Home 2 Weeks Today!

And yet it seems like Nolan has been here forever! I am continually amazed at how God has blessed Nolan, and us, through the bonding process thus far. We have to keep our eye out for certain things he may or may not be doing that would indicate he is not yet forming a bond with us and I honestly cannot check off any of them as a concern. And that can only be because of the many prayers that we have all prayed asking for Nolan to weather this storm as easily as possible.


What I wouldn't give to peek into his little heart and mind! This journey for us, began months ago, but has only begun for Nolan. And it will be a long process of continually communicating to him that he is home and he belongs. And how exactly do you communicate that to a 2 year old? TIME, and the amazing part about that is...
We have a lifetime with him!

We are so grateful to our families and friends who have prayed, listened, encouraged, supported, put up with us (okay- me) during this incredible experience. We have built stronger friendships and even made many new friends in the adoption community, some of whom we have never actually met but whom have blessed us immensely.

But as for Nolan, there are no words, and not enough paper, to describe this amazing child we are so thrilled to have as a part of our family.

Back to Reality.... Daddy goes back to work!

The day we have been dreading has finally come. Daddy goes back to work. Ugh! Boy am I gonna miss having help around here. Where is the clean laundry fairy when you need her?

Nolan did not understand why Daddy was saying goodbye to everyone this morning and then got in the car and went away. He wailed! It was heartbreaking but also good to see how much he is bonding with Daddy. Now he just wants to be held.

It will be interesting to see how I make it through Spring Break with all 4 kids at home and one confused 2 year old. Having the kids home from school will help keep him busy at least, and they love helping and playing with him.

Nolan is playing with the stacking cups now, his favorite thing. But he's still upset and is clearly frustrated with the cups not going together the way he thinks they should.... upset about one thing and taking it out on something else! Yes he fits in this family just fine! Ha!

Happy Easter!

Nolan happily moves things from one basket to another

and passes eggs out to everyone.

Daddy lined them up in a firing line for pictures this morning!

Nolan liked hunting for Easter eggs, and did well visiting

with family today.

Landon is featured on a billboard for our church, furthest to the right.

Big Day for Nolan- Dr. Visit & Haircut!

Handsome boy sporting a new haircut! The other shots are just a few of the pics I took chasing him around to try to catch a good one (for those of you who have forgotten what it is like to have a 2 year old!) The bonk on his head came yesterday, he got going down the driveway too fast and landed on his head.

We saw the Pediatrician today to get Nolan started on some basic tests and possible immunizations. Lucky Mama gets to do the specimen collecting, (I'll be putting in a request for a bonus after that fun job!)

We are pretty sure he'd figured out we were at the Dr. office. He cried immediately when he saw the scale and of coarse did not like getting undressed to be weighed.

As far as the physical exam Nolan checked out well except for a slight heart murmur. Dr. said in skinny kids you can ofter hear more heart sounds than in heartier kids but she is still sending us to a cardiologist to be certain everything is as it should be. It is a tiny extra sound not anything she thought was alarming. So we are not terribly concerned at this point.

He is in the 3rd to 5th % for size, no big surprise there.

Towards the end of our visit he kept waving at the Dr. saying, "Bye Bye," as if that would make us leave sooner.

Haircuts were next. Summerlyn went 1st, he watched intently for the first few minutes. Then, Lorelei & Landon. He was not thrilled at first but sitting on Baba's lap did make it easier. He looks so handsome & ready for his announcement picture.

Tonight marks being home 1 week. Nolan has had an incredible week. So many ways we can see him adjusting. He even sat on my lap and petted Lincoln this morning, after that he tried poking his eyes out! He is 2 after all. We are still struggling to communicate a bit. He does get frustrated by not being able to tell us what he wants, but that is to be expected.

He's an amazing little guy and we are loving this!

Woo Hoo! No Crying Last Night!

Nolan is doing so well! Sunday was a busy day, really the first day we got out of the house and he did so well. He even made it through lunch out after church, but fell asleep in the car on the way home. He met lots of people and gave lots of high fives.

He has been having some temper tantrums but they have gotten much better and now it seems the only time he throws a fit is when he can't tell us what he wants. But once we figure it out he is happy as can be.

He is pretty much willing to go to anyone so we are trying to limit holding and care giving to Mama & Baba only, which is very difficult especially with the grandparents here. Of coarse everyone is telling us how well adjusted he is but we know that really means he does not feel particularly attached to us yet, and is still working to figure all this out. But he has only been with us 2 weeks today and this bonding process will be a marathon not a sprint. He has been a trooper and what we wouldn't give to know what he is thinking.

He slept through the night last night without crying out 1 time! It seems like getting him on a schedule has helped him sleep better at night because we have definately seen improvements in his sleep.

First Sunday at Church

Today was an exciting day, taking Nolan to church for the first time. Of coarse we were excited for everyone to meet him but it was also moving to have him in the service with us. Just thinking about what it means to have him here in America, the freedoms that are now his; introducing him to the life God had planned for him all along.

We are overwhelmed that God had such a big plan for our family and we enjoy watching each of them grow into who He wants them to be. It is still so amazing to have all 4 of them together in the same place!

Right now we are big into skateboarding, okay well not me, but all the kids. And yesterday we all watched Daddy skateboard and rip stick, holding our breath hoping he wouldn't kill himself. Anyway, top pic is of Lorelei, decked out in her crown & princess robe & slippers on a skateboard.
Milton had Nolan on a board too, holding a football.

The bottom pic is the kids after church today- such a challenge getting them all looking at the camera with a happy face!

Buddy- we've gotten Nolan in sandals already! He's a true FL boy now!

Adoption Blogs are Addictive

We are back now and will post to let everyone know how Nolan is doing. But with 4 kids 9 and under I am not sure how faithful I will be able to be, afterall I will be buried under a mountain of laundry.

The adoption community is very active online and we have made many good adoption friends online. Therefore I have added links to just a few blogs of families who have just arrived in China and will be holding their children for the first time on Monday!

Adoptive parents are happy to share their stories because they are so proud of their new additions, but also in hopes that it will somehow inspire others to adopt or get involved in some way.

You Know You're and Adoptive Parent When

1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep at night.

2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.

3. You can't watch adoption stories on TLC without crying.

4. The fact that, if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child there would be no orphans in the world, is convicting you.

5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.

6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about adopted child's "real" parents.

7. You have ever been "pregnant" with your adopted child longer than it takes for an elephant to give birth. (2 years!)

8. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt, but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing where God called you He will provide.

9. You have ever taken an airplane ride half-way around the world with a child you just met.

10. You believe God's heart is for adoption.

11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.

12. You know what the word "dossier" means, and you can actually pronounce it!

13. You have welcomed a social worked into the most private parts of your life.

14. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have him or her in your life.

-Author Unknown

First Day Home

Top Pic: 1st Meal as an American- Happy Meal from McDonald's- Okay not many choices in the airport plus after spending 12 days in China even McDonald's sounds pretty good.

2nd Pic:Meeting the sibling amongst the vomit. Not the ideal, touching moment we had in mind for when they all met Nolan!

3rd pic: Checking out the sidewalk art welcoming us home

4th pic: 101 things to do with a plastic bag - entertaining your 2 year old on a 16 hour flight! The motion sickness bag was helpful too!

Last Pic: Brothers waking up together

Today was Nolan's first day at home. After waking 3 times during the night (only twice crying, and one time at 3am talking & wide awake but happy) I had to wake him out of a DEEP sleep at 10:45 to try to get him on a schedule in this time zone.

Needless to say, he woke up groggy but not too grumpy. Landon sat with him on the couch helping him wake up. Landon has taken to the big brother thing quickly.

We spent the morning playing on the back porch. The kids felt it necessary to show him every toy he might possibly be interested. It is so easy to forget how overwhelming this must all be to him.

We went out to lunch. It took forever to get everyone in the car- oh my word- this area needs work or we will never get anywhere!

Nolan did so good at lunch but it was funny to watch him take food/crayons/ placemat from Lorelei. She did not know what to make of it. It was like she was thinking, "hey- I thought having a baby brother would be fun, but maybe I was wrong!" She'll figure big sisterhood out, quickly I'm sure.

Nolan napped well, went down without a fuss. He has had no problem with the crib so far, to me it seems like it would be a place of comfort and a break from all the stimulation. Tonight we gave him a little tour of everyone in their beds going night night and he went down without even crying. Let's hope that after he recovers from the jet lag he still goes down this well!

It's been a good day. Such a feeling of everything being right with the world, my family all together again!

Home At Last!

We made it home finally after being awake for 26 hours we are so thankful to be home!

Nolan did not sleep much on the plane. The first leg was over 15 hours long and he only took a few cat naps, and us too. Poor guy was so tired but just couldn't give in to sleep.

We finally made it home around 7:30. Nolan did fine getting in the car seat but then just as we were breathing a sigh of relief for being home... he vomited all over in the car! Parenthood, gotta love it! I am so thankful it didn't happen on the plane!!! (And thankful he was sitting by Daddy Ha!)

Will fill in more of the homecoming details after some serious sleep! Nighty Night!

Last Day in China

We spent the morning out taking in our last hours here in the country of Nolan's birth. While we are incredibly happy to be going home to the rest of our family, there is a bit of sadness as well.

Nolan is doing so well. Much better with the hitting and banging on the table at meals. He is still very chatty but not quite as loud as he was few days ago. He is sleeping well and does not cry more than a few minutes when we put him down. He does try to object to things occasionally like riding in the stroller, or eating vegetables, but does not really put up much of a fight.

His appetite is very good so hopefully we will put a little meat on his bones when we get home. At 25 months old, he is wearing 12 month size pants with room to spare!

Last night was the first time he didn't cry out during the night. And the first night Baba & Mama actually slept through the night as well. Now that we have adjusted to the time change it's time to go home!

We had forgotten how hard it is to get good pics of a 2 year old. He has yet to give us a smile looking right into the camera. He is never still either.

There are 2 cowlicks on the back of his head, same as Daddy! We have been told that means he will be a mischievous boy. We do agree about the mischievous part. One thing for sure about the cowlicks.... difficult hair!

Visit to Local Pharmacy!

Having trouble posting pictures- will try to add some later.

Today we ventured out of the tourist area and into a local market. Right across the river from the island are many shops that sell "herbal" medicine. We saw many interesting "cures!" From deer leg bones, to dried seahorses, dried ants & centipedes, even live scorpions that preserve wine keeping it good for up to 1 year?! Our guide said going to the Dr. is too much trouble when you can just go get something here to cure your illness.

There were also vendors selling skinned tiger legs, they tried to sell us the claws.

It was so nice to be out experiencing the local people. They are curious about us in a positive way. Although it is sometimes hard to tell because the Chinese people do seem very serious and stern but they are truly warm. There is something about them that is simple and inviting. We have very much enjoyed our time here in Guangzhou. I think that our American impression of the people here in China is so far off base and it is always good to be reminded that we are very much the same despite our cultural differences.

The top picture was a group of 5 year old girls out with their teacher. They practiced their English with us and were delightfully full of giggles. We were stopped by another group asking for autographs. It is impressive to hear such young children so good at speaking a 2nd language.

Tomorrow we pick up Nolan's Visa and hopefully finish up our time here in China. As soon as we are done at the US Consulate we will board a train for Hong Kong. We are looking forward to seeing more of the country side. It's about 2 hours by train. So happy to be heading home soon!

Visa Paperwork Woes...

We filed our Visa paperwork today, Nolan must have a US Visa since he is not yet a US citizen. We did this all on our own, our guide couldn't even accompany us into the Consulate because she is not an adoption facilitator.

The gentleman behind the counter was kind enough to go over our paperwork and we pray that it was all correct but we will not know until we go back to pick up the visa tomorrow afternoon. If there is a problem, it will most likely hold us up here until it can all be resolved.

We did run into another adoptive Mom here at our hotel also with our same agency who has had quite a time trying to get through the adoption details also. Yes, we will be addressing many things with our agency in the days to come! Can you say "Discount!?"... refund!

(As a side note about this Mom- she expected her daughter to be deaf, it turns out she can hear just fine. What an amazing blessing!)

We are trying not to worry- knowing it will all work out, but this Mommy is just WAY ready to get home.

Please pray that all has and will be done correctly so we can go home on time and avoid more paperwork headaches down the road.

Happy to be Guangzhou

Top picture is us waiting at the airport in Hefei. The flight to Guangzhou took about 3 hours. Nolan actually did very well on his first flight. Noises seem to scare him and combined with the force of taking off he was a bit nervous. But he did well staying in his seat and eventually fell asleep watching Monsters Inc.

2nd picture is of Nolan eating his first PB&J at Lucy's on Shamian Island where we are staying.

Lucy's is a popular place here for US families because unlike the other pictures above, you do not pick your dinner out of a tank! The other pictures were taken in the front of what appears to be a very nice restaurant. Many tanks with large fish, water beetles, which look like swimming roaches, eels, snakes, turtles, and things I couldn't identify if I tried. It looked more like a pet shop!

The island we are staying on is great for walking around and the shopping here is very much geared towards adoptive families. We feel very comfortable being out and about. It is nice to be able to experience the locals. Because today was Saturday lots of people were out.

We have encountered a few challenges with our adoption. Our guide here is not familiar with the adoption process but we have hooked up with other families here who are helping us muddle through. We are so thankful we have been down this road before otherwise I think we'd be worried. Our adoption is final in China's eyes, all of the things we are doing here are for US requirements.

Nolan had his medical exam today. It is very state of the art. They took a baby toy and shook it on each side of his head to check his hearing, played a little tune on a child's keyboard and measured and weighed him. Then declared him a healthy boy!

The people here are very friendly and all happy to see Nolan going to a good family. Apparently, bright eyes are a sign that he will be a smart boy, everyone tells us. We have also heard that he will be tall because he is from Anhui.

Something Funny...

As we sit here in our rooms, a man is hanging outside our window by a very make-shift looking weight & balance system made of some large bags that may have once held rice. He has a drill plugged into an extension cord with a bunch of electrical tape holding it all together. He is wearing dress shoes. Did I mention we are on the 16th floor and this is 5 star hotel? Clearly OSHA is a US thing! I hope this guy has a good life insurance policy because I know he's not making enough money!

The other is a picture of a bus. 1 person got off, at least 10 got on!

I haven't mentioned traffic here- it is SCARY! Our guide says they have traffic laws but no one wants to follow them. The laws are more like suggestionsthe lines on the roads mean nothing. They drive on sidewalks too. We have watched little men in orange vests sweeping the intersection below with brooms made out of sticks, paying no attention whatsoever to the traffic all around.

We did see a woman on a bike get hit by a car today. The driver got out to make sure she was okay and then they were both on their way.

I guess road rage is not a problem here.

Leaving Hefei!

We are happily moving to our next stop, Guangzhou. Too much time in the hotel room here but it has been a good stay. Hard for me to believe, but we are only halfway through our trip! I fully understand people who get off the plane and kiss the ground. I may do that upon returning home followed by a big glass of sweet tea! Thankfully there is a Starbucks not far from our next hotel!

Nolan has gotten very loud and difficult especially at meals. Lunch was interesting with many people around and one very outspoken child who kept smacking Daddy in the face. It is an interesting balance between bonding and correcting unacceptable behavior. Plus, being very much in the public eye just adds another interesting layer. The plane ride will be an adventure!

In Guangzhou we have a medical exam for Nolan on Saturday morning and a then we have to take an oath at the US Consulate there on Monday. The following day we will get Nolan's Visa allowing him into the US. Then we will board a train for Hong Kong and spend our final night there. The first flight home is 13 hours followed by a four hour layover and then a 2.5 hour trip to Orlando.

Nolan is full of life and quite a character. We are enjoying every minute, even the challenging ones!

Friday Morning Update

Pictures first- I know those are the most important!

The top picture is Nolan looking down to all the cars going by. He says "bu bua" his way of saying "cars" in Chinese. He loves looking out the window.

The 2nd picture, he is sitting outside the bathroom waiting for Baba to come out. I tried to get him to come play but he wouldn't budge.

He is doing well over all, but is very busy and continues to believe that he's way too cute to ever get in trouble! We have out hands full that is for sure.

We did get to visit the orphanage yesterday. I will do my best to describe, but being there in person is something no words can possibly describe sufficiently.

There are 2 parts to this orphanage, 1 for children and the other for senior citizens.

I put Nolan in the Hip Hammock before we went inside, but immediately he was reserved, quietly looking around out of the corners of his eyes. Everyone there knew him, I'm sure he'd charmed his way into their hearts!

We found out that he'd been in a foster family who lives in an apartment there. There are many apartments where a foster mom & dad have 6 children of various ages to simulate family life. We know Nolan was there until sometime last fall. We met his foster mom. She gladly showed us every inch of her apartment. She seemed honored and priviledged to meet us which to us was backwards. We are deeply grateful for all she did for Nolan.

Next we went to the classroom where he spent his days. He got down and played here but kept an eye on us too. So many precious faces, they will forever be burned in my heart and mind. Over all there were about 15 little ones in this room, 1oo children in total.

His nanies had clearly explained to Nolan who we were and seemed genuinely happy for him.

They kept pointing to us telling him, "Mama & Baba."

The staff was kind enough to let us take many pictures.

Lots more to tell, but my guys are getting restless here in the room.

Love and miss you all!

A Little Homesick

Today was a free day for us as we wait here in Nolan's province for some paperwork to be completed. We did get out a bit today, but with not much to keep us busy, I especially, miss home.

Nolan is doing remarkably well. He has been so much fun today, laughing and playing. He does wake up very reserved and has to warm up to us again, but it gets better each time. His appetite is very good and he's eaten all we've given him except apple peel, but his sister's won't eat that either so he fits right in.

He already understands so many words, and he does jabber at us in Chinese. He also repeats words he hears us use. It is impressive how fast he picks up on things.

It has been funny to see how many traits he shares with Lorelei. For example, we always tell her she lives in her own time zone- we always thought it was her personality, now we see it must be Chinese thing. Nolan does things in his own time too, she is really gonna like having him around!

Tomorrow we visit the orphanage and meet the nannies who have cared for him over the past 2 years. This is a huge privilege for us and we are thankful we will be able to share this information with him when he's older.


Happy 9th Birthday Landon! We love you!

Nolan's First Bath

Nolan loved the bath! He would have stayed in a lot longer but we had to pull him out before he soaked the entire bathroom! Here he is in the bath and then our handsome, clean boy. Next we'll tackle brushing his teeth.

We put him in shorts and a short sleeved shirt- he clearly did not know what to make of that. He kept looking at his legs and touching them in a funny way. Maybe he's never been in shorts before.

At breakfast this morning he was SO loud. Maybe he's going to be the outspoken one in the family. His naughty side is coming out more and more too, lots of hitting & throwing toys. He thinks it is funny when we tell him "No!" He sat down on the elevator and threw a little tantrum when Milton wouldn't carry him. I suppose he is already testing the limits like any normal 2 year old does.

It's Official!

We finalized our adoption and took our first official family photo at the Civil Affairs office today! Nolan is doing great, but goes back into a very somber mood whenever we leave the room. So are spending most of our time here playing.

