We took a trip to Lake Lure last weekend thanks to some friends who let us use their house.  It was a lot of fun to be back at the lake and even in October we were able to enjoy the water a bit.  Nannie and Pops made the trip with us which allowed for some extra fun.  It's amazing for me to look back at the pictures and see just how much everyone is growing!

Ella's favorite activity while we were there was canoeing and exploring areas of the lake and the mountains that we had not ever seen.  Landon's was probably the card games and time together.  Eli loved canoeing and also riding on the water behind the boat doing a robot dance.  Emmy loved the water in all ways; canoeing with mom, tubing with mom, walking in the river with Nannie, and just putting her hands in it whenever she could.  They all loved the flowering bridge in Chimney Rock!  Here are some pics from our time.

Two front teeth

During school this morning Eli's front tooth was loose enough that the slightest tug mad it come out.   This is the tooth that has been loose for about 6 months with no willingness to come out.  Right afterwards since there was little pain with the first he decided that he would let me see how wiggly the second was.   It was super loose as well and came out easily.  We can already see the new teeth coming in.   Eli is really enjoying trying to say "th" and "s" without his front teeth.   They were all hoping that we didn't have to finish school because of the excitement but now back to school with a little boy who has a whole new look.   

This morning the funniest thing happened.  Landon and Emmy were at the table.  Emmy had almost finished her breakfast but Landon was just starting.  He was praying before he ate and in his prayer he said, "God, thank you for mom and dad, thank you for Ella, thank you for Emmy...."

Right then Emmy chimed in and said "You're welcome!!"

Her language is coming along so well and she understands so much.  It is amazing to see as this little girl hardly spoke at all the first two weeks we had her and when she did she only whispere

Today I am posting pics from Emmy's actual birthday.  The panda cupcakes (or lovingly referred to as "ma" cupcakes) were a hit.  However, they were mini-cupcakes so there were about 60 of them and they seemed to just keep coming and keep coming.

Emmy is quite the comic in our house, she always offers up laughter at the table during dinner.  This is a cute video Mike had of her enjoying her cupcake.  

However, earlier in the morning when she first wakes up or wakes up from a nap she is pretty grumpy and doesn't want to say much or do anything.  Mike had to get to work so we were trying to have a little birthday breakfast before he left and she wasn't really into it.  Instead she was more interested in snuggling with "ma" but did sit up and blow out her candle.

Happy Birthday Emmy!

Last week Emmy celebrated her 3rd birthday, here with her family!!!  It was so great to celebrate and to admire how far she has come over the last 5 1/2  months!!!  We celebrated on Sunday with a family cookout and cup cakes that looked like fried rice.  She really enjoyed the time with everyone and also enjoyed opening presents.  I think she enjoys ice cream way more than cake but so do I!!!

On her actual birthday we celebrated some more with friends and a large dinner from a Chinese restaurant. She tried lots of foods and while it wasn't exactly like they fix it there it was definitely yummy for all.

A couple of cute pics from the family cookout.  Don't you love the pink converse with her dress?  Those were actually Ella's years ago but Ella was never much for wearing shoes of any variety.  Emmy loves them and I am not sure if she loves them because they are pink or because they are the only ones that she has that tie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRECIOUS EMERY XIAOYA JOYCE!!  YOU ARE SUCH A BLESSING IN OUR FAMILY!!!

May 28, 2014

Emmy is simply fascinated by painted fingernails and toenails.  Since the weather is warm and my toenails have been painted she has constantly wanted to touch and look at them.  M'Lisa was adventurous and decided to paint Emmy's.  She sat really still and enjoyed the whole process.  Shortly after she held up her hands and asked "toes?", thinking we would paint her fingernails as well.

She loves to see anyones painted toenails and tries to take their shoes off even if they are flip flops.  We have seen all different colors but she calls them all "pink toes".  So for the day - here's a pick of some really really cute pink toes!!!

It feels like summer this week!  We must have skipped a few weeks of spring because it is roasting today.  All of the sunshine reminded me of our trip a little over a week ago to Hilton Head, SC.  It was Emmy's first longer road trip on US soil and she did great.  I feel like I keep thinking, "This one is going to be really hard" and she keeps proving me wrong.   She road well and the older kids were a great help at keeping her entertained, helping get her snacks, and also staying quiet when she slept.  She is the first kiddo of mine that will actually sleep in the car.  She doesn't sleep as long as she would at home taking a nap but I was happy to get a little over an hour of sleep in her.  They all enjoyed being at Pappy Lee's house and getting to be outside without the same tree pollen that we had here.  She also had her first experience riding in the Joyce "choo choo bike" which is what the older kids named the bike trailer years ago.  We went on a long bike ride and she rode with Eli in the bike trailer happily the whole time.  We saw lots of cool things such as alligators, a fox, lizards, snails, fox squirrels, and beautiful birds.

