Getting Adjusted

It's been quite an adjustment our first couple of days back home. We had a couple of rough nights with Anna trying to get her back to sleep when she's wide awake at 1:00am. Though she is getting better. The last night she slept almost 10 hours! We've learned to just leave her in her crib and she will cry herself to sleep. She's usually out within a few minutes, and if she fusses during the night she will also put herself back to sleep. She sleeps with a pacifier and a little wash towel clutched to her cheek. It seems to comfort her for some reason. She still needs to get used the car seat. We've gone on a couple of outings and she starts out okay but when the toys get old, she wants out. We are enjoying every minute of her, even the late nights/early mornings don't bother us. She brings us so much joy.

This was waiting for us when we got home.

Practicing walking. She'll be ready soon.

Our newest Charger fan.

Charger girls.

Such a ham!

A view from behind.

Look at those big feet for such a little girl!

Home!

Merry Christmas!! We made it home at about 8:45 pm on Christmas Eve. It was a very very long trip. Guangzhou to Beijing, Beijing to LAX, LAX to San Diego. Anna was very fussy most of the way. Cheerios will only go so far. She was fine when we were walking from terminal to terminal. She likes to people watch, but once we got on the plane she was restless and irritable. We drew a lot of attention on the plane. I would like to apologize to those people. But we made it home safe and that's all that matters. It was so good to see Ric and Donna at the airport because that meant home was only a car ride away. Anna has never been in a carseat before so she was not happy about being restrained. I told her she better get used to it. Our internal clocks are all messed right now so Anna didn't fall asleep until 1:30 am. For us, we could not wait to sleep in our own bed after 2 weeks of sleeping on particle board mattresses. We had a lovely Christmas here at home with my family. Anna was slowly warming up to everyone, especially big brother Ryan. They looked so sweet together. Later we went to John's parents house where Anna got to meet Grandma, Grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins. She opened up a little with them, but it had already been a long day for her and she was about to meltdown. And she melted down all the way back home, poor thing! Today is Friday and we've been up since 2am! Poor Anna she's been through so much change it's no wonder she's so cranky. When we first got home she took a good look all around the house and the look on her face was like she was saying "Where am I now?"

Bundled up for Beijing. It was 37 degrees when we landed there.

Enjoying her first meal at home. Thanks for the highchair, Cousin AJ!

Napping in her own crib as Pooh watches over her.

Already melting big brother's heart

Entertaining Uncle Ric, Uncle Manong and cousin Wendy

Loving Aunt Debbie

She loved meeting Aunt Roxanne, Aunt Lisa and Grandma, but stayed close to Daddy.

Last day in Guangzhou

Today is our last full day in Guangzhou. The weather changed quite suddenly yesterday and was cold and windy. Today was a little warner but still needed to bundle up. We had our last group meeting this morning to go over everyone's travel schedule. In the afternoon, we all took a bus to the Civil Affairs office for the oath ceremony. There were about 45 other families there. The ceremony took all of maybe 10 mins. We also received Anna's passport and visa. It was there that we said goodbye to 2 of our travel families as they were taking the train to Hong Kong to catch their flights home. The rest of us leave throughout the day tomorrow (Weds.) We were already talking about a reunion and visiting each other. I think we've made some lifelong friends. This has been the most incredible trip of my life. And we're bring home the best souvenir. We have enjoyed sharing this experience with you. There was great comfort in knowing that you guys were with us every step of this amazing journey. We'll be home soon!

 

Red Couch & Group Photo

Is she Daddy's girl or what?

The hotel has a play room where Anna enjoyed a horse ride on Kyla with dad Hal.

Our group photo.

Li Na, Gracie, Juliana, Jossie, Anna, Zia and Zoe

These girls stoled the show.

Anna, Jossie & Juliana

Especially from behind.

But she's Mommy's girl too.