We gave him some Smarties, he ate only one, the rest he is carefully gathering up certain not to lose a single one. He is very serious about his Smarties not getting lost. (Bottom picture)

We have seem smiles and tickle time giggles but of coarse the smiles are illusive when the camera comes out. Tickle wrestling matches are a regular occurrence at our house and he is getting very familiar with tickles from Daddy. He likes Baba A LOT!

He definitely has the same ideas as his big sis, Lorelei- why do it yourself when you can get someone else to do it for you? He likes to be fed and given his sippy even though is is completely able to do these things himself!

2:30 in the Morning & WIDE Awake...

We both woke up at 2:30 am, there at home it is 1:30 in the afternoon. So I suppose eating Bugles and drinking hot chocolate may not be that unusual.... if it wasn't the middle of the night.

Bugles were the one of the few thinks we recognized in the market nearby. Although they look familiar they are not the same as the ones at home. Much better than freeze-dried shimp for snack!

Before bedtime, we got some big laughs out of Nolan. He is super ticklish and seems to be a clown. We can tell that he knows he's pretty cute and he amuses himself mischievously throwing toys at Mommy. He thought that was very funny.

He is sleeping well tonight and getting him to bed was not difficult at all. We put his crib right next to our bed and he did fuss momentarily but then laid down & went right to sleep.

Better try to get a little more sleep. Tomorrow we finalize our adoption here in Anhui with an interview and meeting with a Notary.

Gotcha Day Part 2

Nolan slept for about 3 hours today, every once in while he'd wake up & look around and it was almost as if he'd purposely go back to sleep hoping life would be normal again when he opened his eyes the next time. He'd look at me and say "Mama" like he knows that is my name, but not what Mama means.

We got out his afternoon for a little while hoping to find some pants that fit him, no such luck with that, but the people here are warm and many people say, "lucky baby." We are also getting some extra looks when people realize the he is a boy.

He's been in the zombie-like state most of today, sitting or even standing very still, but is now playing on the bed. He knows exactly what to do with the play cell phone.

He is having his first taste of american food for dinner- cheese pizza!

We couldn't have asked for a better day. We can only hope bedtime goes as well!

Can't wait for you all to meet our handsome little man!

Gotcha Day!

So hard to believe after all the months of waiting today has finally come. We took a short drive to the Civil Affairs office this morning and Nolan was in the lobby as we arrived. His nannies were pointing to us telling him, "Baba & Mama."

He didn't cry, just studied us for a long time. So far he seems to have a personality very much like Landon did as a baby, serious, and taking everything in, not too verbal, at least not yet.

We came back to the room and he fell asleep shortly thereafter. So, no crying yet although we are by no means out of the woods. Someone suggested that we pray for God to put our faces in his mind and it sure seems as though He did. Nolan was not as frightened and upset as we expected him to be.

He appears to be healthy but small. None of the pants we brought fit him.... too big. The size 5 shoes we brought were right on which is good because he came in black boots with hearts on the zipper!

Ni Hao!

We made it safely to China on Sunday night. Our hotel is great, and our guide is super. It's 11pm here, we'll try to get some sleep, so we will be ready to go to the Civil Affairs office at 9:30 in the morning to get Nolan!

It's his last night to sleep as an orphan. Tomorrow his life will be totally different. Please pray for him, and us too.

Hugs from China!

On Our Way!

Up early this morning and if we could choose one word to describe our mood, I'd say we're, "ready." Goodbyes went smoothly this morning, Mommy able to hold back tears until we were safely in the car. Honestly, I think the kids were glad to see us go, excited about Party Time with Papa & Mimi.

The song playing in the car this morning was Mark Schultz, Everything to Me, a song he wrote to his birth mother about how when she gave him up, she gave him everything. Fitting considering Nolan's life is about to change in every way. The little guy has no idea what is coming and even though it will be a painful transition for him, it's absolutely the best thing for him. What a picture of God's love for us and something to remember the next time circumstances are agonizing and we don't understand what He is up to; beauty from ashes.