7/24/08

How is Issac doing?



Many people have asked me how Issac is doing. Well he still struggles some at bedtime with tears and fears. Either James (my oldest son) or I will hold his hand as he falls asleep. Some times he will stroke my face and hug me and this seems to comfort him. He is all smiles most of the day and will try new foods and wants to eat whatever anyone else is eating. He, Brian and I still feel slightly groggy at wierd times due to remmants of jet lag. He seemed to enjoy the family get togethers and his welcome home party last week. Grace seems to be regressing with his appearance but hopefully this will be shortlived. He just fits! A pretty simple statement but it works.

Home one week!!!!!!!!!




This week has been a week of many firsts for Issac and us as united family. It is such a blessing to have all my children under one roof!!!!!! Enjoy the pictures of his first extended family get together and his welcome home party!!!!!

Issac's first dinner out in the US





We had 4 children believe it or not spending the night with friends and family so we took advantage of a smaller group and went out for dinner. I think Issac liked it! Check out his ice cream eating :)

7/15/08

Some parting shots of the July firecrackers!!!!




Today was the day for red couch pictures and oaths and goodbyes. Here are some parting shots of the Firecrackers. See you in the U.S.!!!!!!!!!

P.S. Have you ever seen a Chinese boy that could resist Connie ? :)

Dinner with friends!!!!!!!





Tonight we had dinner at The Cow and Bridge with Marianne and Jarrod and their boys and Jonah's Grandpa :) We had a great meal and it's hard to say goodbye to good friends.

Last meal at Lucy's




Today was the last full day on the Island and we had one last Lunch at Lucy's!!!!!!!!!

Issac first taste of Mcdonalds




On Monday afternoon we headed to Li Wan Plaza and the up and down nine street to purchase some dvds. Before we left we headed to Mcdonalds for his first happy meal.

Issac's first swimming adventure




Issac was able to enjoy the pool at the White Swan for a few hours on Monday. We followed it up with swimming on the roof at the Victory as the lights of the city of Guangzhou lit up the sky!!!!!!

What to do when waiting on consulate appt.



Here's what Brian and Issac did to kill time while waiting for news about our consulate appt and Issac's visa!!!!

7/13/08

Guangzhou Medical exam





Here's some pictures of yesterday's exam of Issac.

My favorite picture from China so far!!!!!!!!



This was taken during some downtime yesterday and it is so sweet to see them together like that!!!!!! Thanks again to my CHI family for helping to make this possible!!!!!!!!!!

How not to feed the animals




Here's a sure-fire way to get bit by a wild animal!!!!!!!!!!

Wild Animal Safari Park







Here's a video of our trip to the Safari zoo today. I will post some pictures also

7/10/08

Last Dinner in Yinchuan





On Thursday night Brian and Issac opted out of dinner and had bananas and peanut butter crackers for dinner. I on the other hand ventured out with my guide Lei Lei and Mr. Ha our driver to a hot pot resturant. It was great and I ate lots of shrimp, mutton and beef along with mushroom, sprouts and other veggies. We finished the meal with real ice cream!!!! In the resturant you have a heating element flush with your table in front of you. Once it is heated up, you began to boil water or oil with spices and you can then dip your food in it and begin cooking. It was such fun!!!!!!!! Enjoy the picture and video:

Last full day in Yinchuan



Today we walked down to the KFC for lunch and let Issac play in the playground area after that. He really enjoyed playing on the slide and being around other children. After dinner tonight he began to count for me. Brian and I were amazed as he can count at least up to 20. What a smart boy!!!!!!!!

7/9/08

Lakes and Licks (of icecream)





Today we visited the north tower and the Buddhist temple. Later we visited the largest park in Yinchuan and took a paddle boat ride on the lake. Issac couldn't decide if he liked Lemon or Chocolate ice cream better. As you can see on his face, both were given thorough tries!!!! Enjoy the photos.

7/8/08

Good Goodbyes





Today we went back to the orphanage after a visit to the notary in the morning. We brought some lotion and baby shampoo that the director said could be used. As soon as we entered several staff members swarmed around Issac. They asked him questions, asked him for kisses and passed him back and forth. Many wanted pictures and one of his "MaMas" brought several handmade sweaters and knitted pants for him in winter. She said that she made two sizes for him . This way her present will last for a long time. She was in tears after we left the orphanage. She stood composing herself at the gate. It almost makes us feel guilty taking him home. I guess it is good to know that he was loved so. A few of you have been asking if he is always happy. For the most part he is, except nap time and bed time and then he sobs and cries for his "MaMa". He does silly things to be cute but he gets carried away and will hit. I think this is a fun adventure for him right now. I hope he realizes in the days ahead that this is a permanent deal!!!! Everything is finalized on our part and we will pick up his passport and our receipts later in the week. So for now we learn more about each other.....

7/7/08

Pictures of Tuesday



Here are some photos of Issac on Tuesday

Lilypie Waiting to adopt Ticker
Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker