After 2 weeks at home....

All Smiles

We have been home now for 2 weeks and starting to get adjusted and get times on schedule.  I have had a lot of people ask if we were going to continue this blog.  The answer is yes.  It will not be a daily blog but we will post every 1-2 weeks.  So for the last 2 weeks, how has it been?  We have been busy.  The first week home was just trying to get Sarah Grace to settle in and adjust to her new forever home and family.  She is doing great.  She has become an explorer.  The first couple of days at home, she would just sit mainly and play with her toys.  Since then we have had to toddler proof everything.  She enjoys walking around with her walking toys or any other toy she can push across the floor.  She became very familiar with the steps and where they are.  We got smart and put up a gate.  After she went to bed one night I put up the gate, the next morning she crawled right over as normal and when she got there she stood up and worked her best to try and figure out how to get thru.  Eventually she gave up and now she has realized there is no need to waste her energy going that way.  She is sleeping pretty good now and when she wakes up, she is so precious.  First thing in the morning is so fun.  She will wake up with smiles and grins.  She is so lazy while drinking her first bottle and that makes it fun to hold her.

On our way to the mountains

After that, she is ready to go.  She is amazingly smart I think.  She watches and remembers things that you wouldn't expect.  Amy was at home with her the other day while I was at work and she had stepped into the kitchen real quick.  When she came back to the living room, Sarah Grace had positioned herself on the changing pad and was laying on her back with the powder in hand acting as if she was putting powder on herself.  Each day is a step forward in this new life for both she and the 2 of us.  Figuring out what our new life looks like for now is what we are working on.  That will all change again in February when Seth arrives.  This little angel changes so much as time goes by.  Her hair is growing like crazy, we are ready for it to get long enough for bows.  She is eating great and is just amazing to watch.  I walked in the first day after work and when I came around the door, she saw me.  She pushed her toys aside and crawled towards me for a hug.  I think she is starting to love her mommy and daddy.  I have seen her lunge from my arms into Amy's.  She is a blessing to us and we are so thankful for her.  All the adjusting can be exhausting at times, but just looking at her smiling face with grins from ear to ear will melt all that away.  She is an amazing little girl.

Already trying to talk on the phone and drive

Giving love to my doll.  When we say give her love this
what she does.

I can help do coupons with mommy

First Day waking up at home

First trip to the doctor at home

Today was Sarah Grace's first day waking up at home.  She woke up around 4:30am and was ready to play.  She has a cold, so she didn't sleep that well due to the breathing and coughing.  She went back to sleep around 6 when she got a bottle and slept for another hour or so.  Her sleeping is off a little.  Time change is hard on anybody, but especially on a child.  She did pretty good overall though.  Today we went to the doctor to get her checked out.  She has had a bad tummy and we wanted to make sure everything is alright.  We took off to Raleigh and she did great at the doctor.  They did a check up and now have to do some lab work results to make sure all is ok.  Probably just the transition and all that has her tummy upset.  When we left the doctor, we went to the mall to get her some shoes that fit.  We had lunch and got fitted for some new shoes then we were back to Rocky Mount.  She took a nap in the car for a while and when we got home, she fell asleep for 2 hours on the floor.  I was off to Walmart for some supplies.

Mommy is good at this

She and mommy were tired little girls.  We had to wake her up after 2 hours of sleeping to make sure she would sleep tonight.  She was so hard to wake up.  Took us about 20 minutes of playing with her and moving her to get her going.  She played, but was extremely tired all afternoon.  We had to keep her going.  At one point she started to fall asleep and we had to go get a bath to wake her up.  She has explored the house today and been all over the place.  She is off to sleep and hopefully for a good night.

I like my new chair

Ready for dinner.
Fourth child for this highchair
made by Granddaddy.

My new walking practice toy

We are Finally Home

Mommy's Gotcha Day

After 17 days, we have finally made it home.  I know many are wondering how she did on the long plane ride.  She was pretty good for the most part.  She played and ate.  The hard part for her is sleeping in your arms.  She doesn't do well with that.  She likes to roll during her sleeping and be free.  When she can't, she gets upset.  She slept probably a total of 2 hours on the 14 hour plane ride home.  She was a little fussy during the end of the plane ride as she was exhausted.  It is hard because you can't do anything for her to make her feel better and you know it is because she want's to sleep, but can't.  Anyway, we made it back on our first leg to Chicago and had to get thru customs and make it to our gate within 2 hours.  We made it thru.  Customs was very easy.  We got to the customs area and there were 3 families with adopted kids.  All of us had little girls of which came from the same orphanage.  If you remember earlier from one of my post, there were 3 of them that came from the same home.  It was pretty cool that they were all on the same flight to America and became US Citizens at the same time.  We all entered customs and then had to turn in paperwork for them.  They took us to a holding room while they processed the paperwork and then said welcome home.  Best words ever.  We then ventured to get our bags and recheck them.  Once all was complete, we made it to the gate with about 15 or 20 minutes to spare.  We loaded up on the flight to RDU.  She had a bottle on the plane and feel fast asleep.  She slept most of this flight home and woke up as we landed. We got off the plane and of course, we wanted to change her clothes.  She had food all over them and we didn't want mommy to think we didn't take care of her.  We finally made it to the waiting area where mommy was anxiously awaiting.  I had already text her when we landed so she knew we were there.  When we got to mommy, she just gazed at her for a short time and then I handed her off.  She kind of had that same look as when I got her on "Gotcha Day".  This was mommy's Gotcha Day.

So happy to see this little angel

She just sat in Amy's arms as if she was trying to figure out everything.  We went downstairs and Amy played with her while I got luggage together and then we headed to the car.  This was going to be the first time she had been in a car seat.  China doesn't require this and she had never been confined in a car before.  We got her in and mommy sat in the back with her.  She had a few snacks and before we got out of the parking lot, she was asleep.  She slept all the way to Rocky Mount.  Mommy just sat in the back and looked at her.  She even made the comment, "I just can't stop looking at her".  We made it home and she came in for the first time.  We took her thru the house and then upstairs to her room.  She just took it all in.  It seemed as if she really liked all there was to see and then we sat in the floor and played for a while.  Some of the family came by to see her for a minute and she played.  She had a blast.  We gave her a bath and it was off to sleep.  She was exhausted and we were too.  First night with mommy.  Let's see how this goes.

Tears of joy and anticipation of this day. FINALLY

Day 16 Last Day in China

All the little ones adopted during our journey (14 Total)

Today is our last day in China.  We are all packed up and ready to go to Hong Kong.  This is our last night away from home.  I have made several ventures on long plane rides going to Japan and I have never looked forward to a 13 or 14 hour plane ride.  I can say that I am really looking forward to this one.  I can't wait to set foot on the plane.  That said, I will be ready to get off just as much, but at least getting on is a good feeling.  We are going to Hong Kong today so we can get close to the airport.  The other alternative was to leave here at 5AM tomorrow morning and head to the airport in Hong Kong.  I thought a good night sleep would do her and us good for the long journey home.  I will say that even though we are extremely excited about going home, I feel a little sorry for her at this time.  I know she has to be feeling that she is getting better care at this point than she was, but she will be leaving every smell and familiar look she has ever known.  The good thing is that she has taken really well to us and you can tell she knows she is loved.  This morning after I got out of the shower, she was laying on the bed finishing her bottle.  I went over to lay with her and play so nana could get a shower.  I would tickle her and she would loose her breath laughing.  I would stop and she would play for a minute laying on her back and I would watch TV for a minute.  She would then get close to me and start hitting my leg with her leg.  I would look at her and she would start to grin.  It was all over her face that she wanted to be tickled and play.  The way she will come to you now and reach up wanting you to pick her up and when you do, she will wrap her arms around me and just hug me.  That gives me a peace in knowing that she has felt the love from us and is comfortable with being with us.  This little girl is so full of life and smiles.  I can't wait to get her to Raleigh and introduce her to mommy face to face.  I would love for her to jump in Amy's arms and just know who she is without blinking an eye, but I think Amy and I both would almost like the sight of her being a little shy right at the start.  This is a sign that she has formed a bond and then know that her bond with Amy will be formed as quick as her bond with me.  As much as I love this little girl, she will feel double when we get home to mommy.  I know she is excited and can't wait to get Sarah Grace in her arms.

Day 15 US Consulate for Visa

Today was a pretty relaxed day.  We started off the morning pretty early to go to the US Consulate for an appointment to apply for the visa.  This was a very short trip and very well organized.  We were only gone for about 2 hours and then we were back.  We had to do group pictures today as well. This was interesting.  We did these about 11:30 which was right in the middle of lunch and nap time for a lot of these kids.  All the kids were dressed up in some sort of an outfit, either casual or traditional Chinese wear.  Sarah Grace had on one of her new dresses that I got her while we were here.  She did pretty good for the pictures, but it was tough.  She was so tired.  She laid her head on my shoulder and went asleep within minutes while we were waiting to do the group pictures.  I was moving her and playing with her to try and keep her awake until we got back to the room and could give her a bottle.  This would not be good if she had slept enough to get her a cat nap and then no nap after her bottle.  The good news is that she did end up waking up and she slept for over 2 hours today for her nap.  We then walked across the parking lot to a little shop trying to find some sort of bag or suit case for her.  The cool thing about shopping in China is that you get to bargain with them.  The CCAI rep on the bus was talking today to everyone about going shopping.  Her comment was if you want to get a good deal, take Chris.  Everyone knows I like a good deal.  It is pretty easy here.  Just name your price and walk away.  They will get there.  The saying in China is "No Bargain, No Fun".  Anyway, after an interesting dinner at a shop across from the hotel, we were back.  Ready to play and have fun for a bit and then bath time followed by sleep!  Can't wait.  She fought it for a bit tonight, but finally gave up the battle.  Tonight is the final night here and tomorrow afternoon we are heading to Hong Kong.  That will be exciting as that is the last night before we fly out.  Not sure how she will do on a 13 hour flight, but I can say I have never looked forward to a flight as much as I have this one.  I am so ready.  We should get her visa tomorrow afternoon and then we off.  Some may wonder why she needs a visa.  For now, she has gotten a Chinese passport as part of this 2 weeks worth of waiting and work.  Anyone entering or leaving China has to have a visa.  This goes in her Chinese passport.  Although officially our little Sarah Grace Hyman, she doesn't become a US Citizen until she lands on US soil.  We will get the passport when we get back.  So looking forward to home and my wife!!!!!!

Day 14 Another Free Day

Eating outside at the park

Today was mostly a free day.  Sarah Grace loves these kind of days.  She enjoys small settings with a few people.  We were able to sleep in and then we ventured down for a nice breakfast.  After breakfast, I ventured down to the pearl market for a short time and then back to the hotel.  After her nap, went outside in the play area and stayed for at least 2 hours.  She really enjoys it out there.  We played and ate and even got on the slide.  She absolutely loved the slide.  As you can see from the picture, she grins from ear to ear.  Tonight was a group dinner at a chinese restaurant.  We walked there as a group and sat together having a family style serving of different dishes.  They were pretty good.  Sarah Grace loves her rice and noodles.  I finally ate some green beans and they were amazing.  I have missed vegetables.  We cam back to the hotel and she then was ready to play for a little while.  She is funny.  I went in the bathroom to start running her bath water in the tub and when she hears the water start, she moves as fast as she can to the bathroom.  She loves her bath time.  Not so much the washing time, but the play in the bath she loves.  Trying to get her to stand up so you can wash her legs is a task.  You have to prepare to be soaking wet when you get done.  I see her most favorite time and her worst time all in one setting.  Getting in the bath is the best time, but taking her out is another story.  She gets mad when it is time to get out.  Doesn't matter how long you leave her in there.  I let her play for a while tonight and even ran more water so she could warm up.  Again, another day closer to coming home.

hanging out with daddy

 We have 1 more night in this hotel and then we leave for Hong Kong.  We spend our last night in Hong Kong before departing for North Carolina to see mommy!!!  Can't wait.

Who would have thought?
I know how to use chop sticks

Playing peek-a-boo with daddy

Day 13 River Boat Cruise

Tonight we went on a river boat cruise.  This was simply a dragon shaped boat that had a lower and upper deck.  We started in the lower deck and ate Papa Johns Pizza.  You don't realize how much you miss pizza and a burger until you have been gone for a while.  Once we were done eating, we went to the upper deck and sat outside to watch the scenery pass by.  The bridges were stranded with lights and the trees along the side were also sparkling.  Some of the buildings had lights going up the and a tower that stood high.  This build was cool as it changed colors every so often.  Sarah Grace seemed to enjoy the ride.  Not sure she cared much or not.  She did watch the lights for little while.  When we got back to the hotel, it was late.  We got back and it was time for bed.  We tried face time with mommy for a minute.  She was getting very sleepy and fussy.  Not a good time for mommy to watch as she wants to be there for her when this happens.  Following her bottle, she was gone.  We only have 2 nights after tonight remaining in this hotel.  We will leave Thursday afternoon by van to go to Hong Kong for 1 night and then FINALLY it is back to North Carolina.  Home Sweet Home.  We have managed to stay away from sickness for the most part here.  I can say that I am ready to see a cheeseburger, steak, salad or anything of that nature.  I am simply looking forward to being able to brush my teeth with water from the faucet and not from the bottle.  Anyway, another day closer.

Day 13 Trip to the doctor

Today was the day we had to go as a group to the doctors office.  This location does only adoptions and there were 14 families total.  A few of the kids had to get shots based on their age and some didn’t.  There were some crying and some screaming.  Sarah Grace didn’t have to do shots since she is under 2.  She only had to do a general screening, which consisted of me telling them what she has done over the last couple of days and they wrote it on a piece of paper.  They then listened to her breathing and heart; followed by checking her tummy and her back out.  She then had to go to the next station which was where she got weighed and her temperature taken.  She has gained about 2lbs since we have had her.
The last stop for her was the ENT station.  This was where they checked her hearing, thought, and eyes.  Not sure if they even did anything with her nose.  After these 3 short stops, she was said to be ok.  I know she is, but this was as simple of a check up as you could ever imagine.  Next stop for the doctor is when we get home and see her pediatrician.  Anyway, she was great.  Not a sound from her.  She was content the entire time.  After a nice long nap, we went outside and played for a while.  She was all smiles.   Tonight we are going on a river boat cruise and having a pizza party from Papa Johns!!!

Day 12 Tour and more paper work

Today was a free day which we decided to take a short tour of the city which lasted about 3.5 hours in the morning.  This was a tour of the temple, old Cheng house and a store for some shopping.  I had intentions of shopping for 1 thing while I was here and that was to get her a traditional dress for keeps.  I was told this was a good place to get the dresses.  We did find some dresses for her and another little outfit that was traditional as well.  We also got mommy a dress so they can take some pictures together.  When we arrived back at the hotel, it was nap time.  She was exhausted from the travel yesterday and the trip today.  She slept for about 2 hours.  I had to go downstairs in the hotel to do some additional paperwork.  You would think after 4.5 years of papers and waiting that we would be finished with paperwork.  Not True!!!! We have filled out as much paperwork here as we did during the rest of the time.  I am not sure how many pages of paper you have to sign in order to get legal guardianship of a little child who is sitting in an orphanage.  I think there could be some simplification done here.  Anyway, it is worth every page.  When I got back upstairs, we played and went around the hotel.
Nana had taken her to the outside garden area and let her hang out on a bench for a while.  She seems to be very open and outgoing in the hotel or a small setting.  When we go out to the open areas where there are crowds, she tends to shutdown slightly.  Each day opens new pieces of this little angel.  She wanted to walk everywhere tonight.  She would walk around the bed, to the mirror and play with her image in the mirror as if she was trying to figure out what that was.  She got her first boo boo tonight as she was making her way around the bed to the mirror.  She tripped over her feet and fell.  She caught the wall with her little forehead.  I found out this little girl can scream and wake an entire hotel.  After a few seconds of her screaming and me holding, she finally stopped and started eating.  Yes, imagine that.  She forgot completely about the fall when she saw food.  Thank God for mini buns.  We talked to mommy for a while last night and then we got really tired and fussy.  Not sure mommy could stand it.  I do know one thing and that is when she gets so tired she is fussy, it is lights out for her.  She went out pretty quick.  This is another day down and a day closer to going home.  We are coming mommy!  We Love You.

Day 11 Arrive in Guangzhou

We arrived at our last major location before leaving to go back home.  Tonight was interesting.  Sarah Grace has decided to start walking everywhere.  She no longer wants to play on the bed right in your lap.  She has figured out that she can walk and venture out to new locations.  After a while of playing we decided to call mommy to face time with her.  As we sat and talked to mommy, it slowly became her bedtime.  I proceeded to make her a bottle and mommy wanted to just sit and watch her eat it.  As I sat feeding this little girl, I heard mommy sniffling on the phone and some shedding of tears.  I feel bad for Amy as I sit here sometimes.  I know this is part of her journey too and she has had this pictured in her mind for 11 years now.  Not sure why God works in the ways he does, but there has to be a reason for this.  I would give anything I could if I could trade with Amy right now and let her experience this.  I realize this is the heart of a mommy breaking as she wants to be here holding this little angel.  The thing we look forward to is that we have the rest of our lives with her.  There will be lots of time to spend together.  I have heard stories and read of the changes these little ones make very quickly after getting with their forever families.  I would have never guessed how much.  I look at her tonight and I don't see the same little girl that I saw on Gotcha Day.  Everything about her seems to change before your eyes.  Her hair, her face, her skin, her weight and her personality.  It all changes by leaps and bounds from day 1 with her.  I have seen these changes in the other little ones who are with us also.  Tonight everyone is worn out and we are heading to bed.

Day 11 First Air Plane Ride

Loading up on my first plane ride

Today we traveled by plane from Zhengzhou to Guangzhou.  This is our final stop so that we can get to see the doctor and get her visa here.  This was a big day as it was her first plane ride.  She was perfect.  We actually got on the plane around 12:00 and we in the air by about 12:30.  We gave her a bottle right at take off and she went off to sleep as she ate.  After about 40 minutes into it they started passing out food.  Of course, she woke up during this time.  She continued the rest of the flight playing with her toys.  Today’s flight turned out quite interesting.  The was a young Chinese lady riding beside Debbie on the plane.  At the begining of the flight, she asked about her and she was told she was our little blessing and that my wife was at home.  She didn’t say much during the flight, but later had some interesting comments.  She leaned over as we were starting our descent into the airport and told Debbie she wanted to tell her something.  She wanted to apologize for the government not taking care of the orphans first of all.  Next, she was thanking us for loving this little girl and giving her an opportunity in life.  She could see that we loved her very much.  She ended her little comments by saying that after seeing this today on the plane, her own life would never be the same.  As we stood up getting our bags from overhead, she looked at Sarah Grace and said, “Bye Bye.  Have a good life Grace”.  I am sure she heard us calling her part of her name.  This was an interesting conversation.  You never know what conversations you will have in life, but to hear her say this let’s me know that others see the love outwardly that we have for her.  What some don’t realize is that even though we are able to get these little angels and give them an opportunity otherwise lost, we are the ones who gain form this.  It is just nice to know that we are given the opportunity to be a part of her life and this journey.

Day 10 Off to the aquarium on our 2nd free day

The Aquarium

Today was another free day that we could use to sit around the hotel or take some optional tours around the city.  We decided to venture out to the aquarium.  This was a short trip for Sarah Grace and allowed us time to get back for a nap and some rest around the hotel.  Not sure that she really cared anything about the aquarium, but it was a nice trip out of the hotel.  We came back and had a nice afternoon.  She decided today that she needed to stand on the floor and walk while holding on to the bed.  She started and never stopped.  She is a real busy body.  We started packing for the next stop as we will leave tomorrow and head to our final destination for the trip before heading home.  We decided to go down to the hotel cafe tonight for diner.  They are having “American” menu tonight since it is hollowen.  Not real sure about the menu, but it did at least have burger and hot dog on it with fries.  They also had an ice cream bar.  I decided tonight was the night to make sure this little girl would fit in around our house.  I gave her some of my burger and fries and she loved them.  The next was the ice cream.  Daddy’s favorite of all major food groups.  First bite was testing.  I gave her the second and she spit it out.  I attempted again with a 3rd and while she tested the taste in her mouth, she suddenly shook her entire body in a shiver.  Next attempt was a head turn.  I guess the cold she wasn’t used to and didn’t like.  This is the first food we have attempted with this little angel that she didn’t like and refused to take another bite. 

One of my many smiles

French Fries :) Yum!!

Day 9 Finally a free day

Playing with Daddy

It was nice waking up today.  No clock to set or no need to rush out the door for anything.  After a relaxed morning in the hotel, we made it down to the cafe for breakfast just in time.  She was wired this morning.  It is amazing how each day cracks a little more of the shell.  I think today it all came off.  We had breakfast and then played in the room for a while.  Was able to face time with mommy this morning as usual, but she was very energetic today on the phone.  I think she really likes some routine and schedule.  She was so great today.  A playful day and lots of kisses and hugs.  She also likes the time we spend in the hall playing with the other families.  She is the most nosey little girl.  I seem to think she is somewhat like her aunts.  Needs to be in everybody’s business and see what is going on!!!!  I’m not sure if it is me or what, but she gets more beautiful everyday.  It also seems that her hair is growing so fast.  The feeling of watching this before your eyes and seeing how this little girl can be taken from everything she has ever known, but still manage to feel so quickly the love that she is getting.  I can leave her behind when we go eat to go to the bar for food and she will follow me around making sure she keeps her eyes on me.  I wish mommy was here.  I know she will get the same when we get home.  Somehow there is this feeling that she has been with me forever now.  I have found myself doing the unimaginable.  Changing dirty diapers.  I thought I would never, but I made it thru.  I just keep telling myself she is worth every bit of it.  After lots of wipes and a towel, we got thru and she was as good as new again.

I want his cars.  He later let me know they were not mine!  :(

Day 8 Passport at Zhoukou City

Zhoukou City Orphanage

Today is the day we went back to Zhoukou City.  This is where Sarah Grace has spent most of her time.  She was born in Zhoukou City and also spent her days in the orphanage here.  We had to travel in a van about 2 hours and 45 minutes to get there.  This was a long ride for the 3 little ones that all come from the same orphanage.  We arrived there and did a short photo in the passport office and then it was back to the van.  We drove down to the orphanage and were able to take pictures outside the gate.  This particular orphanage will not allow people to come inside.  We spent about 10 minutes outside and then it was back to the van for the long ride back to the hotel.  When we got back, she was so worn out.  I have never seen a little girl go to sleep so quick.  She slept until around 5 and then I had to wake her up.  I learned one thing here.  Late naps are not good.  Going to sleep tonight was tough.  It does seem that she comes out a little more every day.  The laughing and kissing you no longer have to seek after.  It just comes freely.  Tomorrow will be the first all free day that we have had for us and for her.  I am really looking forward to it.

Orphanage Director

My Friends from my orphanage (Claire & Ellie)

Day 7 Free Afternoon

Today following the registration office and the notary office, we went back to the hotel for a free afternoon.  We made an attempt at a nap which didn’t work out too well.  That being said, bed time will be good.  She started to come out of that shell a little more today.  She suddenly found her little game of putting stuff under daddy’s chin and then pulling it back out.  For some reason that gave her the giggles.  She played at the hotel for a while in the room and then we made a venture out to the hall area.  Several of the traveling families met and we let the kids play for a while.  This is the first time I saw her crawl.  She enjoyed this time of mostly watching some of the other kids run around.  She eventually decided to crawl a little.  We then went back to the room for her favorite time of the day next to eating (BATH TIME!!!!)  She played and played in the bath and then it was time to go to sleep.  After a long day and a very brief nap, she went out as quick as I could give her a bottle.  Another day down and a day closer to coming home to see Mommy!

