tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20767898504231557482024-02-19T03:17:31.129-08:007th heavenShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-2868231835957169412014-05-02T21:51:00.000-07:002014-05-02T21:51:11.429-07:00Sylers Birthday! Added a blog at my home blog, which I am planning to use more as we settle in. (more as in, how often can I actually blog but hopefully can slowly get updates going!) You can <a href="http://herewegrowagain.blogspot.com/2014/05/sylers-first-birthday-home.html">click here to read</a> about our sweet boy's 9th birthday!ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-42212417552166605082014-04-25T21:45:00.002-07:002014-04-25T21:53:49.759-07:00Update from Home! <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i><span style="color: #606060; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"My family is all
things unconventional. But it is real. Real because God has knit our hearts
together in a way that only He can and real because no matter what anyone says
or thinks, I am their Mommy, and they are mine."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #606060; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Kisses From Katie pg.179)</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaWPH-ayuXlaEkxRK2rLiSFStpdbiRjuGLYph3WA2_dC3xui1nNSLni85yS5-5hInX0wD0q3RwPbhPVEh3OlLSb6kcTZ3_okQWLHGxkJ2ZOtmcbbmZUyaN3uU9E_wsPx3e77ToH7Ris8/s1600/unnamed-8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaWPH-ayuXlaEkxRK2rLiSFStpdbiRjuGLYph3WA2_dC3xui1nNSLni85yS5-5hInX0wD0q3RwPbhPVEh3OlLSb6kcTZ3_okQWLHGxkJ2ZOtmcbbmZUyaN3uU9E_wsPx3e77ToH7Ris8/s1600/unnamed-8.jpeg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I started a post a week ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Worked on it a bit each day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">And tonight I went to add
photos and it was gone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Nothing annoys me more than
spending all that time typing to have it LOST. Ok there are many things that
annoy me more, but that is frustrating! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">So here we go again. And
actually, maybe it is for the best. I am in a better place than a week ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">That first week is HARD. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">REALLY hard when you have 2
new kids who are jet lagged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjQag_YeoBejjx_sUAqEskKVROi5EuiADIZ9TEjX2OyyctCDO6EhngnLPPURZivLsIyUVjaiacxARLwmOo_nzxuZKCurE-t76fMpsKfjrVDeE8KKgNqj1ip50keSp-_ifhN9T1U6JNjA/s1600/unnamed-9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjQag_YeoBejjx_sUAqEskKVROi5EuiADIZ9TEjX2OyyctCDO6EhngnLPPURZivLsIyUVjaiacxARLwmOo_nzxuZKCurE-t76fMpsKfjrVDeE8KKgNqj1ip50keSp-_ifhN9T1U6JNjA/s1600/unnamed-9.jpeg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">And 5 who are not. (Malaine
did awesome and got right back to schedule) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> Mercie fights sleep with all she has. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Why do 2 year olds hate sleep
so much? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">To get her to sleep it is
like wrestling a cat. You might win, but you will come out bleeding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Or missing a clump of hair.
Or you will have been hit, pinched, bit, kicked, probably all of the above. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDh_WV_bC5QqAR9xqCxtkx6qhNMFOw-SxOkh31SnkoqfGUMJwSP_U2HBzmbKu5q_Y6hinXRLMwtCcxkw4NP4U3hv2myIVgjaa2zS6CLYTB0sTmXIeP8NK-lRxJEoOwWUxdIRwz_5sjIpE/s1600/unnamed-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDh_WV_bC5QqAR9xqCxtkx6qhNMFOw-SxOkh31SnkoqfGUMJwSP_U2HBzmbKu5q_Y6hinXRLMwtCcxkw4NP4U3hv2myIVgjaa2zS6CLYTB0sTmXIeP8NK-lRxJEoOwWUxdIRwz_5sjIpE/s1600/unnamed-2.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">My 22 pound almost 3 year old
is STRONG and mighty. She has learned to survive well these past 2 1/2 years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">BUT it is getting better.
Baby steps each day. She DOES nap this week. (after the wrestling match) And
she is sleeping all night IN MY BED. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I am not sleeping all that
great because she is either on top of me, kicking me, well, you can imagine.
BUT at this point I am just thankful she is sleeping! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">And she is SMILING. IF she
sleeps, she is happy. I have finally moved up the ladder and I am at a close
tie with Malaine. Unfortunately Mark has moved down and so we are working on
that. It is hard on him, but he is trying and we all know she will adore her
daddy soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzw73G0RtKz8_zkRA5cN6c8AMvp2uXIKn_QdNwyfx2Bsh8skg3zkceArGPACxzyHipUyhiIJYAbZQf_a8KGJifNsIas9oWjYw1Oro91EYEsy18flQMO-BFz0oBWo-C7e3qlg0l_Mt8cI/s1600/unnamed-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzw73G0RtKz8_zkRA5cN6c8AMvp2uXIKn_QdNwyfx2Bsh8skg3zkceArGPACxzyHipUyhiIJYAbZQf_a8KGJifNsIas9oWjYw1Oro91EYEsy18flQMO-BFz0oBWo-C7e3qlg0l_Mt8cI/s1600/unnamed-5.jpeg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Mercie is a wild woman. Why
does this shock me? For some STRANGE reason I just thought child #7 would be
easy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I should just stop thinking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">You don’t dare take your eyes
off of her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Running across the table?
Check. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Diving off the couch? Check<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Throwing herself down the
steps. Check. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Dumping out every thing,
CHECK. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Pulling the dogs tail CHECK. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 24px;">Into EVERYTHING, Check, check CHECK. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuf7iosz3NVvhYCyrISVZl9JP85Yvxy8Q_uuU6C4Jmprx91urICINiPOpsNjsAZE-hg0ub2CH_Jl-1giLz6FGpfFHv1qMjQQz2iWeVBg0xdgeXm2K8aDat8c28VrLzGpH-8u8OMubvRQ/s1600/unnamed-7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuf7iosz3NVvhYCyrISVZl9JP85Yvxy8Q_uuU6C4Jmprx91urICINiPOpsNjsAZE-hg0ub2CH_Jl-1giLz6FGpfFHv1qMjQQz2iWeVBg0xdgeXm2K8aDat8c28VrLzGpH-8u8OMubvRQ/s1600/unnamed-7.jpeg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I am feeling my age with this adoption. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The only quiet moments I get
are when she is eating or in the bath. And the bath is not necessarily quiet.
Because she is a FISH. She goes under, she rolls, she dives, she is CRAZY. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">And we wouldn't have it any other way. Well, maybe a LITTLE calmer might be nice! :-) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We went to the doctor the
first week home and she is very underweight but I am not to worried because my
girl can EAT. They said at the orphanage she was picky but I am going to guess
that is because she was tired of mush. She eats everything. She is not a food
hoarder by any means. (we had that in the past) she just eats really well and
eats whatever we give her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">She is smart and catching up
so quickly. She gives kisses, she says bye, she understands important things
like “where is your hairbow” and "bathtime!" She doesn’t say
anything really understandable (though I am almost certain I hear Mama!) but
she jabbers and I wish I could catch it on video because it is the cutest! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Syler is really doing
amazing. I read stories of older child adoption and he is honestly making it
look easy. We have our moments, and when we do, I get frustrated. BUT really he
is a sweet boy and so laid back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">If I had to describe him to
you, if you know my children, I would say he is very similar to Sage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcK7xyUvh_74sBNbQgNHpfkYGw_BNpSU7DMOJiby0IwpJKk8OcN8KpOj2x7fVHkqnWAwXKK-xaHFy18QQIBY4iFYtwX7MXLVRaeszV0Kh2por2pGYghUHTeQ9UV7Rb9piHSRFp4rTwG3w/s1600/unnamed-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcK7xyUvh_74sBNbQgNHpfkYGw_BNpSU7DMOJiby0IwpJKk8OcN8KpOj2x7fVHkqnWAwXKK-xaHFy18QQIBY4iFYtwX7MXLVRaeszV0Kh2por2pGYghUHTeQ9UV7Rb9piHSRFp4rTwG3w/s1600/unnamed-4.jpeg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Today we were doing school
and I had him practicing his name. Which he can already spell. I tried to get
him to write his Chinese name under it. He said no, SYLER. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Mark tried tonight something
with his chinese name and he shook his head no and said SYLER.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">This makes me happy and sad
all at once. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Syler is finding his place in
this family. He loves being a brother and a son. He really seems to LOVE having
a family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mvFdmVGMf_HKNoV6ljNcppeJVjPaThrcy7070zBIoOUWAsEvMrNTY0l3lG_oJcNGGFbGB5EYPEQyXM3rt1F3YgTdvYoCja1B9Z3NdavfZ3ep03LT5oMJjWCFqmmAe2g6AAs6pk_TAO4/s1600/unnamed-10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mvFdmVGMf_HKNoV6ljNcppeJVjPaThrcy7070zBIoOUWAsEvMrNTY0l3lG_oJcNGGFbGB5EYPEQyXM3rt1F3YgTdvYoCja1B9Z3NdavfZ3ep03LT5oMJjWCFqmmAe2g6AAs6pk_TAO4/s1600/unnamed-10.jpeg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">He knows he is now Syler
Laxton. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">But it makes me a bit sad
that he seems to be DONE with life before us. And I know this is normal and
expected, but for some reason it still makes me a little sad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcmGcdlm9WxJO_3XNp3wr6CUgzmtDVcKBID3rei2q_QnX-WQvWuYNbPhAv-nTfqN_dxNz4439xn8FsvdiQTogNJQdEVCnJWq45g0gL6wTOlhBaCmqhHpsUNKmgGQ2jB9OJHS0_OXgt6s/s1600/unnamed-6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcmGcdlm9WxJO_3XNp3wr6CUgzmtDVcKBID3rei2q_QnX-WQvWuYNbPhAv-nTfqN_dxNz4439xn8FsvdiQTogNJQdEVCnJWq45g0gL6wTOlhBaCmqhHpsUNKmgGQ2jB9OJHS0_OXgt6s/s1600/unnamed-6.jpeg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We are going to be doing
school at home till the fall and then he will probably go with the girls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">He is catching on so fast to
language. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Language is one of those
things you just can’t comprehend. Everyone told us how fast it happens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">But when you meet it seems
overwhelming. And especially when you have the first “melt down” and you feel
so helpless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">So thankful for friends who have
traveled this road and who have been so good to encourage us through this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Because it DOES happen fast.
Or for this age, for him, it has. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">He understands:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Night night<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Pajamas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Bath<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Coat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Shoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Let’s go<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Buckle up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Wait & Later (though he
HATES these words!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">All our names<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Dogs/Cat and their names<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Outside<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Brush teeth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Take a shower/bath<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Eat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">School<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Yes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">No<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">potty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">And the list goes on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">He SAYS with out prompting:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">All our names including his<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Some of his letters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Numbers 1-10 (can put in
order) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Many colors<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Shoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Mama, Syler outside?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Potty<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Come on<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Eat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Pixie drop it! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Fei Fei no! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Brush teeth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">ball<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTQJU-AX3hX-AHXM4XEF5cn3CEuVYOSJT2_XMYFGDFrHz5a9j9GakLh1gSG7twrDe80xQtzTl28NUhybc6Jqc6p4yit-zFnMIn5DzYpZInUKQzTp82WFh1VNCJQFFxYyj1ihoSD-pbd0/s1600/unnamed-11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTQJU-AX3hX-AHXM4XEF5cn3CEuVYOSJT2_XMYFGDFrHz5a9j9GakLh1gSG7twrDe80xQtzTl28NUhybc6Jqc6p4yit-zFnMIn5DzYpZInUKQzTp82WFh1VNCJQFFxYyj1ihoSD-pbd0/s1600/unnamed-11.jpeg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Food wise he is doing well.
We had a few moments over food, but with ME sleeping and a bit of patience we
have come along. I fix the kids plates (because if he can CHOOSE, he won’t
choose much!). He knows he needs to TRY a bite of everything. He is not a huge
fan of pasta, potatoes, veggies or cheese. BUT even there I have been shocked
at the things he has started to eat. Last night he ate mashed potatoes! He has
had a salad (no dressing) and meatloaf with cheese. I didn’t even have to
encourage him, he just ate! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sCTRo3o3RhNxQHXgqMN0TrHabuMDU8i7IcxG1EJfZxgA1_wYYfK2X9rWhfAHqjk05Bm02m6e-JFjTYOxgxnQZ-l7GUAoKM02T4e-VlVylIbvmfGLCsEsMqXVTy0rVUYurpGVwv5iK0w/s1600/unnamed-12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sCTRo3o3RhNxQHXgqMN0TrHabuMDU8i7IcxG1EJfZxgA1_wYYfK2X9rWhfAHqjk05Bm02m6e-JFjTYOxgxnQZ-l7GUAoKM02T4e-VlVylIbvmfGLCsEsMqXVTy0rVUYurpGVwv5iK0w/s1600/unnamed-12.jpeg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">In China you might remember
he ate SOOOO much. But that has not been an issue at all here. Of course we
don’t have a buffet, but I am thankful food hoarding has not been an issue for
either of them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 24px;">**Seriously have to do a HUGE shout out here while talking about food. We have had meals delivered to us EVERY day of the week since coming home, with another week to go! My "village" is THE BEST and I am SOOO thankful!! It has been such a tremendous blessing for us! ****</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Doctor gave him a good report
besides teeth. We have some big dental bills in our future. He is in pain and
we will see a pediatric dentist in 2 weeks. He is on an antibiotic right now so
we hope we can make it till the appointment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">There are moments that are
hard. Typically with me, never his daddy. (which is the same for ALL my kids,
so perfect for dad!) He still has his pout down and can glare at me like
nobody’s business. Many of these times are simply communication and I am
praying the Lord would give ME more patience during these times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">And when you adopt TWO at one
time, it is CONSTANT work. So much to teach and guide and train and on top of
it all trying to bond well. When they are both asleep you sit and wonder, WHAT
HAVE WE DONE?? </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Ok, just sometimes I think
that. Most nights I am to tired to think period and just happy if I remember to brush my teeth before falling into bed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifB66VlvYUp5t2o-5a4re5tl1ISVRj2Xu8kYoOpRhTPJQ0qcQdeRFAVqHo0vc0n9BmQ2gpFwlUV9yqIVGF7hmjuWSRI9SFnYtYdRu75X_3FznH1uV8GiS6ofEyNKdTc0nOwLZUtkGDKxM/s1600/10250159_10202937827999521_2597033605973894434_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifB66VlvYUp5t2o-5a4re5tl1ISVRj2Xu8kYoOpRhTPJQ0qcQdeRFAVqHo0vc0n9BmQ2gpFwlUV9yqIVGF7hmjuWSRI9SFnYtYdRu75X_3FznH1uV8GiS6ofEyNKdTc0nOwLZUtkGDKxM/s1600/10250159_10202937827999521_2597033605973894434_n.jpeg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">But really, there are times I wonder, are they HAPPY to be home? Do they miss that old life? I am certain when I tell Syler no or remind him of the rules he probably DOES miss his life of doing what he wants all the time! And Mercie still gets so sad at times. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">But then I see Syler sit down to eat and wait for me, his hands folded in prayer. Or I hear him call out Mama. Mercie runs into my arms and snuggles in, and I am reminded of what we have done. We have followed God's plan for our family. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 24px;">We have brought our children home. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><i style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #606060; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18pt;">"I have to feed her, clothe her, care for her, and love her unconditionally as I tell her that I love her. Once she can understand and see my love, I can begin to tell her about a savior who loves her even more. That is the truth for these children- that they are loved, that they are valuable, that they will not be left as orphans, but that they have a plan and a hope for the future. What a beautiful truth." (Kisses From Katie pg.90)</span></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-77723099517128988402014-04-12T23:55:00.000-07:002014-04-12T23:55:00.366-07:00HOME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just wanted to share we made it! Will post more tomorrow, but oh it feels good to be HOME!!ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-74457922155223435662014-04-11T21:04:00.000-07:002014-04-16T21:36:30.525-07:00Goodbye China, Hello Hong Kong Disney! <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Thursday morning we all slept
in. We talked with our kids at home. We enjoyed our last breakfast buffet at
the hotel and we packed up to leave.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">A driver picked us up at 3pm
and drove us to the Consulate. A driver from Hong Kong, who did not speak
English. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">And did I mention in HK they
sit on the wrong side of the car? Not to mention they drive on the wrong side
of the road. But they have some fancy vans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uvfpSgP-xa689hHCLBqnueiXUSWYoD2mnpip94tE7zYo_XWgTnOh-wun5ZEEcojVKCkXatCbzmufW93hn4584TROPgm1FzttD3ce8c5hAAB09sJ0NLeDXFA0ulTybW-w0jm5_vM3-xM/s1600/unnamed-88.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uvfpSgP-xa689hHCLBqnueiXUSWYoD2mnpip94tE7zYo_XWgTnOh-wun5ZEEcojVKCkXatCbzmufW93hn4584TROPgm1FzttD3ce8c5hAAB09sJ0NLeDXFA0ulTybW-w0jm5_vM3-xM/s1600/unnamed-88.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We arrived at the Consulate
where our guide had said he would meet us. We pull up and the driver points at
Consulate. Does this mean our guide is inside? Does this mean, WE go inside? We
have no idea and no way to contact our guide. Mark decides to get out and go
check. Because you can just go in and check the US consulate for fun. (that is
sarcasm, you don’t do that!)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Eventually our guide shows up
at the van, Mark comes back and we have the kids passports and visas in hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Richard (guide) tells our
driver to drive safely. Gulp. I asked how we would tell him if we need a potty
stop. Toilet is known in both languages he said. So off we go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We had a few options to get
to Hong Kong from GZ. Fly, which you know for me is a big no. Train or hire a
driver. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Let me just say a bit on
transportation in China. I hate flying, that is no secret. BUT I also hate the
wasted time it takes. Sitting at airports waiting because you have to be early,
AND the chances your flight leaves on time are slim. The train is obviously my
favorite because it is never late, it is smooth and easy and roomy and it is ON
THE GROUND. But you also do have to get
tickets so you are on a time table, you have to carry your own luggage on and
find a spot for that luggage. Plus the train to HK still requires a driver
because of immigration. SO, we opted to have a driver pick us up at hotel in
GZ, drive us through immigration and drop us right off at the HK hotel. 3 hour
drive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The negative on this is that
you are on the highway, in a car, with your children, who are not in car seats.
Because China does not do car seats. Going REALLY fast. And our driver was
texting while driving. But he did
understand toilet. And thankfully the kids did really well in the car. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We arrived in Hong Kong and
when we pulled through the gates of the Disney Property, I about cried. It
looked like HOME. (well that and we were ALIVE and not in a car crash like I
kept envisioning!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOTOXzLKkOfHf2D_CKV2-Pkp1EGLMQFxMW4CAzk7ljZ8IVFJpjFS-g8qWc7ntPzwm2AzGj71CUU10TVsux72h1ow9Munf7POtrEsChrtZfIw91Egj8VbCSG8g8UlLzXWPQRSVHb9itl4/s1600/unnamed-89.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOTOXzLKkOfHf2D_CKV2-Pkp1EGLMQFxMW4CAzk7ljZ8IVFJpjFS-g8qWc7ntPzwm2AzGj71CUU10TVsux72h1ow9Munf7POtrEsChrtZfIw91Egj8VbCSG8g8UlLzXWPQRSVHb9itl4/s1600/unnamed-89.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We stayed at the Disney
Hollywood Resort. On the way into HK we
stayed at the airport hotel, but figured it would be nice to be near Disney to
visit Disney on our way out.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">And I am glad we chose that!
It was fun to have the Disney touches and exciting for Syler. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We had breakfast at Chef
Mickey in the hotel Friday morning. Syler was SO cute seeing Mickey mouse
there! He could not stop staring at him through breakfast, which is a BIG deal
because he did not eat as much as normal!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIW_jyjAGPeIa5XCN7Xv9m9opp7BKs0197L7jnGX8pEidQmXyoxH_FrOh2O5Zp-kfW30_2Sx2m4-TIWdjC92s3eRlHUQJakRAgUOinUCK_D2CT7qQNAyWrjG1LMPXUmse32YJAez5ZdaI/s1600/unnamed-83.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIW_jyjAGPeIa5XCN7Xv9m9opp7BKs0197L7jnGX8pEidQmXyoxH_FrOh2O5Zp-kfW30_2Sx2m4-TIWdjC92s3eRlHUQJakRAgUOinUCK_D2CT7qQNAyWrjG1LMPXUmse32YJAez5ZdaI/s1600/unnamed-83.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9q1OD2f6p7cPenDeqEO9Pyt5Hsc6RZKn7r7UfStJ6JHp4NjMUk1L-KYkAh8tFS0y-XGwpoA9RqAaxRfgzIc1s68truPdbiJPeIKbhBBnajO-HQ4vTjp06MB-VvHF4BAvlZyNis69DpQ/s1600/unnamed-84.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9q1OD2f6p7cPenDeqEO9Pyt5Hsc6RZKn7r7UfStJ6JHp4NjMUk1L-KYkAh8tFS0y-XGwpoA9RqAaxRfgzIc1s68truPdbiJPeIKbhBBnajO-HQ4vTjp06MB-VvHF4BAvlZyNis69DpQ/s1600/unnamed-84.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We headed to the park where
we had no expectations or agendas. Just have fun and when we stop having fun,
we come back to the hotel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmKGOZzc1b5w4SUWvSLVEQ9bNBws_oKy0ebv3GnDU-ffWxfCdrz8FpTUacjLENoRoEyNb3qwIxOyexPasnPEBDlLSZHN-sqI3jP-xP_77HWXQBsc2JdcDY1F1C-thSgpk4AYWLGhy-Mk/s1600/unnamed-82.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmKGOZzc1b5w4SUWvSLVEQ9bNBws_oKy0ebv3GnDU-ffWxfCdrz8FpTUacjLENoRoEyNb3qwIxOyexPasnPEBDlLSZHN-sqI3jP-xP_77HWXQBsc2JdcDY1F1C-thSgpk4AYWLGhy-Mk/s1600/unnamed-82.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">We really debated over Disney
with the kids. I have wanted to go for the last 6 trips, so Mark finally caved
on this one. (being that it was my birthday I think is why!) He was very
against taking the kids and his idea was to do Disney on the way in, and do a
tour on the way out. WITH kids. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We read other families opinions who have done
it both ways, Disney first, Disney last. And for us I am so thankful we did it
with Syler. Seeing the magic of Disney through your 8 year old’s eyes is
unforgettable. Disney is magical the first time for most kids, of course. But
take a child from an orphanage and it is the sweetest thing. The first ride we
went on he tried to give us change from his pocket, thinking it cost money to
ride. To realize he could ride ANYTHING was priceless. The rides my kids are
bored on typically, he was giddy over! I constantly had tears in my eyes and
whiplash from tying to keep up with all he was pointing out! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">My boy can also read a map.
