We've been home for nearly 4 days!

We got home late on Thursday night (6/2) without any delays or problems.  The flight was over 14 hours, direct from Hong Kong to Chicago.  We had a few hours to get through immigration and customs, before catching our flight to Muskegon.  From there, just 45 minutes to home!  When we could see Lake Michigan, before we landed in Muskegon, Joe and I looked at each other.  We both were tearful.  Such a long trip, but SO worth it!  Amazing how a couple weeks can change your whole life! 

The boys were waiting for us when we got home, with banners and balloons.  They were both still dressed in their baseball uniforms.  I think we all fell into bed around 11pm or so (after eating a late dinner, baths, and showers).  Over the weekend, Joe and I suffered from horrible jet lag.   Malia seemed unaffected, thank goodness.  She has slept 10-11 hours every night since we got her 2 weeks ago.  Kids are so much more resilient than us! 

I haven't taken many photos since we got home.  Just trying to spend quality time together.  I tried to get pics the first night, but Malia was wild with her lack of sleep!  I'll try to get some of her and the boys together in the next couple of days.  My sleep deprivation really killed me-on Sunday, I took 3 naps! 

Everyone has been asking how Malia has been doing.  To say that she couldn't do any better is an understatement.  This little girl is amazing!  She wakes up happy every day.  She understands much of what we are saying-probably more than we even know-much like a toddler would understand you, but not be able to say that many words.  She understands, "are you hungry, are you thirsty, wash your hands, do you need to go pee pee, brush your teeth, time to get dressed, get your shoes on, feed the kitty, we're going bye-bye, time for night night" and so much more! 

Malia says many simple words, but is learning more every day.  Today, her favorite phrase was, "Bailey, go lay down".  Bailey is our Chesapeake Bay Retriever, who only wants to sniff and love on poor Malia.  Bailey wouldn't harm a flea, but she's big and weighs 3 times as much as our girl, so that's scarey to her.  Malia made a little song out of, "Bailey , go lay down" and kept repeating it over and over and over.  Poor puppy-she listened and went and laid down by the slider, looking defeated!  LOL! 

We went to the doctor today.  Malia did great and seemed to understand my Chinese explanation of where we were going.  Thank God for the book, "Simple Chinese for Adoptive Parents".  That book and CD have been a lifesaver for us!  On the way there, we listened to some children's song in Chinese, that we bought in China.  Malia knows most of the words to many of the songs.  There are 3 CD's full of songs, so that's a lot of songs!  The doctor decided to order labwork, to check Malia's titers, before we give immunizations, so I'll bring her to the lab tomorrow, to have them drawn. 

We've got Nolan's baseball game tonight.  I'm hoping she'll just want to sit on mama's lap the whole time.  I'll bring some toys and things to occupy her attention.  Wish us luck! 

I would say things are going way better than we could have anticipated.  Malia is independent, but loving, and just so smart.  She amazes us every day!  We are so lucky to have her in our life!  Nolan would like more hugs from her and I assure him that it will take time.  She will receive hugs, but not always ready to give them.  If she does, I'm usually the lucky recipient.  Even daddy has trouble getting hugs.  We are a hugging family, so I think she'll learn by example in no time! 

Lindsey

Saying Goodbye...

Lots of goodbyes.  Last night, we ate at our favorite hole in the wall restaurant (5th floor above Jordan's), here on the island.  We've decided that the people who run it must live there.  We were the only ones there, at 5:30pm, and when we left after 6pm, no one else had showed up.  Perhaps they were closed on a Tuesday night, but we gave them our request of food, written by our guide, and they cooked us food.  LOL!  We probably gave them a story to tell-these white people keep showing up with food for them to cook!  They did have 2 cooks that were dressed up in uniforms, so who knows.  It was good, as before.  The hot peppers in garlic sauce are AWESOME!  Good with their rice.  Joe helped himself to the Pearl River "beer" in the fridge, which was more like a sparkling wine or fruity beer/wine cooler thing, but it was good and refreshing. 

Last night and today, we said goodbye to a lot of adoptive families.  Some who are leaving tomorrow or Friday, some who just got here a few days ago and will leave next week.  I will miss the sense of camaraderie that we all feel for each other.  We all seem to understand one another.   No explanation needed.  Adoption is complicated and international adoption has even more unknowns, with a language barrier thrown into the mix.  A crazy leap of faith, not for the faint of heart! 

Joe and I talked earlier today.  We've been told, by several people, that Hangzhou (Malia's province) is known for it's beautiful people.  We could be prejudice, but we think Malia is one of the sweetest faces we've seen!  :)  Of course, all the Hangzhou beauties we saw at her orphanage stole our hearts as well! 

When Malia woke up this morning, she started making swimming motions.  This girl LOVES the pool, loves the water!  Wait until she experiences Lake Michigan!  I think she will love Michigan in general.  She's a little oven, so I think she'll love the snow and all the seasons.  Her laugh is so contagious, she draws attention everywhere we go.  We feel so blessed and know she is the perfect fit for us!  She'll keep up with the boys, no problem! 

Pictures from our room. Guangzhou

Looking down at the street below the White Swan.  Sometimes, I'd look down and see people we knew, walking by. 

Looking over the island, to the city of Guangzhou

Malia loves green grass and loves this building.

China girl

Our attempt at more red couch photos.  Interrupted by rude Chinese tourists.  Won't miss them!  They took pictures of Malia and Joe in the pool today.  Cameras not allowed, but they don't think that applies to them I guess.   Just ready to get out of here.  Can you tell?!  LOL!

"Mom, I'm done posing and am ready for the pool you promised!"

Fake smile! 

Yes, I'm cute, but lets go swimming!

How long do I have to give this fake smile?!

Finally, a real laugh for Daddy!

This is the laugh that gets the whole world laughing with her!

Daddy's girl already!