Day 7 Trip to the registration office

Today is the day where we will become her legal guardians.  We left the hotel and all the families were on the bus.  Most of the kids are settling in with their families now.  Some still holding on to a cold or runny nose as they came from the orphanage.  The parents are all talking about how the night went.  Sarah Grace had a good night with a lot of sleep.  She did have an upset stomach that gave us a surprise during the night on 2 occasions.  As I stood at the sink washing out her PJ’s, I still couldn’t help but think about my little angel.  She finally got up around 7:00 this morning.  It took her just a little while this morning, but she came around as we went out.  Our first stop was the registration office where we got our certificates and became her legal guardians.  The next stop was the notary office.  Someone asked me yesterday what my best moment was with her to this point.  That all changed as we sat in that conference room waiting.  I had her on the table and I was playing with her just sitting in front of me.  I was in a chair right in front of her.  All of a sudden her mouth opened wide and she leaned right to me and began to give me a kiss.  That is enough to make your heart stop.  I sat there and didn’t move as I wanted her to get all she wanted.  We came back to the hotel and she is now sleeping.  She’s our little angel.

I'm officially a Hyman!! :)

Cuttie

Day 6 Our first night together

Let me start by saying she is the most precious thing I have ever seen.  We got back to the hotel and we had a bottle and then off to sleep for a short time.  There were a couple of hours of paperwork during the afternoon.  We got to give her the first bath today.  Let me say that this little girl enjoys her bath time.  I kneeled down beside her and started bathing her.  She loved it.  We washed and we played and then we dried off.  It was not until I was drying her off that I decided to tickle her just a bit.  She is extremely ticklish.  She laughed and laughed as I did this.  I didn’t know if I could hold back the tears so that I could keep tickling her.  It was so great to see her joy.  Following this, we got mommy on the phone and she saw and talked with her for a bit and also got to see her laughing again.  I know it is hard for my wife not to be here for all of this.  I can’t imagine how she is feeling inside.  Thanks to the technology, we are able to try and overcome that with the video.  She just stares at the phone when mommy is talking to her.  Not sure if she has ever even seen this before.  Following her bottle this evening, she laid in my arms and drifted off to sleep.  After a short while of holding her, it was off to the crib.  As I laid her in the crib, I stood up and there was this little face with her eyes cracked as they don’t completely close when she sleeps.  I just starred for a little bit as I couldn’t believe it had finally come true.  I found myself laying in the bed most of the night just looking at her.  WOW!!!!!!!!

Day 6 “Gotcha Day”

Last night was a night that everyone hopes to sleep, but I found it difficult.  Not sure if it was the jet lag still hanging around or if it was simply the emotions building in anticipation of what was to come.  We got up and had breakfast at the hotel and then at 9:30 we were off.  We got to the government building around 9:45 and everyone was anxiously pouring off the bus.  The babies and kids are brought in at different times.  Some come from different cities and orphanages.  When we arrived some of the babies were already there and as we walked in, the families met their babies.  Our little angel wasn’t there yet.  As I waiting anxiously, I called Amy (my wife) on facetime and began to wait with her.  We wanted to be able to share this moment together.  Although slow, it worked and she was able to still take part in the gotcha day.  Our little angel arrived with 2 other babies from the same orphanage in Zhoukou.  All 3 were little girls and when they got out of the car, we all knew this was the moment we were waiting for as we were the only families that had 3 from the same orphanage.  As they approached the building, the first one came in and it wasn’t her.  When the second one came in, immediately I recognized her face.  It was a feeling nobody can describe.  She had no idea as she came in what was getting ready to happen, but I was one proud daddy.  They call out the babies name and when they called her name, I was standing right there with arms open.  You can read and watch stories about this day, but nobody can tell you how the babies will react.  Some cry, some shut down and some go pretty seamlessly.  Through lots of prayer about this day, I believe her transition was covered and she was at total peace.  It was only moments from that time that she was smiling and laughing with me.  No words can describe how that moment felt.  This was a pregnancy of 11 years and finally a precious little girl in my arms.  The first sign of a smile was the moment when I leaned my forehead against hers.  As we looked each other in the eyes, she started moving her head from side to side allowing our foreheads to roll across each other.  I was smiling and then on the other side I saw an angel.  As she smiled back at me with a huge grin, I couldn’t help myself.  It was as if she knew at that moment that she was ok.  The most amazing feeling as you sit in the room and watch kids who for whatever reason have been rejected by parents and society.  My heart was overwhelmed with emotions.  As tears build in my eyes, I can only think about one thing.  Parents were sitting and standing with arms open wide to what others had rejected.  The same way in which our God sits with arms open for us no matter what we have gone thru or what we have done.  There is no sight of any blemish.  It is only beauty that we see in those faces just as he sees in us.  .  After this experience, I can certainly say that there is a huge reward.  A little child with nowhere to go and nobody to love them as a family is just heartbreaking.  Watching the change in her face over the course of 1 day has been an awesome experience.  I could type forever and not be able to tell you everything. 