What is more fun in the sun than the pool?  The first day we had just gotten there and it was a bit cooler so we just looked at the pool.  The next day we made a trip to the pool for Emmy to get in for the first time.  We thought we were going to do this on our trip in China but Mike nor I ever felt up for it nor did we feel like we needed something to do as we had plenty entertainment just walking around.  Landon, Ella, and Eli jumped right in and Emmy and I sat on the side with our feet in the water.  After 10 minutes of watching the others in the water she was ready to get in.  She enjoyed it a lot although wasn't as much of a dare devil as she is climbing things.  She enjoyed being held in the water or sitting on my lap near the zero entry side.  For a minute or two she decided to sit beside me but after feeling the water move her around a little she was ready to sit on my lap again.  Landon, Ella, and Eli had a great time swimming around and splashing each other.

On Sunday we took a trip to the beach.  It was a beautiful day and the beach was PACKED!  The water was cool enough to make you breathe in deep at first touch but if you were willing to keep your toesies in for a bit you would get used to it.  It's always when that one larger wave comes in or you get the next bit of dry bathing suit in that you remember - this is cold!  Emmy was just fine to watch the water from a distance or encourage her brothers and sister to bring a bucket of ocean water up to her to play in.  She is also still very sure to not walk on surfaces that she isn't familiar with; sand, grass, sloped hills, or wet surfaces.  With that said the sand was like a really cool toy for her hands but she didn't navigate it with her feet.

Sure feel like today would be a great day for the pool but have to wait a couple of weeks.

Ella's song

Landon and Ella are taking piano lessons from a great guy here in town who really works with them in areas they enjoy.   Landon wants to work on Christian contemporary songs and Ella prefers composing her own music along with playing learned pieces.   A few weeks ago Ella sat down and wrote this piece.  After she created this piece he requested that she write lyrics.  At first she was overwhelmed with the idea but gave it a try and this was her result within minutes.   I love the song and in this recording what is so cute is that Emmy joins in on the last word to sing with her sister.  

Love this sunny weather!!!  If it weren't for pollen I think Spring would be my absolute favorite.  Warmer days and cool nights.  Nice enough to wear pants or shorts and be comfortable and everything is in bloom and full of color.  The kids are loving it too and would prefer to do school outside if at all possible.  In the empty lot behind our house the kids spotted a treasure calling our name to come and see it.  Although the wild violets are considered weeds  in your yard they were considered the perfect place for a picnic for us.  We packed our food and a blanket and walked only 20 feet from our yard to have this beautiful picnic.  Emmy isn't so sure about eating outside on the ground yet or walking in the grass.  If you set her down in the grass she won't move unless you hold her hand and still doesn't seem to love it.  However, she saw a pile of dirt and did love digging in that with her hands.  Hopefully this will mean that she enjoys the sand if we make it to the beach.

Hope your days are filled with picnics and beautiful places!

Monday, April 21

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted.  Life with 4 kids is definitely busy!!!!   We are having lots of fun this spring but all of us seem to be in allergy prime time right now.  Ella seems to be doing best but maybe that is her allergy shots and medicine helping her.  Landon has done really well until tonight when his eyes became really red and swollen.   I hear that the pollen is especially bad this year and we certainly feel it.

I hope each of you had an amazing EASTER!!   He is risen - THE LORD IS RISEN!!!    It was a great weekend for us.  Lillie's Friends was on Saturday, and we are honored to be a part of this event to raise money and awareness for the childhood cancer - Neuroblastoma.   Even with rain and cooler temps we had a great time!!!  Sunday was beautiful and the kids had a special morning with church and baskets for Emmy's first Easter.  She wasn't really sure what to think about eggs but as soon as she found out that there was candy inside she was really into opening the eggs.  If there was an egg left unattended it was sure to be opened and the candy to be unwrapped and missing!  What was the sweetest was singing in church there was a song where "He's alive" was repeated and Emmy would sing her heart out and after the song was over continued to tell us "He's alive"!  The picture below was our best attempt of the morning.

Since our last post Emmy  broke her leg which was most upsetting to us.  She handled it all very well and the last few days she had the cast on she started to walk on it.  She was in a cast for 4 weeks but never fussed about it except when she heard the bathtub and that was when she was most upset that she couldn't get in and splash around.  Now that the cast is off she is climbing and going as much as she can.  She limps a little but the doctor said that that would be the case even for several weeks.

Emmy is learning so much and is so expressive and has transitioned amazingly well!!  She continues to astonish us each day with her personality, her language, and her comfort!  She has met most of the family now and has been so open to sharing with them and even letting everyone play and hold her.  She is comfortable in settings such as church, the playground, the grocery store and so much more.  She loves to go for walks, swing, blow bubbles, play ring around the rosie, dance with Landon, Ella, and Eli, color, cuddle, ride in the car, and eat!  On some special occasions she has gotten to have some ice cream and boy was that a hit.  We have come to learn that anything you put in a bowl is free game to be eaten and then every drop turned up to drink out of the bowl.  That's great when you have soup, milk with your cereal, and ice cream.  However, we did find it a bit amusing when the salsa at the Mexican restaurant became soup and when my mom put syrup in a small bowl (because Eli likes to call it "dip it" and wants his on the side").  Emmy, after tasting it, picked the bowl up and turned it straight up to drink down the sweetness of true maple syrup.  

Happy Easter to you all and I am hoping I will get to post a bit more often now!  I won't make any promises, hence the "hoping" part.  

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

I can't believe February is coming to a close!!!  Some days this year have seemed like a long ones with sickness, travel, weather, and change but looking back it all seems like a blur.  The last week has brought warmer temperatures and a bit better sleep (thanks for praying!).  The kids have enjoyed the trampoline, the zipline, the slackline, and bikes.  Emmy has enjoyed watching all of these activities and participating how and when she could.  We had our first whole family outing last Saturday with a trip to Sciworks which was loved by all.  It was an amazing feeling for me to get out and see all of us playing together and thinking how God has put our family together over the years.

This morning Eli said, "Mom, I really like having Emmy Ya Ya here".  When Landon and I mentioned to him that she will always be "here" because she is your sister and will always be your sister he had this tinge of surprise in his voice.  I have been trying to hard to think about all of the new she is encountering and trying to take but I know that they are experiencing so much too.  They seem to be adjusting so well and I am trying to make an effort to spend some quality time with each of them but I need to try to think about how they are processing all of this.  It is so fun to see them all engaged with each other and each day is more fun.  Last night Ella was pulling Emmy around on a blanket on the hard wood floors (no - this isn't my method for cleaning the floors but looked like fun) and Emmy was laughing so hard.  After they were done Emmy tried to give Ella a ride too.

On the medical side, Emmy had an ultrasound yesterday of her kidneys and bladder to look to see if there is any nerve damage or any visible issue with her kidney and bladder from the spina bifida.  She did AMAZING during the ultrasound.  I knew it wouldn't be painful but wasn't sure what she would think of a darker room and having to lay on a table and have a warm jelly like substance put on her.  She didn't make the first whimper and everything checked out great.  There were zero concerns from the pediatrician at this point.  We will still wait to meet with the neurologist in March but were very happy to have that information.

Here are some pictures from our last week.  Hope you all are doing well!  Still don't have that picture of all 4 to apply to our banner on the blog but hope to soon.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

One month since our Jan. 19th Gotcha day!!!!  In some ways it's hard to believe a month has gone by but in others it seems like it has been a LONG month.  We are thankful for all of the blessings this month has brought and also trying to be joyful in times when our circumstances are bearing down on us.

We made it through a tough week last week.  Mike had a business trip at the beginning of the week, and due to the snow he got stuck in New York City for several days.  He still didn't have a flight out on Friday so he was luckily able to catch a ride home with a friend who had been in New York.  He made it home Friday night near midnight.  I knew I was tired but didn't realize just how exhausted I was.   It's amazing how your mind and body can deteriorate with lack of good sleep.

Life in the house is still not in a good routine.  Schooling has started back up but definitely distracted.  Emmy will sit at the table while the others do school work but they are too interested in what she is doing and making her laugh to get school work done.  It's sweet to see them all play together but I will either have to relax and not worry about the amount we are getting done or we will have to spend nap times doing school.

Emmy has been learning new words every day (the last few days; ready, one, two, three, Nannie, Pops, Papa, please, and many others).  She has been able to say Mama but now uses it to get my attention very often.  Before she would just make a sound or tap my arm.  She loves going outside and walking around everywhere.  She watches everything Landon, Ella, and Eli are doing and also follows them around throughout the house.

Today we made it out to Costco together for the first time for none other than DIAPERS.  For me it was good to realize that I can do it, I can get errands done successfully with all of them.  The older kids are really stepping up and helping in so many ways.  For the kids, they were excited to see samples and Emmy quickly decided she liked the Organic whole fruit frozen bars, Landon the sausage, and Ella the chocolate caramel candies.  The sample thing was right up Emmy's alley.  Over the weekend we found out that she really likes to dip things but mostly for the dip and not for what you are using to dip.  Ketchup was a big favorite but she licked it off of the piece of meat and decided it was best by itself.  At a friends house she tried Trader Joe's yogurt, kale & spinach dip.  We were excited that she liked the sugar snap peas that we were using with the dip but she soon only used them for a spoon to eat the dip straight.  She also liked ranch dressing and last night she really enjoyed guacamole.  So back to Costco, they were sampling some vidalia onion salsa and Emmy was a big fan.  I think she is teaching the others a thing or two about trying new foods.

The weather has really made a turn from last week.  While my house seems to be in complete disarray we are enjoying time outside in the afternoons.  I figure there will be time for cleaning up sooner or later but the warm weather may not stick around so we better enjoy that while we can.

Here's a short video of Emmy playing with Landon outside yesterday.

Thursday, February 13th

The snow sure is pretty!   The kids have really enjoyed playing in it today and I have enjoyed seeing them!  Emmy isn't so sure what to think of it but she did go out in it twice today. The snow shoes I have for her are a bit too big and with the snow giving way under her feet she preferred to be held.  Landon, Ella, and Eli all rolled huge snowballs to make snowmen.  

Inside where it is warm the kids have been playing lots as well.  Landon, Ella, and Eli have taken upon themselves to help get Emmy up in the mornings.  She usually wakes up a little grumpy (don't we all do that a lot) so they go in and play silly games until she is ready to get out of the crib.  Thankfully she has been sleeping well most of the week.  Emmy is talking a bit more each day.  A lot of it ain't real words but as she gets more and more comfortable and tries to keep up with her brothers and sister she makes more noise.  She has been singing with me and mimicking everything that her siblings say.  For two days there has been no fussing about sitting in her seat at mealtimes.  

We were able to go to our homeschool group on Monday and it was great to see so many friends!  Ella was still struggling with an ear infection so she didn't stay.  Emmy didn't cry in the car seat starting that day as Ella sat beside her.  She has since been in the van a couple of times and is now used to the car seat and doing well.  

It has been so sweet to see how all of the kids are attaching to each other.   Landon said the other day  "In a year it will probably be hard to remember not having Emmy here".  So thankful for the sweet bonding taking place!  

Sunday, February 9th

So Mike has accomplished what we were thinking may be impossible.  He had Emmy Ya Ya sitting in her booster seat for part of lunch and then all of dinner!!!!  She started in the booster before dinner with coloring and then moved straight into dinner.  After dinner she didn't want to get down and moved straight from food to coloring again.  Mike briefly got her down and she pointed to get back to get into the booster seat.  We are hoping the trend will continue as she can sometimes sit at the table for a meal for an hour or more.  She likes to eat slowly and eat a lot!!!  Over the last few days she has really enjoyed watermelon, watermelon, watermelon, some burger, eggs, and also Mike's smoked BBQ.

Emmy had a checkup with our pediatrician and it went well.  I thought she would cry a lot but she did not.   We will be referred to a children's neurosurgeon to discuss her spina bifida a bit more.  What a blessing it is to have such wonderful children's health providers here in our town.  Emmy ended up having the congestion, fever, and cough that has been through our house.  It's hard to know if it was 2 different viruses or what but it has been a tough go around here.  All of the congestion made it hard for sleeping for a few nights but I think we are getting back on track.  There were a few days where we were mainly sitting and snuggling children most of the day.  For Emmy, she has been a bit fussy when she wakes up since she didn't sleep very well.  Landon, Ella, nor Eli can stand to hear her cry so it is sweet to see how they try to cheer her up.  They are really enjoying their new roles as siblings to little sister.  

Emmy is enjoying wearing Landon's, Ella's, or Eli's shoes around.  I remember Landon and Ella doing this too as toddlers so it is fun to see Emmy do the same thing.  She seems to try all different shoes from crocs to snow boots.  Maybe this week we will get to see a little more snow, wouldn't that be fun to experience since we missed it last time.  The kids are excited at the possibility of sledding but realize that homeschool can still meet when other schools would be cancelled.  It will be fun to see what Emmy thinks of the cold white stuff.  

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Hello from the Joyce house!  We are all still hanging in there.  Eli is finally fever free but yesterday was the first day.  Emmy had a fever yesterday and is very congested.  She slept all the way through the night for 3 nights and then last night she woke up a LOT!   I think it was because she was so congested and couldn't get really comfortable and suck her thumb like she likes to do.  So we spent several hours on the couch sitting up where she could breathe better.  I still have some head congestion myself and a lingering cough.  So we are still staying in trying to get healthy.  So far I am not as stir crazy as I thought I would be.  My devotion yesterday was so helpful as it said "When Christ died he purchased for you the Yes to all God's promises (2 Corinthians 1:20), and that includes the promise to use his sovereign power to govern all the inexplicable, maddening detours and delays of your life for wise and loving purposes.  He is doing a thousand things for you and for his glory in your disappointed plans." Piper Devotions.    There are plenty of great things that have occurred during this time that I may have hurried through if we felt well enough to be out and about.

