checked their arm, and we left.  PASSED!  Yay!  No TB.

This is in our hotel lobby.  Go USA!!!

Then on to the island for SHOPPING!  This is the part of the trip (other than Gotcha Day) that I look forward to. And guess what??? Our girls DO NOT like to shop.  And it was HOT. So they were grumpy.  Maggie did pick out 2 head bands and a dress.  Hope did not want anything. She looked at EVERYTHING, touched EVERYTHING, and even broke a few things.  One of the owners came chasing us down after we left saying "Your daughter broke tea pot".  GREAT!!!!!  So we went back, she broke the knob to the top of the teapot.  She said "normally 380 yuan. But I give it to you for 100.  It's a nice tea set.  But we were not planning on buying one.  If it makes it back in one piece, then this will be Hopes.  :-)

Maggie liked this. But put it back. We did not buy it

Hope being silly

This man making Hope's name on a card for us

The tea set we HAD to buy.

We also bought Jie Jie shirts for them like we have for our other girls.  And we bought a few other little things.  On our way out, we saw a Mickey Mouse suitcase.  They wanted 120 and we paid 100.  Woo Hoo.

This is just too cute!

OH, I DID IT!!!  I was so excited.  Usually Bill is the one who deals with the pricing.  But today I did it.  Alisa I was looking for the outfit for Hudson.  I found one and asked for a size 6.  Then said "how much?"  She said 120.  I said "Oh no, too much".  She said "how much you want to spend?"  I said "I was hoping for 60"  She said "that is 1/2 price" and laughed.  I said "Well we'll think about it."  She said "wait, you can have it for 60".  WOO HOO!!!  I hope that is a good price for you Alisa.  I was happy to get them down 50% without even trying.

This is the lady who let me get the outfit for 1/2 price. the outfit is in the bag. 

A storm was coming so we went to Lucy's for lunch.  We were all tired by this point. And cranky.  The girls ate 1/2 of their food.  Then we left.  It was raining. Miss Priss Maggie did not want to get wet.  Well she had to and was laughing the whole time.  They loved getting wet.

Now we are back for rest time.  Nothing is planned for the rest of the day. Maybe we'll try to go to the pool again.  Even if it's just to hang out with friends.

Tomorrow we have to be in the lobby at 7:50 to drive to our consulate appointment.  Then we're going to a street market or something and then back to the island.  Tomorrow night might be a group dinner, if we're up for it.  Wednesday I think we just get ready to go home. Get the girls Visa's at 3 PM and then head for the train.  Bill said we're in 1st class (did not ask for that) and he thinks it's a bullet train.  Very cool!

Bill is feeling much better. No more attacks.  Praise God. Thanks for praying.  Continue to pray for his health, for our sanity (LOL) and for the flight home.

If you are up to come to the airport we would love to see you.  The girls might be shy, but I think it will do good if they see how many people already love them.  Praying our flight is NOT delayed at all.

Things are Looking Brighter!

Yesterday was a good day. the girls slept for 4 and 5 hours in the afternoon.  We had to wake Maggie up at 7 PM so we could eat.  We asked them if they wanted McDonalds and they lit up and said YES.  I thought we were doing take out so I did not bring my camera.  So sorry no photos of their first McD trip because we ended up eating it there.  We ran into new friends and chatted for a bit.  Maggie ordered a strawberry milkshake and french fries.  Hope ordered an ice cream cone, cheeseburger and french fries.  Maggie had some of my chicken nuggets too.  They ate everything!

We came back to the room for showers and Bill ran to 7-11 for drinks.  He came back with Starbucks for me. YUMO!  It tasted so good. And I'm not a big coffee drinker. :-)

The girls I don't think have ever seen a hair dryer before  Once they saw me use it the other day for myself they have asked me to dry their hair. Another moment to bond.  

I want to say "thank you" to whoever decided to bottle up melatonin.  This works miracles for our girls.  Since they slept so long yesterday we were not sure if they would go to bed. Around 10 PM they each got a dose and by 10:15 snoring.  YAY!