My first smile with my Daddy

First bottle at the Hotel

Smiles coming out little by little

Day 5 Travel to Zhengzhou

Today was a travel day to Zhengzhou.  We left Beijing this morning with the best weather since we had been there.  Sky was very clear and no pollution anywhere.  We got on a plane around 9:30am and left for our new city.  This is where we will get Sarah Grace tomorrow (Gotcha Day).  Walked into the hotel room today and reality really hit when I saw a crib sitting beside my bed.  Wow!!  The time has really come.  It is finally here.  The thought of getting to see this little girl we have been praying for over the last 11 years is almost overwhelming.  The feelings are indescribable.  Taking in the thoughts for a bit, we then left for the bank and of course Walmart.  There were 11 American families all standing on the baby aisle looking at formula.  Seemed as if everyone that walked by had to stop at the end of the aisle and watch as if they didn't know what had happened.  As I sit here typing this, I am thinking to myself, "this will be the last night I am alone before I become a dad."  I am not sure how you tell someone to prepare for this.  I have had 11 years of waiting and I still can't seem to feel prepared.  Gotcha Day is just hours away!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 4 Tour of The Great Wall

Today was a day to challenge your ability to climb.  We went to The Great Wall today to see a part of the history of China.  The wall was an amazing feature.  To see this and imagine that it was built so many years ago using only hand and horses is mind blowing.  This was a test of you physical ability. We took a climb up the wall and each person decided to either continue up or stop at the first location.  The sight was good, but if the smog would have been better the sight would have been amazing.  We also toured the Jade Factory before returning to the hotel.  After a short rest, we headed out to see an evening acrobatic performance.  These guys and girls were awesome.  We have discovered there are some interesting food choices around here.  Posting a pic for everyone to see.  Now heading to bed for an early start tomorrow.  We will be leaving the airport tomorrow for the city in which we will pick up Sarah Grace.  Only 1 day remains before we get to meet our daughter.  So excited about this day.

Day 3 Tour of Beijing

After a night of sleep, we took off this morning from the hotel to learn and see some of the history behind Beijing.  All the families loaded up on the bus and we went to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.  After lots of walking we then got back on the bus and went to the old town area. This is the area where some of the tradition of Bejing is.  This area is very different from the modernized areas of Beijing.  We had lunch at a locals house which was a unique experience with good food.  Took a ride on the back of a bike thru the old town area and back to the hotel.  After a little rest now off to eat dinner and go thru the food market area.

Day 2 The Arrival In Beijing

Today was blended in with Wednesday as this was spent in the air between Raleigh and Beijing.  We arrived in Beijing around 2:00pm after a long 13 hour flight.  Once we made it thru customs, we met with our CCAI representative and other families that arrived today as part of our travel group.  We made our way to our hotel for check-in.  We were welcomed by heavy smog and foggy conditions.  First night in China was 7 eleven for water and snack along with pizza hut pizza. 

Day 1 The Trip Begins

This morning was a flash of 11 years of dreams coming true.  The time to get Sarah Grace has come.  It has been a long awaited for journey.  We left home this morning at 3:30am to go to the airport and start our journey.  As most of you know, Amy isn't with me as she will be at home since she is now carrying Seth Andrew.  There are lots of emotions flowing, but we know there is a reason for everything and we sometimes just can't explain what that reason is.  We will arrive in China on Thursday afternoon around 2:30pm Beijing time (2:30am at home).  This will be a long day, but we look forward to the great things to come.

Flight to Beijing

At the Airport