Well today marks the fourth week since we returned home from China! Time has totally flown by. I feel like we have only been home maybe two weeks. It is crazy to think Cohen starts school next Monday!
Considering the big changes our family has gone through in the past two months, we are all adapting very well!!!
Cohen is still the best big brother in the world. He just loves his sister so much and teaches her every chance he gets! Many times during our day, I will find Cohen pointing to things and telling Melanie what they are...just like we did for him when he was an infant and toddler. It is a big adjustment for someone going from an only child to having a little sister and also starting a new school. He is doing fabulous with the transition!!! Melanie is so blessed to have Cohen as her big brother. She tries to do everything her big brother does by mimicking him and following him around everywhere.
I am officially over my jet lag! Thank God. That was terrible. I think my body finally just gave in to the different time zone. Through the transition I have learned the true concept of having eyes in the back of your head....so I can keep up with two!
Jason has adjusted very well and quickly! Melanie is truly a "daddy's girl". She screams with delight when daddy walks in the door after being at work all day. It makes Jason grin ear to ear! He is a GREAT daddy of two!
Melanie has done so well over the past month. All of her labs and medical tests came back great! She already has surgery scheduled to repair her cleft palate this Fall. Her appetite is GREAT! The only thing she does not like to eat is refried beans. At first she did not like ice cream because of the coldness. However, after last nights celebration for Cohen going to school, she LOVES ice cream! She has now said a total of six English words: Momma, Amen, ball, no, owl, and YaYa. Her fear of baths has stopped! She loves to take a bath and she loves to play in the pool. These are HUGE changes from the first two weeks being home. We are still working on attachment and bonding. She has started to cry if we are not in the room or where she cannot see us. This is a huge step! Melanie now loves Dakota, our chocolate lab mix. At first she was cautious and yelled at him. Now, she tries to kiss him on the noes and pet his back.
It is hard to believe that in just a little over a month she will turn 2!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Our First Week Home
What a blessing this past week has been!
Jason has been home this week for our "bonding" time with Melanie and Cohen. He has to return to work on Friday. We have had meals provided by sweet friends each night this week...and more to come the rest of the month.
Jason was able to get over his Jet Lag at the first of the week. Melanie started sleeping through the night on Tuesday night. We added her nap back in on Thursday. 100% success rate...she is officially on TN time!!! As of Thursday, she totally stopped crying when we put her down for a nap or bedtime. We feel she is learning that we are not leaving her when we lay her down and that we will come back when she wakes up.
I am still totally Jet Lagged! It is getting better...but I am still pretty tired.
This past April, I was asked to write an article about adoption for the local Gallatin magazine called Gallatin Life. The article came out two days before we went to China. There was a lot of great feedback. This week, the owner contacted me and requested that I write a follow-up on the article. So tomorrow night I will be writing to make my deadline. How exciting!!!
Melanie is now to the point where she eats everything...but ice cream. Yeah! She does not like whole milk very much. She is playing with her toys and even shares things with Cohen. At first, when Cohen would attempt to play with her, she would scream thinking he was taking her toys. Now, we hands things to him and wants to play with his toys. They are so cute together!!! She does not like her feet to be touched...so no painting toes anytime soon. She loves music and dancing! I was going through the radio stations Friday night and there was a very upbeat dance song on...she started putting her hands in the air, moving her head, and trying to sing the words of the song. Very cute!! I think we have a future dancer...she takes after her momma!
We have found out that she is not the biggest fan of dogs. She was introduced to Dakota, our 9 year old Chocolate Lap Mix, earlier in the week...she cried and screamed. Honestly, she climbed up Jason's shirt. Today, my parents brought Dakota home for the first time. Surprisingly, Melanie did pretty good. She stares at him and can be in the same room. However, she did not like him licking her hand...he was just giving her kisses. We went on a walk tonight...Dakota's favorite thing in the world. Melanie tried to pet Dakota and never got upset. So...I think she is over her dislike of dogs!!!
I have been reading Melanie books, especially this one that is letters and animals. You know the teacher in me I am already going over phonic sounds while going over the letters of the alphabet. She has tried to repeat some sounds. Well today, Jason was reading the book and she said the word "owl". We all stopped and turned to look at her in shock. How exciting!
This week we did go to the zoo. Cohen of course loved it...that is one of his favorite places in the world. Melanie did not have much of a reaction except when she saw the elephants. She loves elephants. So we allowed Cohen and Melanie to pick out one stuffed animal in the gift store. Cohen picked up an owl he has been wanting for months called Spells and Melanie walked directly over to a hot pink elephant, kissed it and would not let go.
So after our first week, we are adjusting VERY well. Cohen is the best big brother in the world. Dakota is back home and happy. We started our regular routine again on Friday when Jason went back to work. My first day solo with two kiddos was great! Melanie is adjusting very well. We were also blessed when G brought over more groceries. I have the best mom ever!!!
We praise God for our simple yet very blessed life!
Jason has been home this week for our "bonding" time with Melanie and Cohen. He has to return to work on Friday. We have had meals provided by sweet friends each night this week...and more to come the rest of the month.
Jason was able to get over his Jet Lag at the first of the week. Melanie started sleeping through the night on Tuesday night. We added her nap back in on Thursday. 100% success rate...she is officially on TN time!!! As of Thursday, she totally stopped crying when we put her down for a nap or bedtime. We feel she is learning that we are not leaving her when we lay her down and that we will come back when she wakes up.
I am still totally Jet Lagged! It is getting better...but I am still pretty tired.
This past April, I was asked to write an article about adoption for the local Gallatin magazine called Gallatin Life. The article came out two days before we went to China. There was a lot of great feedback. This week, the owner contacted me and requested that I write a follow-up on the article. So tomorrow night I will be writing to make my deadline. How exciting!!!
Melanie is now to the point where she eats everything...but ice cream. Yeah! She does not like whole milk very much. She is playing with her toys and even shares things with Cohen. At first, when Cohen would attempt to play with her, she would scream thinking he was taking her toys. Now, we hands things to him and wants to play with his toys. They are so cute together!!! She does not like her feet to be touched...so no painting toes anytime soon. She loves music and dancing! I was going through the radio stations Friday night and there was a very upbeat dance song on...she started putting her hands in the air, moving her head, and trying to sing the words of the song. Very cute!! I think we have a future dancer...she takes after her momma!
We have found out that she is not the biggest fan of dogs. She was introduced to Dakota, our 9 year old Chocolate Lap Mix, earlier in the week...she cried and screamed. Honestly, she climbed up Jason's shirt. Today, my parents brought Dakota home for the first time. Surprisingly, Melanie did pretty good. She stares at him and can be in the same room. However, she did not like him licking her hand...he was just giving her kisses. We went on a walk tonight...Dakota's favorite thing in the world. Melanie tried to pet Dakota and never got upset. So...I think she is over her dislike of dogs!!!
I have been reading Melanie books, especially this one that is letters and animals. You know the teacher in me I am already going over phonic sounds while going over the letters of the alphabet. She has tried to repeat some sounds. Well today, Jason was reading the book and she said the word "owl". We all stopped and turned to look at her in shock. How exciting!
This week we did go to the zoo. Cohen of course loved it...that is one of his favorite places in the world. Melanie did not have much of a reaction except when she saw the elephants. She loves elephants. So we allowed Cohen and Melanie to pick out one stuffed animal in the gift store. Cohen picked up an owl he has been wanting for months called Spells and Melanie walked directly over to a hot pink elephant, kissed it and would not let go.
So after our first week, we are adjusting VERY well. Cohen is the best big brother in the world. Dakota is back home and happy. We started our regular routine again on Friday when Jason went back to work. My first day solo with two kiddos was great! Melanie is adjusting very well. We were also blessed when G brought over more groceries. I have the best mom ever!!!
We praise God for our simple yet very blessed life!
Monday, July 8, 2013
Finally Home Sweet Home
As we pulled into our home around 11ish I think, we were blessed by a very clean, decorated home full of balloons and signs greeting our arrival. We also had a full fridge of food provided by my mom, Kathy, and dear friends. Oh what a blessing!!!
We all made our beds in Melanie's room for the night. She slept in her bed, Cohen on his little fold out couch, and me and Jason on the air mattress. We did find Cohen sitting on the steps with his ears covered while Melanie expressed not being happy about sleeping in her new crib. Oh what adjustments both kiddos are having to make. Cohen is not use to a crying baby. Melanie is not use to hearing this new language, with these new looking people, without the 19 other crib mates she was use to, and in the third new crib within the last ten days. So our bonding and attachment is truly beginning.
Melanie has done great. She is more interested in playing with boxes and Wii remotes than her toys. She loves to try on her new clothes...she even helps you get her dressed. She loves to help me sort laundry and pick up items. Melanie likes to be neat. She hates to have food on her hands or face. I think we go through at least five napkins each meal. She is not a picky eater. So far she has liked everything we have fed her here at home...except for hamburger. She loves her brother...a little jealous when daddy gives big brother Cohen attention. She does not like to swing and will not put her feet in grass. She loves to ride in the stroller on our walks each day. She like fireworks. She loves people to tickle her and make her laugh. I think her favorite thing to do is touch your nose and you make a honking noise. She hums to the beat when you sing a song or when Cohen plays the violin. She is very good at repeating what you do when you do hand motions to a song...then she hums along. The most difficult thing she is dealing with right now is sleeping. Melanie is still on China time. She will sleep from 9 - 1:30am, thinking that is nap time and will be wide awake. So we have adjustments to getting her on TN time.
Cohen is the BEST big brother ever. He is patient, kind, protective, and loving to his sister. He wants to teach her English. There are many hugs and kisses given during the day. He is so proud of her. Everywhere we go he tell everyone about her. He has been waiting to be a big brother for two years. I still say that out of everyone, Cohen was the MOST excited about getting Melanie as a sister. I am a proud momma. I cannot wait to see the bond they will develop over the years.
Thursday, July 4 - We had an indoor picnic with my parents and Jason's parents. It was pouring outside so we grilled hamburgers and had ribs with all the traditional Fourth of July fixings. Jason and I have serious Jet Lag. The evening was eventful. Melanie cried most of the night and Cohen woke up unable to breath (croupy cough). After Benedryl and a sitting in a steamy bathroom to clear his airway, he was doing great and able to sleep.
Friday, July 5 - Jason's parents left a day early due to Ed getting a very bad sinus infection. Cohen and Melanie both had Dr.'s appointments. Cohen for his croupy cough and Melanie for her adoption exam with Dr. Ervin. Cohen got meds and Melanie had a great check-up. We return on Monday for her labs.
Monday, July 8 - Melanie had her labs. It took about four nurses and thirty minutes for them to find a vein. Poor thing had a rough time. The labs we got back immediately looked good. We return in a week for the remaining results.
We feel so blessed. Each day this week we have a friend bringing a meal to us. This is such a blessing while we adjust to new sleeping patterns and have a new little one in the home.
So now the real life journey begins. We are thankful to those that have been our support through prayer, finances, and words and actions of encouragement. We are thankful to Jehovah Jirah for his providing our needs along the way. We pray for guidance and protection from our Jehovah Jirah for our household that He has created will glorify Him in everything we do. Praise God!
We all made our beds in Melanie's room for the night. She slept in her bed, Cohen on his little fold out couch, and me and Jason on the air mattress. We did find Cohen sitting on the steps with his ears covered while Melanie expressed not being happy about sleeping in her new crib. Oh what adjustments both kiddos are having to make. Cohen is not use to a crying baby. Melanie is not use to hearing this new language, with these new looking people, without the 19 other crib mates she was use to, and in the third new crib within the last ten days. So our bonding and attachment is truly beginning.
Melanie has done great. She is more interested in playing with boxes and Wii remotes than her toys. She loves to try on her new clothes...she even helps you get her dressed. She loves to help me sort laundry and pick up items. Melanie likes to be neat. She hates to have food on her hands or face. I think we go through at least five napkins each meal. She is not a picky eater. So far she has liked everything we have fed her here at home...except for hamburger. She loves her brother...a little jealous when daddy gives big brother Cohen attention. She does not like to swing and will not put her feet in grass. She loves to ride in the stroller on our walks each day. She like fireworks. She loves people to tickle her and make her laugh. I think her favorite thing to do is touch your nose and you make a honking noise. She hums to the beat when you sing a song or when Cohen plays the violin. She is very good at repeating what you do when you do hand motions to a song...then she hums along. The most difficult thing she is dealing with right now is sleeping. Melanie is still on China time. She will sleep from 9 - 1:30am, thinking that is nap time and will be wide awake. So we have adjustments to getting her on TN time.
Cohen is the BEST big brother ever. He is patient, kind, protective, and loving to his sister. He wants to teach her English. There are many hugs and kisses given during the day. He is so proud of her. Everywhere we go he tell everyone about her. He has been waiting to be a big brother for two years. I still say that out of everyone, Cohen was the MOST excited about getting Melanie as a sister. I am a proud momma. I cannot wait to see the bond they will develop over the years.
Thursday, July 4 - We had an indoor picnic with my parents and Jason's parents. It was pouring outside so we grilled hamburgers and had ribs with all the traditional Fourth of July fixings. Jason and I have serious Jet Lag. The evening was eventful. Melanie cried most of the night and Cohen woke up unable to breath (croupy cough). After Benedryl and a sitting in a steamy bathroom to clear his airway, he was doing great and able to sleep.
Friday, July 5 - Jason's parents left a day early due to Ed getting a very bad sinus infection. Cohen and Melanie both had Dr.'s appointments. Cohen for his croupy cough and Melanie for her adoption exam with Dr. Ervin. Cohen got meds and Melanie had a great check-up. We return on Monday for her labs.
Monday, July 8 - Melanie had her labs. It took about four nurses and thirty minutes for them to find a vein. Poor thing had a rough time. The labs we got back immediately looked good. We return in a week for the remaining results.
We feel so blessed. Each day this week we have a friend bringing a meal to us. This is such a blessing while we adjust to new sleeping patterns and have a new little one in the home.
So now the real life journey begins. We are thankful to those that have been our support through prayer, finances, and words and actions of encouragement. We are thankful to Jehovah Jirah for his providing our needs along the way. We pray for guidance and protection from our Jehovah Jirah for our household that He has created will glorify Him in everything we do. Praise God!
Wed. - July 3 - Our journey home and my heart change
Today we leave China for the USA!
At 4:40 am we met Lily and our driver for our trip to the airport to catch our 7:30 am flight from Guangzhou to Shanghai on China Eastern Airlines. The flight was 2 1/2 hours. Lily was amazing...she even arranged for the hotel to prepare an early breakfast to eat on the way. We had difficulty finding Delta airlines in Shanghai...actually we had difficulty finding someone to speak English in Shanghai. Thank goodness for our 2 1/2 hour layover.
We flew from Shanghai to Seattle on Delta on a ten and an half hour flight. Melanie did pretty good...she slept half the trip. Food seemed to be her comfort on the flight. It was impossible for me and Jason to sleep on the flight. Delta was great on this flight...we were treated great!
Once we arrived in Seattle, there was a very long line to clear customs. We then had to wait for a health officer to clear Melanie to enter the US and then an officer approved her paperwork and cleared her as a US citizen at approximately 10 am today. After she was cleared, we grabbed our luggage and had to wait in a very long line to clear security to catch our next flight. We made our flight just in time for MN. During this leg of the flight we were able to sit in Economy Comfort with Delta, which was nice to have the extra legroom. Jason and Melanie were able to sleep during this 3 hour flight. Unfortunately, I was not able to sleep due to the two rather energetic toddlers sitting behind us. I think my seat was their punching bag. I was not upset because I know how challenging it is to travel with little ones. This poor dad had four kids by himself.
We landed in MN on time. This airport was amazing!! The eating places were great! The shops were nice. We REALLY love this airport!!! It was nice to eat a sub sandwich from the states with lettuce. Funny how those little things you appreciate when they are not available around the corner for ten days. We met some very sweet people while waiting for our flight. At this point, we have been traveling for 22 hours. We were able to change clothes and brush our teeth before our last leg of our journey home. We left on time for TN on our Delta flight. Melanie was a little more fussy for this flight...but she has done AMAZING for how long she has had to sit on our laps on this journey.
The last thirty minutes of the flight were very anxious for me. I could not wait to see Cohen!!! This entire time I had mentally prepared myself for being away from my Cohen. I know he was in good hands with my parents and Jason's parents. Up to this point, the longest I had been away from my Cohen was three days. I thought that was too long. So this eleventh day seemed like the longest day in the world. I desired so badly to be home...to be somewhere familiar...to see my Cohen...to see my family...to officially have Melanie join our life and family...to worship freely without fear of persecution.
We landed on time at the Nashville airport. We were blessed to be at terminal one so that when we got off the plane we could see the crowd of friends and family waiting to see this precious child they have been waiting to meet. These people have been the pray warriors and our adoption cheerleaders over the past two years. I remember waving my hands and hearing the cheers. All I could think about was hugging and kissing my Cohen...with tears pouring down my cheeks (yes ugly cry)...I ran with my ten thousand pound bags and weak body that has not slept for 26 hours into the arms of my blonde little boy as his arms were stretched out to hug his momma. Oh I will never forget that moment as I held him in my arms crying tears of joy and relief. As I turned...my Melanie and Jason were approaching the crowd. There were cheers and tears. Oh what emotions to finally put your eyes on this child we hoped for this many years. The crowd was overwhelmed....I cannot express the faces and emotions that I saw. It was like time stood still. I hugged everyone in appreciation and gratitude for them traveling out late at 9:30 pm to greet us on our long journey home. Those that were present were: mom and dad aka G and Papa (Charles and Velda Beams), Cohen, Jason parents aka YaYa and Papa (Ed and Kathy Taylor), Lisa and Danica Herman, Rebecca Bowles, Jennifer Miller, Heath Nichols, David and Linda Stacy (Melanie Stacy's parents), Kay, Kyle and Micah DeGrood, Pastor George Austin, Craig, Gina, Ashton and Nathan Wright, and Kirk, Annah, and Ryan Hopkins. Melanie hugged everyone and clapped and smiled once she started feeling comfortable. We feel so very blessed. Our journey home was wonderful as I sat in between Cohen and Melanie's car seats. Reality set in that I now had two precious little ones. Cohen instantly showed his awesome big brother skills and was probably the most excited to get his sister home. He has prayed for her so many times the past two years...for her safety...that she would have food...that she would not be sick. He loves her so much!!!
What things we so take for granted when they are not at your fingertips for a short eleven days. My perspective has been changed. I am so VERY thankful for the simple yet important freedoms and luxuries we have here in the states. Family seems more precious. Time seems more precious. I feel guilty for taking for granted my religious freedom. How precious and blessed our life really is...oh how humbling. How thankful I am for being born as a US citizen. How thankful I am for being born into a Christian family. This trip not only added a precious member to our family...it was a spiritual wake-up call for the blessings I have in my life. I pray I do not get wrapped up in the petty things when I return to the states. I love my country for its freedoms. I love and respect my husband for so many reasons that would take ten pages to explain. He has been so patient and loving on this trip. I love and appreciate the plan that God has set for my life. I love and am so thankful for the precious gift of my Cohen. What a privilege to be given the responsibility to raise him to be the godly man he is to be in this world. Oh what joy to see him grow and change and see God's plan for his life. Why have I been blessed so much? I love my family and appreciate them for the path they have directed me on in my life and the sacrifices they have made for me...oh there are so many. I am thankful for my inlaws for raising my husband to be the godly and God fearing man that he is in this world. I am thankful that they love me as their own. I am thankful for friends that I have prayed for so many years ago. Friendship is a special thing...to trust people...to believe in people. We are blessed by our true friends. The list can go on and on for those things that I have realized I have taken for granted and I am so thankful to have in my life. I have received more than a daughter on this trip. No words can express my gratitude for God being my Jehovah Jirah during this amazing journey.
This journey has not just been twenty two months. I sit back and see how God has unfolded this plan minute by minute throughout the past years. It started exactly four years ago when I miscarried on July 7, 2009...then exactly two years ago I had my hysterectomy...then this week two years later as we pick up our daughter in China. There are so many details along the way how God has molded each moment, the neon signs to show his plan. We never thought during those times how these horribly challenging times would be molded into a blessing. We now hold the blessing in our arms. This child...our Melanie...God choose her specifically for our family. Oh how humbling...oh what a blessing. How her abandonment in the lawn of a Honda dealership in China would turn into a blessing for our lives. How God picked her to be ours over the days when we had lost our patience during the adoption process...God knew the entire time. What challenge we have now to find the plan and direction God has for our little girl. We cannot wait to see how God will use us to help shape her life, to encourage, to mold, to guide her into the godly woman she has been planned to be in this world. We are the blessed ones...me and Jason...to witness two precious children (Cohen and Melanie) grow and become children of God and fulfill God's purpose in this world. (Psalm 139) Each day that I have with these precious ones will be cherished. I will pray for these children. I will seek God's guidance for His plan for our family and my role he would have me to possess. I will pray for Jason to be the spiritual leader of our home...for the decisions he will make...for him to seek God and His plan. This experience in China has given me a whole new perspective on my life. There is so much that is new...seeking a new place of worship...seeking God's plan for our family...raising two children to seek God's plan for their life and desire Him above this world...to be the godly wife God would want me to be for Jason...to be the godly woman He would have me to be in our community...to show Christ to others. Oh there is so much more I want to say and are blank on how to express it with my words. I pray that my actions will praise God and will express the gratitude and appreciation for this experience and growth. Jason and I will never be the same from this eleven day journey that was more than an adoption trip.
At 4:40 am we met Lily and our driver for our trip to the airport to catch our 7:30 am flight from Guangzhou to Shanghai on China Eastern Airlines. The flight was 2 1/2 hours. Lily was amazing...she even arranged for the hotel to prepare an early breakfast to eat on the way. We had difficulty finding Delta airlines in Shanghai...actually we had difficulty finding someone to speak English in Shanghai. Thank goodness for our 2 1/2 hour layover.
We flew from Shanghai to Seattle on Delta on a ten and an half hour flight. Melanie did pretty good...she slept half the trip. Food seemed to be her comfort on the flight. It was impossible for me and Jason to sleep on the flight. Delta was great on this flight...we were treated great!
Once we arrived in Seattle, there was a very long line to clear customs. We then had to wait for a health officer to clear Melanie to enter the US and then an officer approved her paperwork and cleared her as a US citizen at approximately 10 am today. After she was cleared, we grabbed our luggage and had to wait in a very long line to clear security to catch our next flight. We made our flight just in time for MN. During this leg of the flight we were able to sit in Economy Comfort with Delta, which was nice to have the extra legroom. Jason and Melanie were able to sleep during this 3 hour flight. Unfortunately, I was not able to sleep due to the two rather energetic toddlers sitting behind us. I think my seat was their punching bag. I was not upset because I know how challenging it is to travel with little ones. This poor dad had four kids by himself.
We landed in MN on time. This airport was amazing!! The eating places were great! The shops were nice. We REALLY love this airport!!! It was nice to eat a sub sandwich from the states with lettuce. Funny how those little things you appreciate when they are not available around the corner for ten days. We met some very sweet people while waiting for our flight. At this point, we have been traveling for 22 hours. We were able to change clothes and brush our teeth before our last leg of our journey home. We left on time for TN on our Delta flight. Melanie was a little more fussy for this flight...but she has done AMAZING for how long she has had to sit on our laps on this journey.
The last thirty minutes of the flight were very anxious for me. I could not wait to see Cohen!!! This entire time I had mentally prepared myself for being away from my Cohen. I know he was in good hands with my parents and Jason's parents. Up to this point, the longest I had been away from my Cohen was three days. I thought that was too long. So this eleventh day seemed like the longest day in the world. I desired so badly to be home...to be somewhere familiar...to see my Cohen...to see my family...to officially have Melanie join our life and family...to worship freely without fear of persecution.
We landed on time at the Nashville airport. We were blessed to be at terminal one so that when we got off the plane we could see the crowd of friends and family waiting to see this precious child they have been waiting to meet. These people have been the pray warriors and our adoption cheerleaders over the past two years. I remember waving my hands and hearing the cheers. All I could think about was hugging and kissing my Cohen...with tears pouring down my cheeks (yes ugly cry)...I ran with my ten thousand pound bags and weak body that has not slept for 26 hours into the arms of my blonde little boy as his arms were stretched out to hug his momma. Oh I will never forget that moment as I held him in my arms crying tears of joy and relief. As I turned...my Melanie and Jason were approaching the crowd. There were cheers and tears. Oh what emotions to finally put your eyes on this child we hoped for this many years. The crowd was overwhelmed....I cannot express the faces and emotions that I saw. It was like time stood still. I hugged everyone in appreciation and gratitude for them traveling out late at 9:30 pm to greet us on our long journey home. Those that were present were: mom and dad aka G and Papa (Charles and Velda Beams), Cohen, Jason parents aka YaYa and Papa (Ed and Kathy Taylor), Lisa and Danica Herman, Rebecca Bowles, Jennifer Miller, Heath Nichols, David and Linda Stacy (Melanie Stacy's parents), Kay, Kyle and Micah DeGrood, Pastor George Austin, Craig, Gina, Ashton and Nathan Wright, and Kirk, Annah, and Ryan Hopkins. Melanie hugged everyone and clapped and smiled once she started feeling comfortable. We feel so very blessed. Our journey home was wonderful as I sat in between Cohen and Melanie's car seats. Reality set in that I now had two precious little ones. Cohen instantly showed his awesome big brother skills and was probably the most excited to get his sister home. He has prayed for her so many times the past two years...for her safety...that she would have food...that she would not be sick. He loves her so much!!!
What things we so take for granted when they are not at your fingertips for a short eleven days. My perspective has been changed. I am so VERY thankful for the simple yet important freedoms and luxuries we have here in the states. Family seems more precious. Time seems more precious. I feel guilty for taking for granted my religious freedom. How precious and blessed our life really is...oh how humbling. How thankful I am for being born as a US citizen. How thankful I am for being born into a Christian family. This trip not only added a precious member to our family...it was a spiritual wake-up call for the blessings I have in my life. I pray I do not get wrapped up in the petty things when I return to the states. I love my country for its freedoms. I love and respect my husband for so many reasons that would take ten pages to explain. He has been so patient and loving on this trip. I love and appreciate the plan that God has set for my life. I love and am so thankful for the precious gift of my Cohen. What a privilege to be given the responsibility to raise him to be the godly man he is to be in this world. Oh what joy to see him grow and change and see God's plan for his life. Why have I been blessed so much? I love my family and appreciate them for the path they have directed me on in my life and the sacrifices they have made for me...oh there are so many. I am thankful for my inlaws for raising my husband to be the godly and God fearing man that he is in this world. I am thankful that they love me as their own. I am thankful for friends that I have prayed for so many years ago. Friendship is a special thing...to trust people...to believe in people. We are blessed by our true friends. The list can go on and on for those things that I have realized I have taken for granted and I am so thankful to have in my life. I have received more than a daughter on this trip. No words can express my gratitude for God being my Jehovah Jirah during this amazing journey.
This journey has not just been twenty two months. I sit back and see how God has unfolded this plan minute by minute throughout the past years. It started exactly four years ago when I miscarried on July 7, 2009...then exactly two years ago I had my hysterectomy...then this week two years later as we pick up our daughter in China. There are so many details along the way how God has molded each moment, the neon signs to show his plan. We never thought during those times how these horribly challenging times would be molded into a blessing. We now hold the blessing in our arms. This child...our Melanie...God choose her specifically for our family. Oh how humbling...oh what a blessing. How her abandonment in the lawn of a Honda dealership in China would turn into a blessing for our lives. How God picked her to be ours over the days when we had lost our patience during the adoption process...God knew the entire time. What challenge we have now to find the plan and direction God has for our little girl. We cannot wait to see how God will use us to help shape her life, to encourage, to mold, to guide her into the godly woman she has been planned to be in this world. We are the blessed ones...me and Jason...to witness two precious children (Cohen and Melanie) grow and become children of God and fulfill God's purpose in this world. (Psalm 139) Each day that I have with these precious ones will be cherished. I will pray for these children. I will seek God's guidance for His plan for our family and my role he would have me to possess. I will pray for Jason to be the spiritual leader of our home...for the decisions he will make...for him to seek God and His plan. This experience in China has given me a whole new perspective on my life. There is so much that is new...seeking a new place of worship...seeking God's plan for our family...raising two children to seek God's plan for their life and desire Him above this world...to be the godly wife God would want me to be for Jason...to be the godly woman He would have me to be in our community...to show Christ to others. Oh there is so much more I want to say and are blank on how to express it with my words. I pray that my actions will praise God and will express the gratitude and appreciation for this experience and growth. Jason and I will never be the same from this eleven day journey that was more than an adoption trip.
Tuesday - July 2, 2013
Today is our last full day in China and we get Melanie's Visa to get out of the county!!
Melanie is 22 months old today!
We woke up and ate breakfast. It is another rainy day but we wanted to get out and about. So we headed to the Friendship Store (supposedly this is a government owned mall that has VERY nice merchandise and stores). We walked around and bought a few gifts for back home. Our favorite thing was trying out these new massage chairs and leg/foot massagers that were AMAZING!!! The massagers were called Life Power and were made in Hong Kong. WOW...our feet and legs have never felt more amazing. Jason even did research on trying to buy one back in the states.
We then headed back to the hotel to eat lunch and pack up the luggage for our very early departure the next day. It was a challenge to get each of our suitcases to not go over 44 pounds. We left some things behind for the other Living Hope family that were going to be there for one more week.
Lily arrived at 4:30 with Melanie's Passport/Visa and all her paperwork.
At 5:30 we left with the other adoptive families that had our same consulate date to Ossie's, a pizzeria. The pizza was great!!!
After dinner, we crashed for the evening due to our early morning departure.
Melanie is 22 months old today!
We woke up and ate breakfast. It is another rainy day but we wanted to get out and about. So we headed to the Friendship Store (supposedly this is a government owned mall that has VERY nice merchandise and stores). We walked around and bought a few gifts for back home. Our favorite thing was trying out these new massage chairs and leg/foot massagers that were AMAZING!!! The massagers were called Life Power and were made in Hong Kong. WOW...our feet and legs have never felt more amazing. Jason even did research on trying to buy one back in the states.
We then headed back to the hotel to eat lunch and pack up the luggage for our very early departure the next day. It was a challenge to get each of our suitcases to not go over 44 pounds. We left some things behind for the other Living Hope family that were going to be there for one more week.
Lily arrived at 4:30 with Melanie's Passport/Visa and all her paperwork.
At 5:30 we left with the other adoptive families that had our same consulate date to Ossie's, a pizzeria. The pizza was great!!!
After dinner, we crashed for the evening due to our early morning departure.
Monday - July 1, 2013
Today is the BIG day!!!! Our US Consulate appointment where we officially become Melanie's parents is today at 8:30 AM.
We woke up early and ate breakfast...I felt a little sick to my stomach this morning...I think it is the Cipro antibiotic I started taking because of the symptoms of a urinary track infection that started two days ago. This antibiotic is awesome!
We met Lily at 8:00 in the lobby and headed to the consulate. First, we stood in line for the office to open. Once it was open we had to get checked off a list by the guard and then went through a security check. Everything had to be in clear plastic envelopes and we were not allowed any electronic like cell phones or cameras. We were put in a waiting room that looked like a DMV. There were people behind class windows with speakers and electronic numbers at the top. We were sitting in front of windows 31,32, 33. There were eight other American adoptive families besides us. The majority were from the same agency in a group. Only three of us were from separate agencies. An American gentleman approached one of the windows and gave all of instructions of what would happen today and what we will be expecting in the future. We all had to stand and repeat an oath on behalf of our child...promises to take care of our child, keep their Chinese heritage, and more. After the group oath we were called up by family to turn in our final pack of adoption paperwork that had been translated into Chinese and hand over our child's passport. We signed on the doted line and that was it. It took a total of five minutes at the window. She is officially ours!!!!!
Tomorrow, we will get three things...her passport w/visa to get out of China, a brown envelope we cannot open that gets handed into authorities in Seattle, WA to make her a US citizen, and our Hague paper. We get all of this Tuesday at 4:30 PM.
After the consulate appointment, it was rainy again, so we went to Shaiman Island to buy squeaky shoes. Shaiman Island is where all the American Adoptive families use to stay at the White Swan Hotel. Since the hotel is under total renovation, we now stay at the Garden Hotel. The Shaiman Island area was beautiful....huge trees, beautiful landscaping, and a French Quarter look. We went to a little store called Jenny's. She caterers to Adoptive families and is famous for the squeaky shoes. Jenny is also a Christian lady. She has been a believer for 8 years, and her husband 12 years. She wore a cross and sold Christian merchandise. We bought a Chinese/English NIV Bible and one pair of squeaky shoes...which Melanie would not take off her feet without crying. Jenny gave us a free bracelet. It was so refreshing to meet a Chinese believer.
When we went back to the hotel, we tried to Skype with no success. Cohen is now at our house staying with Ya Ya and Papa (Jason's parents) until we get home.
We ate lunch at McDonalds and dinner at a Mexican restaurant called Takila. The Mexican was great!!!
It has been raining since 9am this morning and rained all night. We went to a little store and bought some things to drink and grabbed dessert in the bakery.
Tonight, we met another family adopting through Living Hope Adoption Agency. They waited eight years for their healthy child. Poor thing was sick with a fever and would not drink anything.
Melanie now is feeling very comfortable with us. She has been going to both of us equally, except the day at the mall where she would not allow Jason to hold her. That changed quickly. She is a daddy's girl!!! She still lets me hold her and love on her, but she lights up when Daddy comes in the room. She is still having the temper tantrums...which we will say is just a compliment that she feels comfortable with us. Melanie seems to be doing well physically and mentally. She seems very healthy. Melanie, along with the other kids, are like little sponges. With just a little attention, they are mimicking and learning things so quickly. It is amazing how much Melanie has learned in just a few days. After one day, she was clapping in patterns, signing words, and saying momma. She has now managed to turn on Jason's iphone all by herself.
We woke up early and ate breakfast...I felt a little sick to my stomach this morning...I think it is the Cipro antibiotic I started taking because of the symptoms of a urinary track infection that started two days ago. This antibiotic is awesome!
We met Lily at 8:00 in the lobby and headed to the consulate. First, we stood in line for the office to open. Once it was open we had to get checked off a list by the guard and then went through a security check. Everything had to be in clear plastic envelopes and we were not allowed any electronic like cell phones or cameras. We were put in a waiting room that looked like a DMV. There were people behind class windows with speakers and electronic numbers at the top. We were sitting in front of windows 31,32, 33. There were eight other American adoptive families besides us. The majority were from the same agency in a group. Only three of us were from separate agencies. An American gentleman approached one of the windows and gave all of instructions of what would happen today and what we will be expecting in the future. We all had to stand and repeat an oath on behalf of our child...promises to take care of our child, keep their Chinese heritage, and more. After the group oath we were called up by family to turn in our final pack of adoption paperwork that had been translated into Chinese and hand over our child's passport. We signed on the doted line and that was it. It took a total of five minutes at the window. She is officially ours!!!!!
Tomorrow, we will get three things...her passport w/visa to get out of China, a brown envelope we cannot open that gets handed into authorities in Seattle, WA to make her a US citizen, and our Hague paper. We get all of this Tuesday at 4:30 PM.
After the consulate appointment, it was rainy again, so we went to Shaiman Island to buy squeaky shoes. Shaiman Island is where all the American Adoptive families use to stay at the White Swan Hotel. Since the hotel is under total renovation, we now stay at the Garden Hotel. The Shaiman Island area was beautiful....huge trees, beautiful landscaping, and a French Quarter look. We went to a little store called Jenny's. She caterers to Adoptive families and is famous for the squeaky shoes. Jenny is also a Christian lady. She has been a believer for 8 years, and her husband 12 years. She wore a cross and sold Christian merchandise. We bought a Chinese/English NIV Bible and one pair of squeaky shoes...which Melanie would not take off her feet without crying. Jenny gave us a free bracelet. It was so refreshing to meet a Chinese believer.
When we went back to the hotel, we tried to Skype with no success. Cohen is now at our house staying with Ya Ya and Papa (Jason's parents) until we get home.
We ate lunch at McDonalds and dinner at a Mexican restaurant called Takila. The Mexican was great!!!
It has been raining since 9am this morning and rained all night. We went to a little store and bought some things to drink and grabbed dessert in the bakery.
Tonight, we met another family adopting through Living Hope Adoption Agency. They waited eight years for their healthy child. Poor thing was sick with a fever and would not drink anything.
Melanie now is feeling very comfortable with us. She has been going to both of us equally, except the day at the mall where she would not allow Jason to hold her. That changed quickly. She is a daddy's girl!!! She still lets me hold her and love on her, but she lights up when Daddy comes in the room. She is still having the temper tantrums...which we will say is just a compliment that she feels comfortable with us. Melanie seems to be doing well physically and mentally. She seems very healthy. Melanie, along with the other kids, are like little sponges. With just a little attention, they are mimicking and learning things so quickly. It is amazing how much Melanie has learned in just a few days. After one day, she was clapping in patterns, signing words, and saying momma. She has now managed to turn on Jason's iphone all by herself.
Sunday - June 30, 2013
Today is a relaxing day!
We slept in and went to breakfast. It was nice to take our time. We Skype called everyone. It was so good to see Cohen!!! We walked around the entire hotel and the gardens. It was beautiful! I joked with Jason that it would be awesome for Melanie to get married at the hotel one day. The pool was amazing. They also had a kiddy pool and playground area. She like the steps, but not the slide so much. The gardens have a coy pond and two waterfalls.
During Melanie's nap, I went to the business center to try to resolve the plane issue and confirm our flights for Wednesday. After an hour and a half conversation with Delta, nothing was resolved except that we did confirm our flights except for China Eastern. There was a little misunderstanding with the business center. They tried to charge us for an international call when I used a calling card. After an hour...it was resolved.
That night we went to The Italian Restaurant that Justine Gamble told us to try out. It was good! This was the first time in China that I left dinner stuffed full.
We came back to the room and crashed early for the night.
We slept in and went to breakfast. It was nice to take our time. We Skype called everyone. It was so good to see Cohen!!! We walked around the entire hotel and the gardens. It was beautiful! I joked with Jason that it would be awesome for Melanie to get married at the hotel one day. The pool was amazing. They also had a kiddy pool and playground area. She like the steps, but not the slide so much. The gardens have a coy pond and two waterfalls.
During Melanie's nap, I went to the business center to try to resolve the plane issue and confirm our flights for Wednesday. After an hour and a half conversation with Delta, nothing was resolved except that we did confirm our flights except for China Eastern. There was a little misunderstanding with the business center. They tried to charge us for an international call when I used a calling card. After an hour...it was resolved.
That night we went to The Italian Restaurant that Justine Gamble told us to try out. It was good! This was the first time in China that I left dinner stuffed full.
We came back to the room and crashed early for the night.
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