He studies it, leads us to things and knew exactly what he wanted to see. Space
Mountain was at the top of his list. I guess it looked cool on the map. Now,
you know that we are a thrill seeking family and our kids all love to ride
rides. But I was just not sure about putting him on this! I asked the attendant
to describe the ride in mandarin and Syler insisted he wanted to ride. We did
child swap so we could both ride and take turns with Mercie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbhheJbbaTb5pZnt5O02SDm26oSEOi_kSRaqqz35P69PkLW1oVCAdMk4tPGQFjt6Zk6W8a1NmfXQK9CXm2pew4jspnW2_OTwqmtgprkfNKOyKx5FZHnps12L-SCmvePK8_nl3unOyGp0/s1600/IMG_9038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbhheJbbaTb5pZnt5O02SDm26oSEOi_kSRaqqz35P69PkLW1oVCAdMk4tPGQFjt6Zk6W8a1NmfXQK9CXm2pew4jspnW2_OTwqmtgprkfNKOyKx5FZHnps12L-SCmvePK8_nl3unOyGp0/s1600/IMG_9038.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Who by the way was CARRIED
the entire day. How did I NOT lose weight on this trip??? Or maybe I did and it
is now muscles showing up on my scale. Hmmm…. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Mark and I decided the ride
would either be REALLY good or really bad and at least we already knew a good
therapist if needed! :-/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcygiyV6ZZMCUkcaokBmJ6Tt73RH1bNIYh5p43FNZpjMoHxJF96OkM9TWfIos65q8GgfNHkcp0jHd_L387QJMDGWzg6RuTfxTzUeWvgeWv9O58wWc5irEtnYoHmK_OVjy5r9kBTiJdr8A/s1600/IMG_9057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcygiyV6ZZMCUkcaokBmJ6Tt73RH1bNIYh5p43FNZpjMoHxJF96OkM9TWfIos65q8GgfNHkcp0jHd_L387QJMDGWzg6RuTfxTzUeWvgeWv9O58wWc5irEtnYoHmK_OVjy5r9kBTiJdr8A/s1600/IMG_9057.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">In true Laxton fashion Syler
LOVED it and so we now know there are no worries with him fitting in just
perfectly with the rest of his siblings! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgWDhQahPKX4erNzxOfMcGYHqfIzfK4XwWeymGzCSuXlublhVAgL-pf14-oa722-tYwTAPh-srZFvwLEdJLZKIk1xYgWf4X_XE0aJLfzKJIyksfslGbI5xJY_iL1q5N3raRcyUHg9YxM/s1600/IMG_9062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgWDhQahPKX4erNzxOfMcGYHqfIzfK4XwWeymGzCSuXlublhVAgL-pf14-oa722-tYwTAPh-srZFvwLEdJLZKIk1xYgWf4X_XE0aJLfzKJIyksfslGbI5xJY_iL1q5N3raRcyUHg9YxM/s1600/IMG_9062.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">This is a MUCH smaller park
and if you try to compare it to Orlando, you would be disappointed. But we
enjoyed that it was small for the kids. It was a bit more crowded than I
expected so some of the lines were longer than I wanted to see. Our favorite
ride was the Mine Train ride (can’t remember name). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Mercie enjoyed it about as
much as any 2 year old does. She is terrified of characters, won’t sit on her
own seat and by days end was done. But she did not seem traumatized by being
there or anything and if she would have sat in a stroller it would have been
great with her. One tantrum when she was dead tired, and it was not fun, but it was expected. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInw9hWSO2qJdSpmqE97ujvDPkaiDDZkL92xLpT5Lk8Tol2dmSHtt2c3EwLHOSxHKsUChZlS0HhMxdompIATS5J0QBbYN5q1eyEp9J0kr50tD0N132RGDbSnhKV732L2TjSBIyzqsN9QA/s1600/unnamed-85.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInw9hWSO2qJdSpmqE97ujvDPkaiDDZkL92xLpT5Lk8Tol2dmSHtt2c3EwLHOSxHKsUChZlS0HhMxdompIATS5J0QBbYN5q1eyEp9J0kr50tD0N132RGDbSnhKV732L2TjSBIyzqsN9QA/s1600/unnamed-85.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Syler did run off at lunch,
EEK! Mark took him in line to order while I held a table for us. Mark came back
with him and said he was about to order (after waiting in a long line) and
Syler took off. So he left him with me, took Malaine with him and went back to
the long line. Well Syler took off on ME. Who was at the table (which were hard
to get) with the baby and all the stuff. I had just translated that he had to
stay close. He looked at me and started inching away, glaring. All of a sudden
he was gone, so I grabbed the baby, left the stuff hoping for the best and went
to find him. I think he knew by the look on my face he was not going to be
doing that again. That was the last time
he has done that to us, so the pure terror on my face must really have worked.
Or anger, they were both there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We left the park and headed
back to our hotel where we met up with Alex again and her kids. (you might
remember she lived with us for a time in 2010) She was so sweet to even bring
me a cake for my birthday, which was delicious! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Almost Home! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-34904274449020050072014-04-11T08:05:00.002-07:002014-04-11T08:05:36.235-07:00Flights Home! Will you pray us home??<br />
<br />
Specifically that <u><b> I</b></u> can stay calm. :-)<br />
<br />
Syler is SOO excited, every time he saw a plane today he was joyful!<br />
<br />
I need that joy about flying.<br />
<br />
We will be traveling for a total of 24 hours tomorrow. With a 2 year old.<br />
<br />
I am terrified.<br />
<br />
Visions of Mavery dance through my head, she screamed our whole flight home!<br />
<br />
We depart Hong Kong at 11:55 AM on 4/12, tomorrow, Saturday.<br />
<br />
(Cathay Pacific, please be as nice to us as you were on the way over!)<br />
<br />
That is 10:55PM for you all in St Louis, Friday night.<br />
<br />
Flight lands in Chicago at 1:50 PM. On Saturday, April 12th. <br />
<br />
That is a whole lot of hours.<br />
<br />
On a plane. With 3 kids.<br />
<br />
Really, I can take the amount of flying if the plane is just SMOOTH. And on course. And smooth.<br />
<br />
Please Lord, a smooth flight!<br />
<br />
We have an almost 5 hour layover in Chicago. Where we will go through customs and our children will officially be US citizens!<br />
<br />
Depart Chicago 6:45 PM American Airlines 1634<br />
<br />
Arrive St Louis 7:50PM.<br />
<br />
And of course, we don't mind if you are at the airport! :-)<br />
<br />
SO close!ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-46418390510664829192014-04-11T07:44:00.000-07:002014-04-11T07:44:33.237-07:00Friday-DisneyI want to come back and do this day justice, but I am way to tired tonight.<br />
<br />
It was magical.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnT1xewtObGfF7kOi3QJwaAqYium_dJ8Fd49ZVODhTipyp822KNCcrK0UsSjmQi_yENiNFnMUdeytdQc9K08rmt28dqSCS71z5tZXAvmBUitEp-qgpUQs4_Hftv8q5dJjI7J_EyV6Z8wY/s1600/IMG_9030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnT1xewtObGfF7kOi3QJwaAqYium_dJ8Fd49ZVODhTipyp822KNCcrK0UsSjmQi_yENiNFnMUdeytdQc9K08rmt28dqSCS71z5tZXAvmBUitEp-qgpUQs4_Hftv8q5dJjI7J_EyV6Z8wY/s1600/IMG_9030.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Besides Syler taking off from us at one point. He doesn't usually do that, till he is in a mood.<br />
<br />
And Mercies melt down. But it wouldn't be Disney if a 2 year old did not have a melt down on me. And yes we carried her the ENTIRE day.<br />
<br />
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Honestly overall we LOVED every second of our day.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
And we even ended the evening with a visit from dear friends who brought me a birthday cake!<br />
<br />
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<br />
But now we are counting the minutes till we are together with our children. I am trying not to dwell on the flight part, just the seeing my kids part!<br />
<br />
I got the best video today of them singing me Happy Birthday, I miss them terribly!<br />
<br />
And I miss my bed. Because see this little spot? Can't even see it can you?<br />
<br />
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<br />
That is my space. HK beds are a bit small!<br />
<br />
Thank you for your love and prayers. We know that our journey is really just beginning and I hope that I can find the time to still fill in the gaps of THIS side of things (orphanage visit!) and as we settle into life as a family of 9!<br />
<br />
<br />ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-11586364671011777862014-04-10T08:28:00.001-07:002014-04-10T08:28:32.884-07:00Arrived in Hong Kong! 3 posts in one day?? Scroll down to read about Mercie and a sweet poem written by Makenna's friend.<br />
<br />
This post will be brief. Just wanted to give a quick update that we are in Hong Kong!<br />
<br />
At the Happiest place on earth, Disney land! :-)<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
I about cried pulling up through the gates, it felt so much like HOME.<br />
<br />
This was my birthday wish (which is today) to go to Hong Kong Disney. We could not leave China for so many hours after our consulate appointment, so WHY NOT take the kids to Disney while we wait to leave!<br />
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<br />
We are so excited! I have no idea how they will do, but we will try it tomorrow and see.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
Hopefully I will fill in with our exciting drive today. (because it is always fun to ride 70 MPH with a baby on your lap, and a driver TEXTING!)<br />
<br />
It was a GOOD day. Everyone was happy and did well, just 2 more sleeps!<br />
<br />
Thank you again for your continued prayers, we are feeling them!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-13461445563897771152014-04-10T08:18:00.000-07:002014-04-10T08:18:11.127-07:00Oh Mercie
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<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">You might remember our story
of our baby girl. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs486r9MK0muuG66vqOHnxHlXctBCvEPA0oUS6vsHLJK3yw9qI59z3qwbS6QqhcHiGMqgTmbTPVmmOf0yN-YXfhE94zBAnMGLPv7BsmI1Fl_YCtLsX-_SMoFTpD_qBI_oaCsec5vDY3CM/s1600/unnamed-72.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs486r9MK0muuG66vqOHnxHlXctBCvEPA0oUS6vsHLJK3yw9qI59z3qwbS6QqhcHiGMqgTmbTPVmmOf0yN-YXfhE94zBAnMGLPv7BsmI1Fl_YCtLsX-_SMoFTpD_qBI_oaCsec5vDY3CM/s1600/unnamed-72.jpeg" height="320" width="231" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I met her in 2012 and fell in
love. It was easy to do. She captivated most of us on that trip with her sweet
smile and spunky personality. She was just HAPPY and so easy to love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The way God wrote our story
is nothing short of a miracle, and I am still in awe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpO8bZ3wZ4MAKpcsZLlZmlhU4RBxu71PEhHx7NB1Z7GYfMq4Z0FU1z887-wQWISj6aIkGOyKl3Oxzl4ZoML9DVAwGgw6ZieiVehcHRdRcwKZQVxY0jysYY-q93_u-axuptEaPQtdnv_1k/s1600/a89170d00199d0c52f083a8173f4c163.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpO8bZ3wZ4MAKpcsZLlZmlhU4RBxu71PEhHx7NB1Z7GYfMq4Z0FU1z887-wQWISj6aIkGOyKl3Oxzl4ZoML9DVAwGgw6ZieiVehcHRdRcwKZQVxY0jysYY-q93_u-axuptEaPQtdnv_1k/s1600/a89170d00199d0c52f083a8173f4c163.jpeg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">As you know, as much as WE
wanted Mercie on Gotcha Day, she wanted nothing to do with us! We had been with
her all weekend before gotcha, and I think that helped her seeing Malaine but
NOT me. It was almost like the more they pushed ME, the less she wanted me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So it was a rough few days.
Watching this child you have dreamed of for so long be SO heartbroken was,
well, heartbreaking! I was her least favorite person in the world FOR SURE and
she ONLY found comfort in her Jie Jie. (big sister)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">One thing that brought us
comfort is being with her the weekend before, we had SEEN her personality. In
the orphanage she laughed, she played she hit on the other kids and gave us
scary visions of nursery trouble and the PLANE ride. We knew she had spunk and
of course I had seen her on 3 previous trips! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I had asked the nannies to
love her well these past 2 years and they did, she was well taken care of, and
probably spoiled. I am so thankful for how
much they cared for her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But oh those first few days! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmdet20E-ylgmJztAk_j7z9nUlsHIJBu_D_PDC9Iy9caBJ_dCsq-ingLHFrXaDcxaVZ7_M84pn2hCiH32fRGcEr2aJVlzIDq-v8uVxcbh_ny2Wn4XZXetEWqwzkEjIpI-kuMaO3DenRM/s1600/his-mercies-lamentations-wall-decals.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmdet20E-ylgmJztAk_j7z9nUlsHIJBu_D_PDC9Iy9caBJ_dCsq-ingLHFrXaDcxaVZ7_M84pn2hCiH32fRGcEr2aJVlzIDq-v8uVxcbh_ny2Wn4XZXetEWqwzkEjIpI-kuMaO3DenRM/s1600/his-mercies-lamentations-wall-decals.jpeg" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Slowly though we saw smiles.
She started to let me do a bit more each day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And then, she started to
reach for ME for comfort. Today she gave me KISSES. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I am seeing glimpses of that
baby girl that stole my heart almost 2 years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzV9TjmhymgpdQe2ni_DCLNhSs6gJo_hO2yXSGXHDHj1dhuodInW9bg5qMYiq01wGAP3YJifbQzCJCWBhezzBvRn49oqjq3lhhXgfR8GtM_l-TMn_VoU_6V-Ut6G_9J7Dd51Pf044UUPg/s1600/unnamed-69.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzV9TjmhymgpdQe2ni_DCLNhSs6gJo_hO2yXSGXHDHj1dhuodInW9bg5qMYiq01wGAP3YJifbQzCJCWBhezzBvRn49oqjq3lhhXgfR8GtM_l-TMn_VoU_6V-Ut6G_9J7Dd51Pf044UUPg/s1600/unnamed-69.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Mark is finally seeing WHY I
fell head over heels, and he is quickly falling there himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLN64y-dWMfc5B06hsa9b39slOvKTLH36d2F_M9YZ2XFVRzAqLw1KsnWdngdBBefWZQ2ULpwLNlw-sq0DHlSzNcE8N3a5zQcNB16MPscnDQ0sdRQc2pQfID9axnobL7KZ5sZe_Gy4u8NM/s1600/unnamed-70.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLN64y-dWMfc5B06hsa9b39slOvKTLH36d2F_M9YZ2XFVRzAqLw1KsnWdngdBBefWZQ2ULpwLNlw-sq0DHlSzNcE8N3a5zQcNB16MPscnDQ0sdRQc2pQfID9axnobL7KZ5sZe_Gy4u8NM/s1600/unnamed-70.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">She has the most amazing
smile! When we get out the camera she frowns, but really she can light up a
room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4G75Tuzfol0mmL0FNNkLkuLXQAnjRbIKSdVD9sumUA1CoP5xRgfAS_6NpmXMUlloJhkRcQSoBjsHukg_QdT0mYvdqsB7FxC_pFtp3rRSPP0dvnWhY-VF_wmb_4EuzoV_MFILn0pHh14/s1600/unnamed-71.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4G75Tuzfol0mmL0FNNkLkuLXQAnjRbIKSdVD9sumUA1CoP5xRgfAS_6NpmXMUlloJhkRcQSoBjsHukg_QdT0mYvdqsB7FxC_pFtp3rRSPP0dvnWhY-VF_wmb_4EuzoV_MFILn0pHh14/s1600/unnamed-71.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">She is a MONKEY. (this will
surprise no one who knows my children!) She climbs, she jumps, she dives off
the bed, the couch, the coffee table! She is into EVERYTHING and we are tired.
I really wish I had spent the last year baby proofing my house! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">She is tiny but mighty. She
is actually taller than I expected, just so thin. But she has big feet! Our guide kept
commenting, her feet are huge! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFudITwoFqe0TGJlcqGaCBd7aCH-dH6RfozZSlsmRcrpr-NopD7FCT5fxuwZkafuwwVNp9_8IO9TVqFCOfH6eIn8AYkQzMz3dnkBGRpVa2JKiFtGqc4na3XheAmH0ZM7n0dyHDzd3B0E/s1600/unnamed-73.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFudITwoFqe0TGJlcqGaCBd7aCH-dH6RfozZSlsmRcrpr-NopD7FCT5fxuwZkafuwwVNp9_8IO9TVqFCOfH6eIn8AYkQzMz3dnkBGRpVa2JKiFtGqc4na3XheAmH0ZM7n0dyHDzd3B0E/s1600/unnamed-73.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">She has such a sweet tiny
voice. But she can be LOUD. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">She eats great. She sleeps
great! Though she still needs Malaine to help her fall asleep. She sleeps with
us, and so I hope we can break the habit of needing Malaine soon. (because 4 in
a bed would be a bit much!) I feel it is
coming. As I see her reach for me over Malaine more, I know eventually it will
happen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">She is very nervous with
change, and if she is uncertain of what will happen she clings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Which means she REFUSES to
walk most of the time and don’t even think about a stroller. We know carrying
her is good, but it is tiring! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Did I mention her giggle? She
LOVES to laugh and we love hearing her laugh!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">12 days together and SO much
change in our miracle Mercie. It is like watching a little flower that is
blooming right before our eyes and we are loving every second! I can’t wait for
you all to meet her. I know you will adore her too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We pray that Mercie will see
how God has given US mercy and that she will understand what a miracle she is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-68160585513978806642014-04-10T07:56:00.001-07:002014-04-10T07:56:13.634-07:00What is This? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nrufM9pGoUN8ZCGPem-8pa96DOkIUd9vt1BK3GdAD0TInItVjt1fAqSrPwi786ZjmXxai13b0LBBGEfh4jsf5nYO15q4FvXKbRLBF3P7pLh8Ko6vt3I5Pa0NUVY8yti5vwLnQWCekC4/s1600/unnamed-68.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nrufM9pGoUN8ZCGPem-8pa96DOkIUd9vt1BK3GdAD0TInItVjt1fAqSrPwi786ZjmXxai13b0LBBGEfh4jsf5nYO15q4FvXKbRLBF3P7pLh8Ko6vt3I5Pa0NUVY8yti5vwLnQWCekC4/s1600/unnamed-68.jpeg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px;">My daughter's friend wrote this for us and I wanted to share. We were so touched & encouraged by it. We feel loved. </span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px;">What is this?<br /><br />Love so perfect it makes you cry<br />Brokenness that shatters your heart<br />And the healing process just further crushes it apart<br />What about the firsts, the fears, the lost years<br />The screaming, about to lose it in these tears<br />What is this?<br />Joyous yet broken, why is it so hard<br />Saved and excited but for sure still scarred<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />But now it's over, that life's behind you<br />No more leaving and abuse to blind you!<br />We promise to never ever go and to always find you.<br />What is this?<br />This is love beyond measure<br />A persons trash but another man's treasure<br />Someone's burden and the other's pleasure<br />Hearts bound together, binded and tethered<br />Such healing love NO old brokenness can ever sever<br />What is this?<br />What kind of happiness wells your eyes with pity<br />That clouds your thinking and brings you out of your own city<br />What kind of sadness can be mixed in the same concoction<br />Tears of happiness or brokenness, no other option<br />What is this?<br />This, this is adoption<br /><br />God's miracle to the broken<br />Their escape, their only token<br />To the never before "i love you's" spoken<br />A message to you- YOU ARE LOVED.<br />For in someone the gospel of Christ has been awoken<br />And just as we were saved and came to love<br />We PRAY AND PRAY that you'd know the care we speak of<br />We came to family and into His embrace<br />And now you can see our sincerity from the tears streaming down our face<br />We want you. You won't go unnoticed. You won't go unprayed for, fought for.<br />Thought for, sacrificed for, and sought for<br />You're all miracles from God, and trust me I wished we'd caught more<br />More miracles, more of you, our children, our pleasure<br />Our takers of abuse and hurt, our family forever<br />...<br />You won't go unthought for, sacrificed for, and sought for.<br />Shannon and Mark I'm glad you just caught more<br />Gotcha day is a reason to celebrate<br />Whether you call it God's will or fate<br />You dispelled the abuse and hate<br />And answered the call from Him and you couldn't wait<br />It was your JOY. Your PLEASURE.<br />You just brought a highschool guy to tears<br />The healing hearts of insecurities and fears-<br />I know it has it's hardships<br />But the hope you're giving Syler and Mercie- No old scars can ever part this.<br />So stay strong, I know you'll finish what you started<br />Giving hope to the broken, abused, or mentally retarted<br />The baby's left on trains...<br />Their hurt, their pains...<br />ARE healed by God's love-<br />So I'm so glad you're in His reigns<br /><br />What is this?<br />Just a poem from the weak-hearted<br />Saying I know you'll finish what you started<br />You're almost home.<br />Syler and Mercie are almost HOME.<br />Never ever to be given up and alone-<br />Not again... Not on their own.<br />So here's me just saying that I'm praying you're staying in His embrace and His word<br />And that through the tough and the rough crap and stuff- don't let the love get blurred<br />You too are well thought for, prayed for, and knowing you- I'm better off for.<br /><br />Refuse to Sink.<br /><br />-Quin</span></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="userContentSecondary fcg" style="color: grey;"> </span></span>ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-12675039214686406122014-04-09T08:04:00.002-07:002014-04-09T08:04:44.157-07:00Consulate Day Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Today our guide told us that