Emmy has become very comfortable with our house and wanders around without worry, she warms up to people fairly quickly in the comfort of our home,  she is now sitting in a chair (not the high chair) on her own for some meals, she is saying more english words and is quickly figuring out where some things in our house belong.  Whenever she sees pictures of herself she says "Ya Ya" and will even bring a picture to me of her and tell me it's her.  She is beginning to understand "no" much better and doesn't laugh every time we say it.  She is enjoying a few more food items such as pancakes, pizza, and rice cakes.  We still haven't found any vegetables that she is big on and are trying more fruit each day.

We had our visit from our social worker yesterday and everything went well.  Tomorrow we have a doctor's visit so hopefully that will go smoothly as well.  We have yet to try the car seat again but will do that tomorrow for sure.  As a friend told me, it's good to try it in short little spurts instead of long drives.  I can handle crying for a 5 minute drive better than I can for an hour, however, maybe she will be a little more okay with it since she now knows her siblings and they will be sitting near her.

Thanks for your prayers for our transition.  We feel it's going well and we are all looking forward to being healthy so we can venture out.

The pic below is one I took yesterday as she was calming down for the evening and instead of holding onto her sleeve as she sucked her thumb she chose her foot instead.

Monday, February 3rd

Well it's Monday and Mike headed back to work.   We are all still in a brain fog even though we seem to be getting our sleeping times back to normal.   Emmy slept a little better Saturday night and was up from 2-5 so 2 hours shorter than the night before.   Last night she slept straight through the night and hopefully that will continue but we know that it's highly unlikely that it will.   

Eli is still really sick running a fever, congested, and coughing.   I took him to the doctor today but he said that it was not the flu but only an upper respiratory virus.   Ella and Emmy have a low grade fever today so we are praying that they quickly get over any germs they may have.   I am still really congested but much more functional than I have been.   

Emmy is still adjusting well to the family and to the house.   I thought it would be a while before she would be comfortable wandering around the house and exploring but Saturday she would toddle around looking into rooms and trying to open a few doors.   She enjoys all of the toys around but enjoys the attention of her brothers and sister more.  She also likes to get a reaction from her Daddy.  She likes to see what kind of face or noise he will make if she throws or drops a toy.  She laughs the most if she throws something or if she dumps something out and her siblings say "ahhhh!"   

Landon, Ella, and Eli are great with Emmy playing with her but also allowing her space to do her own thing.  Emmy calls for Ella very often and on Sunday while Ella was at church Emmy continued to call for Ella to play with her.   I couldn't have asked them to do any better or be any more understanding than they have been.   

We are really ready to all feel better and at least make it out of the house for some fresh air.   We hope each of you are doing well!   Thanks for all of the yummy food and sweet emails!   

Adjusting

Hello everyone!

It's early Saturday morning and it's the first time I have been awake for more than an hour since 2:00 am on Friday morning.   What I thought was a cold is actually the flu.   Compounded with being up for 34 straight hours and the air travel my body was/is struggling to recover.   

Mike and I were so very thankful for how well Emmy traveled.  Our 14.5 hour flight was completely full but someone was willing to switch a seat so that we had two seats together and one across the aisle. They allowed Emmy to sit in my lap for takeoff and landing so the only tears were when she woke up during a short nap on the plane.  That plane ride was so extremely long!

By the time we finally made it to Charlotte, I was in tears.  The joy of seeing the familiar faces and surroundings.  I had been very homesick and was ready to come home the day after our "Gotcha day".  We knew that Emmy may be very shy upon entering our home and since she had been sound asleep up to that point she was not sure what to think.   Oh the hugs we had missed so much.   It makes me cry just thinking about it.   There were signs, balloons, roses, banners, and so much more!   Ella was so excited to see her sister that she ran outside in her pajamas.  She told me several times that Emmy seemed so small.  She had seen her on FaceTime but she said she was smaller than she thought.   Within an hour Emmy was playing ipad beside Ella.  We figured it was time for everyone to go to bed since it was 2:00 AM.  Emmy went to bed in her crib without fussing.   She woke around 6 or so but mike was able to rub her back and get her to sleep and she stayed asleep until 1:00 pm.  The long day of travel was hard on her as well.  

I missed most of her first day home as I was in bed unable to get up.  However, I could often hear the sweet sounds of laughter from the den and when I was able to venture out for something to drink it was precious to see Ella and Emmy playing together. My mom stayed and since I am sick it has been an amazing blessing to me for her to be here.   She has to be exhausted!!

 Poor little Eli is sick as well and has a fever and congestion so he isn't really playful or energetic.  I am vastly disappointed to be sick and feel like I am missing so much but am also thankful that I am at home and not sick while away from home.   

Emmy's second night was not quite as restful.  She went to bed without fussing but woke up screaming around 1:00 AM.  She wasn't about to go back to sleep so she stayed up playing until about 6:00 am.  She is now back to sleep and will hopefully sleep peacefully for several hours.  We know her little body clock is completely flipped so it will take a while for her to adjust.   

We certainly appreciated all of the prayers during our travel.   I was completely stressed out over it and even though I told myself that God had it all I tried to take on all of it myself!  This pattern of trusting and then trying to do it all myself  (not trusting) seems to be a big struggle for me.   What I see now is that when God called us to adopt and I worked on paperwork for so long and was able to see items get checked off I felt a pride that I was doing what I was supposed to do.  I was listening and obeying. Now I see that if this is His calling that He will see it through, whether I am sick and in bed for days or if I am up and dancing around.  It is all Him, His work, His way, and to His glory.   

They're HOME!

Just a quick update to let everyone know Mike, Brooke, and Emery made it home safely last night after a long, long trip home. They left Hong Kong on time, landing in Chicago on time, but their originally scheduled flight from Chicago to Charlotte canceled. They were rebooked on a different flight that kept getting delayed.

Below: Mike and Emmy sleeping in the Chicago airport, waiting for their flight.

 

Praise the Lord, they finally left Chicago on that flight, and they landed in Charlotte at 9:20pm. Chuck and I picked them up at the airport, and they arrived at their home in Winston at about 11:30pm. Emmy cried a little in the car seat, but she soon fell asleep and slept the whole car trip home. (PRAISE!)

Below: Emmy after getting on her jacket and hat in the Charlotte airport, ready for the ride HOME!

 
Once in Winston, there were lots of hugs between Mike, Brooke, Landon, Ella, and Eli. Such a sweet reunion! Pops and Nannie were there, and Gammy, Jay, and Jennifer popped over for a quick visit to meet Emmy. She was very sweet yet very tired. When we left their house last night, she was laying on her daddy's chest looking very sleepy.

Brooke developed a cold over the past several days, and air travel (of course) did not help, so she is still resting this morning, and Emmy is also still sleeping as I type. While I'm sure everyone is anxious to meet Emmy and welcome Mike and Brooke home, I'm sure today will be a day of recuperating and adjustment for all three of our world travelers. Once Brooke is feeling better, I'm sure she'll blog and have much more to share from their trip.

Please continue to pray for their family during this time of transition and feel free to text or email them your good wishes until they feel ready for visitors. Caroline

Wednesday morning

Hello from Guangzhou! This is our last morning here. We leave late this afternoon for Hong Kong where we will fly out tomorrow to head home!  Yippee!

Yesterday we had to wake early to be out of the hotel at 7:45am for our consulate appointment. This is definitely the earliest we have had to be up and out with Emmy. She was sleeping well so we didn't try to get up in time to eat before we left. The consulate appointment was fine, and we got back for a late breakfast.  

At the consulate Emmy decided she wanted to sit In her own seat and also wanted to on the bus ride back to the hotel. This was great, so we decided to try the high chair...not so great. That is going to be a very slow process. Emmy had already eaten a granola bar, two snack bars, and a couple of little oranges but still managed to eat a whole bowl of noodles and some more oranges.  

We then went to a few shops near the hotel. It's a bit different than home as most of the stores in this little area have the same items, but they are certainly trying to sell them to you. Lots of showing off their products and giving you offers to lower prices. Mike pulled some bargaining skills by grouping items together to see what they would do. Emmy just took it all in but is reaching out to explore a little more.

The afternoon was a nap. Emmy cried both at Monday night's bedtime and Tuesday's nap time. She seems to have a little more nose congestion. Luckily the crying was only a minute or two. Later we took a walk to a nearby park. It was a nice change of scenery for us all. It took Emmy a while after nap time to perk up. She ended up walking a lot in the afternoon and then also as we went to dinner with friends at the Cantonese restaurant.

It has been such a blessing to have met sweet and dear friends on this trip.  We have shared stories, laughs, frustrations, and more. Their daughter has a motherly affection for Emmy that is incredible. This morning at breakfast, she cut up fruit to feed to Emmy as well as spoon feeding her congee. It will certainly be hard to say goodbye to them tomorrow.

After a bath and some sweet snuggle time with daddy, it was time for bed.  I had a screaming headache again so Mike put Emmy to bed. She didn't make a peep as he laid her down!!! Yay!!!

We are ready to make the ride to Hong Kong! Please pray for safe travels today and tomorrow. We are hoping Emmy does well with such a long flight, but we know that  since it is hard for us to sit for so long, that it will be hard for her as well. Please also pray that they are able to seat us together. Right now we don't have seats together by we would prefer we all 3 sit together if at all possible. We also know that having to be in a car seat is going to be hugely difficult on the ride home from Charlotte. Please pray that she will do ok with it as it will be a long drive for her after two plane rides, and we would love for her to be happy for her homecoming!!! 

Thank you for your prayers, and we hope we will get to post another time before we leave, but if not, we will post sometime after we get home!  Enjoy the snow NC!!!

Monday night

We have to leave at 7:45am for our consulate appointment, so I am sending a nighttime post instead. Today has been a good day. We had a leisurely morning with breakfast and a little bit of shopping time near the hotel. Emmy just let me carry her around and seemed to just take in all of the sights around her.  

Around lunchtime, we went with our group to lunch at a Cantonese restaurant and then sightseeing. Our guide ordered items for us that she though we would enjoy such as spring rolls, noodles, sweet pork, sugar snap peas, and some kind of bread. The food was very tasty. Right at the front door they were selling your pick of live eels, turtles, and fish. I was thankful that turtle soup wasn't on the menu.

The area we were in had a lot of French architecture. We had a great walk but missed nap time. Emmy was very relaxed, and I have been very thankful for the wrap my friend let me borrow. Emmy gets in the wrap and just completely relaxes. It sure is easier on my arms than carrying her without it. We haven't seen any of the strollers that we thought would be plentiful in the stores, but we aren't sure that Emmy would ride in one if we had it. 

With no nap, she did really well the rest of the day without fussing. We made a trip to a playground where she ran around and even tried out the swing. Emmy continues to open up a bit more each day and played with Andrea, who is another mommy who adopted a little boy from Emmy's class at the same orphanage. I am hoping that the video works to see Emmy running around the playground chasing me. We took turns chasing each other, but she found it more amusing to chase me than the other way around.

We are so thankful for how well Emmy is doing so far. In my devotion today ,I was reminded of how our Father knows everything we need and knows when we need it. Do not worry and do not be anxious. So as I start thinking ahead to the transition that Emmy will have coming home, I am trying to remember this. Mike and I are so ready to come home, but we know that it isn't just going to be our getting back into our routine but will include so many changes for everyone in our home.

Good night to you all, or I guess good morning to you in your time zone.

Monday morning

(Sorry this post is a little late. I received it last night after I had already gone to bed. Caroline)

Hello everyone!

Well it is Monday morning here. Sunday was a hard day, but the Lord is good always and sustained us through the day. After breakfast, we had to leave for Emmy's medical checkup. We asked for prayers as we worried about the blood draw, but the worst part of it all was when they had to take her picture. It was the first thing they did, but we had to wait for 30 minutes before we started. Most of the kids went in and sat on the chair and either smiled or looked on with interest as their picture was taken.  

Once we saw that she had to sit by herself, we knew it may be difficult. As soon as we sat her in the chair, she screamed and arched her back, sliding out of the chair. Our guide tried to explain to her hat they just needed a picture. She wouldn't calm down so we had to go out in he hall while others took their picture.

When she calmed back down we made our way back to the room, and as soon as we stepped inside, she completely melted down. My heart was breaking as I couldn't communicate with her and at least get her to open her eyes. They said it would be fine if she was crying but that they had to see her eyes. So out to the hall we went again. This was probably 25 minutes into the process, and I was working to comfort her, and poor Mike was having to work to comfort me. I was praying for her to just open her eyes.  

After a while, we went back in with an idea on how to manage. We covered her eyes until we were about to set her I the chair, and we had he photographer ready. It didn't work. The photographer was saying "not now, calm her down," and Mike had Emmy, and she thought we were leaving, but he said "one more" and quickly set her down, and the photographer snapped a photo. She was crying really hard but you could see her eye!!! Praises were lifted! I was a wreck! We were all so weary after that but the Lord carried us through.  

Luckily the next stops  - for height, weight, then ears and mouth, then another check and lastly the blood draw - she did really well with all of those!!! It was really crowded with lots of adoptive families because it was the last day they were open before closing for the New Year.

On the bus ride back to the hotel Emmy fell asleep. She was physically and emotionally drained, and so were we. She stayed asleep until we opened the door to our room!  I went ahead and laid her down, but she was too hungry to sleep. She ate a huge lunch, and then we all took a nap!!! We all felt so much better after a nap!

In the evening, all of the families went on a river cruise. Emmy seemed to like the boat. It was interesting to see the buffet on the boat and to experience what it was like. When we usually have a buffet-type dinner, the people line up at the plates and go down and serve themselves. Here, it was a free for all where you just run and grab! It was quite interesting to see, and luckily Emmy and I were not in the middle of it. Mike was trying to get plates for us all, and it was definitely a different experience for him.

Emmy was adamant on feeding herself which was great, but I ended up wearing a lot of rice and noodles in the process. After we ate, we ventured out on the deck to see all the sights of the city. It was really pretty as all of the bridges were lit with different colors. Emmy really was lively, walking around a lot and talking and laughing. By the time we made it back to the hotel, she was running through the halls. She went to sleep right away, but Mike and I were not as lucky. Our nap earlier in the day made it harder to go to sleep but gave us time to talk about the day. So thankful for God's grace and mercy!!!

Today is a free day in the morning with some sightseeing in the afternoon. We are excited that we are closer to coming home. Love to all!!!

Sunday morning

It's Sunday morning here. Today we have medical appointments for our kids. It will probably take a while since we have 5 families going together. Please pray for Emmy and the other children as I am sure they won't understand what is going on, and since she is over 2, they have to do some type of blood test so that may be difficult.

Yesterday we had a good day. After a good night's sleep (Emmy slept in until 9am), we had breakfast at the hotel. It is quite a buffet with lots of choices both Chinese and American. Emmy's favorites were the cereal and the noodles.

We played a bit and went outside for a while. The weather here is great. Mid 70s with the low at night around 55. It was great to not be bundled up. However, this is their winter weather so we did see many people with coats and jackets on. After nap time we went with our group on a little sightseeing trip and also did a little shopping. Emmy wasn't into the sightseeing very much but really enjoyed walking up and down the stairs and ramps.

After that excursion, we had to do some paperwork. Thankfully it went quickly, and then we all went to dinner with our guide. We went to a Cantonese restaurant where they quickly made a large table for us. Dinner was really yummy with our favorites being the green beans. It was all good including the lamb which I have never eaten much of. Emmy ate a bit of the lamb but more of the fried rice. We have figured out today that she thinks it is rather funny when we tell her "no." She laughs and then does it again. At dinner this caused a little meltdown. We will have to try to help her understand what it means over time. She is associating some English with pictures now such as quack when she sees a duck.

She continues to talk more and laugh more. She even will explore around the lobby some without us holding her. After such a big change over the last 24 hours with the plane ride, new hotel, and some new faces around, she was exhausted tonight. As I gave her a bottle tonight, she pointed at the crib. We prayed, laid her down, and she was asleep within minutes.

It's a praise that Mike is feeling better today! His ears and head have cleared up for the most part. It is also a praise to have a lot less smog here and warmer weather.

We hope you are all staying warm and well! We thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Saturday morning

Thank you all for your prayers!

Yesterday was a full day. We spent most of the morning packing as everything we packed Emmy liked to unpack and bring to us. So it became a game of some sort. We also played jumping games and were able to face time with our kids who were staying with the Garretts. Technology is certainly amazing!

After a short nap for Emmy, we checked out of our hotel. Emmy could tell there was something up but was fine. We stopped to pick up our little one's passports - yeah! We also stopped by for a short visit to the city wall. Then on to the airport.

Emmy was really active and was actually taking papers to lots of different people. She was playful in the airport among all of the crowds as well. Once on the airplane, she would have nothing to do with sitting in her own seat, but luckily they didn't seem to think anything of her being in my lap for takeoff and landing. She did amazingly well except for the time I had to go to the bathroom. She cried for awhile but later perked up to eat some dinner. I was so very thankful that the flight went so well for her!!!

By the time we made it to the hotel and checked into our room, it was after 11:00pm. The room here is nice but definitely smaller than the last. Emmy was wide open, so putting her to bed led to a bit of fussing. Then for the first time, she woke up at 2am in the morning upset. We couldn't figure out exactly what was wrong. She didn't want to lay with us so Mike held her and walked her around the room until she was calm and happy, and she went right back to sleep in her crib. I am sure this last day was overwhelming with so much change and different surroundings and an airplane. Right now (9am Saturday morning), she is still asleep, but I pray she wakes up happy and feeling safe with us.

We thought we had our medical checkup today, but they said not until tomorrow. So we don't have anything until 2pm this afternoon. There is a Starbucks at our hotel so Mike is very happy, and there is a McDonalds right beside the hotel. I don't eat McDonalds at home so I don't think we will try it here.

I feel like this is the last big part of our journey in China, so we are closer to coming home. Thank you all for taking such care of my family through prayers, play dates, calls, and even the ice cream - Santa Claus paid a visit, I hear!