China day 15 {coming home}

China day 14 will have to wait.

Because we are coming HOME!

And we're bringing this girl with us!

It's Thursday morning in Hong Kong. We're getting ready to head to our gate...our flight leaves at 10:25 am. Not long now.

Please, if you would, pray for our journey home. I think Lucy's getting worn out with all this travel and change. But she's such a trooper.

Also, if you would, please leave her some love here over the next 24 hours via a comment. I'd love to show her one day just how much she was loved, prayed for and awaited by more than just mama and baba!

Thank you all again. Can't wait to see you so very soon!

China day 13 {Consulate appointment}

We're winding down the trip here in Guangzhou.

The last item to cover in a Chinese adoption is the US Consulate appointment. Our China doll had hers at 10:00 am this morning.

Thanks again to your prayers, we had the best night's sleep we've had in about a week.

The day went much, much better. It's only one day, but I feel like Lucy is starting to trust us in even more ways. We're setting a few boundaries and trying to prove to her we're the real deal, that the three of us go together. Forever.

Last night and this afternoon she fell asleep on me as usual. But, I was able to relocate her to beside me without much fuss. Perhaps she's learning that I'm not going anywhere. Who knows? We have a lot left to figure out about our Goose. And she's got some figuring to do about us.

We are so, so very close to bringing her home.

Tomorrow is busy. In case I'm not able to post again before we leave Hong Kong Thursday morning (Wednesday evening for our US friends and family), please, please, please continue to pray for us. Specifically for the remaining nights here in China as well as the looooooooong plane ride home.

Almost there.

China day 12 {Guangzhou Zoo}

This day started off a little better. Lucy did not rest perfectly, but it was better than the night before. So we all felt a little more fresh upon starting the day.

Other than a quick trip back to medical to check her TB skin results (which came back fine), this day was purely for sightseeing. Guangzhou Zoo it was.

 We saw tigers.

 And elephants.

 And zebra.

 And monkeys. Oh, wait. That's our friends, The Dickeys :)

 And mine and Lucy's favorite, the panda!

We attempted a family photo with the panda statues. I thought it was a good idea. Oh, well :) Our faces say it all!

Things kinda went down hill after this. It was hot, hot, hot and we had over an hour to walk around. No more pictures after this. Lucy had had it and I was, well, soaked with sweat. Not great for photo opps.

But we'll take it. Our first trip to the zoo will be memorable. Lucy did seem pretty interested in the animals, so that was exciting. We're looking forward taking her to the NC Zoo...in the fall!

We had our first "leave-the-restaurant-before-the-food-came-because-of-a-screaming-toddler". But that makes us officially parents, right?

*Most of you know by now that these posts are being written the day after. For a tiny glimpse ahead, last night was great and today's been following suit. I'm looking forward to posting about our Consulate Appointment today. 

For now, it's nap time with a cuddle bug.

China day 11 {shopping and a reality check}

It's beginning to feel like day 11.

Our group was scheduled to go shopping at Liwan Plaza, the local market where we can purchase things like pearls, jade and silk.

It's Chinese tradition to give your daughter pearls for a special occasion, such as her 18th birthday or wedding day. So Andy and I picked out a little something special for Goose.

We had to work for it. You won't find a lot of cutesy pictures in this post. Lucy was not in the mood and neither was momma. I started to not post the photo below because: 1.) It's not an up-close shot of Lucy (which I know is what you all really want to see!) and 2.) It's not a flattering picture of myself!

But I wanted to let you all in on the reality. Just so you don't think it's all rosy and perfect over here in adoption land.

Truth is, we've adopted a two-year old. A healthy, normal two-year old :) Catch my drift?

We're all starting to feel a bit worn down.

This was our hardest day yet. For me. For Andy. For Lucy.

A couple of nights ago, she went from sleeping great to not so great. After a few restless nights, it starts to catch up (but you all know that - especially my mom friends!).

It's nothing new, nothing we didn't anticipate. To be expected, right?

Add to the sleep deprivation all the emotions going on, being away from home, living out of a suitcase, having McDonald's be the only food that sounds good, and going through a major life change. Let's just say momma was kind of a wreck yesterday.

But then there's Lucy. I don't have it nearly as tough as she does. Her environment and schedule have totally changed. She's loving us hard but also testing us. The orphanage staff said she had never been disciplined for anything. The first 2 days with her, I thought it was because she was not in need (I know, I know). But as she's let us in and felt comfortable, she's showing us her true colors, both beautiful and sinful. Yep, she's normal!

So, I say all of this just to let you know we're still doing great. We're being humbled. We're navigating parenthood - just one week in. Your continued prayers would be greatly appreciated. It's an adjustment for us all.

*One of the bright spots from yesterday is that Andy wanted to buy me a beautiful jade bracelet. I just love it. He has been my rock through some tough moments. I could not do this without him.

China day 10 {medical exam}

Hard to believe we've been on this trip for 10 days!

"Daddy's Little Sunshine" had her medical exam today, along with all the other children in our group.

She weighed in at 12 kilos...or 26.5 pounds.

A few tears were shed during the pelvic exam because they took her from momma, not because she was scared.

After visiting 4 different stations, she was checked over pretty well.

We can't believe how well she did for being poked and prodded by strangers.

But the biggest surprise was when she went for the TB skin test. She watched the nurse stick the needle right in her little forearm. I'm convinced she would have said, "Bring it, lady." if she knew how!

We were so proud of our big girl. The trip went way better than we expected.

One more item checked off the list. We're getting closer and closer to bringing Lucy home.

China day 9 {orphanage visit}

Friday was the day we were to visit Lucy's orphanage, the place where she spent the first 27 months of her life. I had mixed feelings, knowing we needed to go and wanted to go - but not sure how she would do, how we would do or if it might set her back a few steps. We had all had a rough night's sleep, and I was afraid that could compound any emotions we all might be feeling. But it's a very important piece of her life and we wanted to see it first-hand, for our sake but mostly for hers.

We met Joe, our guide (who happens to be Rebecca's husband) in front of the hotel at 9:00 am and headed toward Qingyuan City, which is 1.5 hours away by car. This was our first time in a car with Lucy and she did pretty well - still clingy to me but no poochy lip or tears.

We were greeted by the same staff that had talked with Andy on Gotcha Day. They were all so friendly and again, very helpful. They led us to the conference room, offered us all bottles of water and answered some more questions for us. I had them go over her schedule again, as I wanted to tweak some things to help us all with sleep. Apparently she is used to getting a bottle at 2:00 am! We also asked if she had ever seen a dog :) Nope.

We then requested to see a particular little boy who we know has a family waiting. They agreed to bring him to us. We were so happy they let us meet him, take photos and video for his parents. I desperately tried to find someone going to Lucy's orphanage while we were waiting but did not have any success. Knowing how priceless updates and photos are during the long wait, we had hoped we could help another family when it was our turn and sure enough, I recognized one little boy at the party that had a forever family! (he's on the right in the party pictures)

Next, they offered to take us on a tour of part of the facility. It is "against regulation" to see in most of the buildings so were unable to visit where she slept, ate, played, etc. We did walk to the back of the building where she slept, and they pointed out to us that her room (which she shared with other children) was on the second floor in the middle section.

We thought it might be pushing it, but wanted to meet the little smiley guy in her party pictures too - the one who was sitting next to her and flashing a huge grin. They graciously agreed to allow us to meet him. His name is Li Jun Ke. Apparently he and Lucy were little buddies. The precious fella is missing one of his legs and really needs a family. This was tough to see, and he wasn't so happy this day. His nannies say he is quite the clever little guy!

We walked around some more, took photos and told them how grateful we are for the care she received while there.

It has become evident as we've watched Lucy play and interact with us that someone took time with her, loving her. 

She recognized the ladies who helped care for her and seemed comfortable around them. Unfortunately, her favorite nanny does not work on Fridays so we were unable to meet her. I was really hoping to thank her in person but asked that they send me a picture of her.

 

Lucy did great, by the way, during the entire thing. She continues to amaze us with her resilience. The most rewarding and telling part for me was that as we were leaving, one of the orphanage staff turned to me and said, "When she used to see those ladies back there, she would say "Mommy!" She didn't call them that today."

Lucy was fine with being there (which told me they cared for her well) but also fine to leave. The girl never looked back, never cried for her old home. We really think she knows she belongs with us.

While it appeared to be a nice, clean, decent place with caring people, it is still an orphanage. I greatly appreciate all they did to help give Lucy a good "home" until she was ready for us. But no child should have to grow up here, or in any orphanage. We are so grateful it's not her home anymore.

This orphanage visit was so immensely helpful, as we learned even more about our precious Lucy. Her story is becoming more and more clear as we get our questions answered. The more we learn, the more we realize just how much of a miracle it is that she is with us. Just how much of a precious, priceless, protected gem she is. That she made it to this orphanage in this city, was available for adoption at just the right time, and finally, matched with us on March 2. 

Her life is a miracle. Our family is a miracle.

China day 8 {laying low}

We decided to keep Thursday a low-key, stick around the hotel kind of day. There was a tour planned for our group to visit some local gardens, but Lucy had a rough night in the sleeping department the night before. We opted to stay behind and take it easy. What a wonderful day it turned out to be!

After a little more leisurely breakfast, we fed the fish and then visited the hotel's playroom. This is for adoptive families only and we had the place to ourselves. Lucy lit up at the sight of the toy car! Her referral file mentioned a particular toy that she liked and when I looked it up online, it appeared to be some sort of toy car, so this came as no surprise. It's been really fun to see that many of the things mentioned in her file are so true!

Lucy and Baba made major headway this day. She was giving him unsolicited hugs and kisses by the end of the evening, and Andy was eating up every single one. She even slept on his chest for part of the night last night - huge progress.

We are seeing more and more of our girl's personality shine through with the passing of every day. Our suspicions that she is a silly goose have been confirmed. She's either wearing a serious face or flashing the cheesiest smile you've ever seen. Lucy had us in stitches yesterday afternoon in the room. The girl has a nice array of silly faces. And oh, that giggle!

When we get her back to the hotel room where it's just the three of us and a few toys, she is the most comfortable and happy girl you've ever met. It is so fun to watch her play. She's very organized and purposeful in her play...quite the busy bee. She doesn't like a dirty mouth or dirty hands. She wants things neat and tidy. Momma likes this!

The only "major" issue we've had is with sleep the last couple of days. She has decided she doesn't like to go to bed at nap time or night time. And when we finally get her there, she has to sleep on top of me or it's just not going to happen. Under the circumstances, this is a very good thing. She feels safe and secure in our arms - a huge praise. It just makes it a little challenging for us to get any rest :) Prayers appreciated in this department. We just can't believe she's finally ours. We have hoped and prayed so long for this to come to fruition. Oh the hope we have (and Lucy now has) in Jesus!

"And His name will be the HOPE of all the world." ~ Matthew 12:21

China day 7 {27 months}

Lucy turned 27 months today! No more milestones without us!

We had another good night's sleep (I slept this time!), Skyped with cousins Claire and Rachel and Uncle Stevie and Aunt Sara, and hit up the breakfast buffet again (noodles with beef, hard-boiled egg and congee did the trick).

After breakfast, as you can see, we decided to try out the hotel pool. Miss Lucy did pretty well but was ready to get out within about 20 minutes. Didn't hate it. Didn't love it. But I was glad for the photo opp. Doesn't she make a precious little swimmer?

Naptime afterward was her first breakdown with us. She was not ready to nap but was so sleepy. The tears came out, and we heard her pitiful little cry for the first time. It truly was heartbreaking but, at the end of the day, we were glad she finally showed some other emotions. I think it was good for her to let it all out.

She woke up a happy girl, and we headed down to the lobby to meet our group. The task at hand was going to the local police station to have her photo taken for her visa - very important in order for her to come home with us! They wouldn't let us take photos in the police station, but it wasn't that interesting anyway. We did have a good time visiting with some of the other families while we each waited our turns.

Dinner was at a (surprisingly good) Mexican restaurant with new friends. Charis and Sam took video and photos for us while we got our Lucy. Then, we were able to return the favor about a half hour later when their adorable Isaiah was introduced to them! This is their first time adopting, and they are first-time parents, just like us! It was special to make memories with them on Gotcha Day. We're looking forward to keeping up with their journey!

*Sorry I'm having a hard time keeping up with the blog posts! This one is technically for yesterday, August 22. There's a certain little girl who has decided sleeping on top of mommy is better than beside her :) You'll forgive me, right? I have some fun pictures from today that I hope to get up soon! She's still doing so well!

China day 6 {adoption day}

What a sweet thing to wake up to.

Lucy slept so well our first night together. But mama didn't. I just could not wait to wake up and play with my new daughter. I found myself wanting it to be 7:00 am the whole night! Andy kept waking up and telling me I needed to go to sleep. Funny how he had to watch her for awhile each time he woke up too :)

Tuesday was adoption day. We had to be in the lobby by 9:30 am to meet our group and head back to the Civil Affairs building, where we had just been the day before. We had to wake up our little bean at 7:00 in order to get ready, skype with Nana and DanDan, scarf down breakfast and get there on time. Lucy is such a sleepy-head! She takes her time to wake up and needs a moment.  But she slept a good 9 hours, and I am so grateful.

Once at Civil Affairs, (yes, the poochy lip came out again on the bus) we went into the playroom where Lucy had been waiting on us the day before. I wondered how this might make her feel but it didn't seem to phase her. We waited our turn to have a picture taken and then meet with an official to answer some questions and sign on the line. She officially became our daughter! Woohoo!

The group of families we are with are so wonderful. Each of them have a different story and it's so neat to be a part of each others' special time. Complete strangers, brought together by adoption. We have made so many incredible connections throughout this journey. This week we are making 4 more! Rebeccca, our super efficient, detail-oriented guide is on the left. We are so thankful for her - she's doing all the thinking for all of us!

Next, we headed up to the 9th floor of the building to answer some more questions.

"How is she doing?" (amazingly well)
"Are we satisfied and do we want to continue with the adoption?" (absolutely!)
Etc. Etc.

 

We all got back on the bus, poochy lips and all, and came back to the hotel. Lucy's normal naptime is from 12:00 - 2:00 so I'm working on figuring out where her lunch schedule fits in. It was past her naptime but we decided to fill her belly first. Noodles it was and she ate like a champ.

After nap (which went extremely well), we stuck to the room and just played together. She loves to play "stacking cups" with Baba and thinks the beach ball is pretty fun too. She's slowly warming up to him and starting to let him help dress her, feed her, etc. One of these days she'll realize he's the best thing since congee and be at his side all the time. It's so wonderful to see him love on her. Lucy can tell her Baba digs her pretty hard.

She's starting to smile more and more. We've heard some laughs too. Still such a quiet child with not much to say. Perhaps it's because she knows we won't get it anyway :) She has said "mama" and "baba" several times and knows who is who.

Before skyping with Grandma and Grandpa, we decided to walk around the hotel a bit. Andy said the orphanage staff mentioned she loves to be outside. This hotel is amazing and has such beautiful scenery, so it's great for a little one who likes the outdoors.

This bridge is just outside the dining area. Lots of big fishies swim around underneath. Lucy thought that was pretty neat but kept her distance.

 

She is such a mama's girl right now and wants me to hold her all the time. I'm trying to find the balance between making up for lost time and encouraging her to do a few things on her own - that she is safe and we aren't going to leave her. Fine by me to take it slow. I just love, love, love all the cuddles she is giving me. And she lets me kiss on her constantly. She even learned to wave bye-bye to Baba and blow him a kiss.

                                           

It's only day 2 but so far we are seeing a happy, snuggly, sweet, sleepy-headed little girl start to blossom. She has already given us unbelievable joy in just 24 hours.

She's got one killer of a smile that melts this mama and baba's heart. I'm so happy she's letting us in.

Lucy Hope, you are forever our daughter. Happy Adoption Day to you, sweet one!