This was during their nap. Notice Hope's foot on Maggie. LOL

Today we had to wake them up so we could go to breakfast.  Their breakfast choices are so unique.  It's going to be hard for them when they don't have lotus root or noodles available for them at breakfast. LOL

Today we went with our group to the Chen Family Temple. Our 3rd visit here I think. The girls were bored. They did not know where we were. So after Kelly explained things to us, she took all of the older kids and did the same "tour" with them, but this time spoke to them in Chinese.  They looked like they were on a little field trip.  It was cute.  Hope wandered off again and scared us. We could not find her for a minute. She is super fast.  Just curious and does not realize that she is leaving us.  We asked Kelly to please tell her she needs to stop doing this.  We went in a few of the shops at the temple and Maggie wanted a bracelet. So we let her get one. Hope did not want anything.  Hope really has not asked for us to buy her anything, except food. LOL  It was hot and the girls can not take the heat or walking a lot.  they get grumpy. I had taken a few apples from breakfast so they munched on that while we waited to leave.  

I love her smile!  She definitely smiles with her eyes too.

The kids on their own tour with Kelly

Sisters forever. And, wearing clothes from the US!  Praise!!!!

Taking a rest. Ready to get out of the heat

I could tell Hope was struggling to walk. So Bill pick her up. She LOVED that.  

After the temple, we went to a mall to buy pearls and jade etc.  I wanted to get the girls pearls. I have bought pearls for Tiff, Abby & Jadyn from China for their wedding day. And so I of course need to get some for H & M.  When they saw me looking at them and I said "2" they both shrugged up their noses, pointed to themselves and said "NO".  LOL  I said "For mama".  they said "OK" As the girl was making the pearls, I asked if I could get earrings for free.  She said "Yes, I'll do that for you".  Yay!  I paid $100 US dollars for 2 pearl necklaces and matching earrings.  Hopefully that is good.  

The Mall

Making the pearls

Their pearls.  Maggie on Left, Hope on Right (I think LOL)

We went to a DVD and CD store.  The girls were excited. I wished we had a DVD player in the hotel room.  But we don't. We had Kelly tell them they can't watch until we get to America.  they seemed bummed but understood.  It was funny, because I also spotted Grey's Anatomy on a DVD set in there.  LOL  So I snapped a photo. I did not buy it though.  These are the movies they picked out.  

Greys, CSI, West Wing, Alias etc

Next was the Silk store. Very small store. But we did buy something for Tiff.  Hopefully you'll like it. As we were leaving I saw this HUGE statue and said "girls take picture". I was surprised when they said OK.  

On our way back to the hotel we saw this limo. Not sure if it's for a wedding or funeral. There were several cars following with gift bows on them.  Very interesting.

We got back around 1:30 or so. Walked to McD's. This time for take out. It was chaos in there today. the girls wanted ice cream for lunch.  NOPE!  they were not happy with the NO answer. So they got 2 pieces of chicken wings with fries.  When we got to the elevators in our hotel, Bill & Maggie kept walking to the 7-11. Hope & I got on the elevator. When she realized they were not with us she got so upset. She wanted to go with Bill. It was sweet to witness.  She really loves Bill.  And if he leaves her, she does not like it.  Once we got in the room and I gave her her food, she was okay.  And yes, today I snapped a photo.  :-)

I know I said this already, but I'm SO happy Maggie is wearing clothes from home. She's not happy about it.  and she told Kelly she wants to go clothes shopping. I told Kelly to tell her when we get to America we are definitely going shopping.  That made her happy.  But I'm not sure she fully understands.  She did ask "When are we going to America' though. LOL  

Today was a good day. Hope only ran off 2 times. And yes, that scares us because we almost lose her. But after Kelly talked to her she stayed close. She keeps showing us her spit and wanting to spit on the ground. She knows we don't want her to. That is why she does this. I motion for her to swallow it. She finally does and then I give her a HIGH 5. This is our new game.  

Bill was planning on going to Walmart with the group at 4 but I think he's sleeping. Pray for him. He woke up at 5 AM in HORRIBLE pain. He said he felt his body go flush and he was sweating and he almost had me call an ambulance.  Please pray that the pain will go away. He took some Advil today and drank more water.  He's not drinking enough.  

At 6 we are thinking of going to a Mexican restaurant with our group.  Not sure how the girls will do with this. But hey, they need to learn to try new things.  

OK, I should try to rest while the girls are sleeping.  Thanks again for the comments.  4 more sleeps in China!  Start praying for that flight home!!!!