if there is an army, it is not complete with out the Hunan barbarians and that
they are known to be as stubborn as donkeys!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Because that is exactly what
we need in our house, more barbarians!! :-) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We appreciate so much your
prayers and support, we FELT them today! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It was a good day. Syler had
his normal afternoon slump but we are choosing to focus on the positive today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This morning we went to the
US consulate where we moved towards our children becoming US citizens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">While this ceremony was a bit
different than before, it was still moving to swear on their behalf and know
that they are ALMOST citizens. (they will be as soon as they land on US soil) As we repeated the vow and I looked down at
Syler who had his little hand raised along with us I was so choked up. I know
that he can’t even comprehend all that this ceremony meant, but he knew enough
to realize it was a BIG deal. We were in
the room with many other families and together we all moved just a bit closer
to home. Seeing SO many kids, SO loved, I wish we could take photos for you.
But no camera’s allowed in the building. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Afterwards, per advice from a
friend, we asked our guide to talk to Syler about some things over lunch. About
life in a family, how this is just a vacation and not how it will be once home
etc and so on. Hopefully some of it sunk in. I am a bit worried because he told
him that in the US police would get him if he doesn’t wear a seat belt but I
suppose that IS true. He sure did sit calmly in the car today!! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I DO wish we had someone that
lived close that spoke mandarin. Syler is quiet and doesn’t talk much, even to
our guide. But it would sure be nice as the weeks go on for him to have someone
to talk with. We did visit with the owner of our local Chinese buffet before we left who gave
me her phone number and I think we will be using that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">For lunch we ate at a place
called Macau Street, near the hotel. The food was DELICOUS. (Chinese food, if
you are coming) We had duck and it was ALL of the duck. Remember in A Christmas
story.. “It’s staring at me?” Well that
duck stared at us through our meal, which might be why Malaine did not enjoy
it. The rest of us LOVED it. Syler was most excited about the legs. Mercie ate
more than I have seen yet. (also great
are the Eggplant, sliced potatoes,
steamed bread, fried rice) It was probably one of our favorite meals of
the trip. (duck did not have bone and you wrapped it in the egg shells, YUM!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Before we started to eat lunch today Syler prompted us to PRAY! We were so shocked and excited! It is those
moments when your heart feels just a bit more settled and you know that it is
going to be ok. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Malaine and I took a taxi
back over to the island to shop this afternoon.
Some of the same owners are there and I enjoyed chatting with them. Some
of you might remember my shoe purchases back in 2006. Maybe a suitcase full??
That was not the case this trip. I was pretty bummed at how high things were
and they just don’t budge on the price.
We did get Mercie 2 pairs of squeaky shoes, because you can’t come to
China with out buying those! Though for child 7 I am sure the squeaker will be
out of them MUCH quicker than with the other girls! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We got back to the room and
Syler was mad over TV. But he perked up with a promise to swim! He LOVES the
pool, as did Mercie! Face in the water? No problem! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">After dinner we ate in the
lounge. Tonight’s menu included panini’s, Japanese chicken (no idea but it was
good) mini quiche, veggie pizza. Or in Mercie’s case she just chowed down on
leftover duck. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We played on the playground
after dinner and then came back to the room to start packing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Mercie is changing SO much
and I feel I have not had a chance to share on her progress so I am
hoping to give her a post of her own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Tomorrow we are free till we
leave the hotel at 2:45pm. I am hopeful to get the kids pictures in silks. I am
so sad to miss the red couch that we had at the White Swan but still have to
have their photos taken. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Thank you again for the
prayers and encouragement! Our spirits were so lifted today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-68231621345284909862014-04-08T06:55:00.001-07:002014-04-08T07:21:26.697-07:00Tuesday in Guangzhou<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are SO ready to be home. If you remember before I left my
friends had a going away/prayer lunch for me. And I talked about “my village”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could sure use my village now! This is the first time we
have not traveled with another family and it is hard. Having other families to
compare stories with, eat with and just the support is a really big deal. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are ready to be back with our family and supported by
those who we know will walk along side us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I so appreciate the emails and texts/messages, they really are good
for the heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we slept in which was nice. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The breakfast buffet with Syler is like an Olympic event. He
eats at least 4 plates of food. OVERFLOWING plates of food. He wants to get his
own food and there are some things that are so hard to translate. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do not TOUCH the food on the buffet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you DO touch the food before we can stop you, you must
TAKE the food.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if you PICK UP the food, you must KEEP the food, DO NOT
put it back on the platter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You do NOT need to take 5 of each thing to “try” because
that is wasteful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We do not play with knives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We do not put our food into our glass to make a mixed drink.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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We do not slurp our drink.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Or BURP after every drink. (this is driving us bonkers!) <o:p></o:p></div>
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We must be careful with glass everything. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When we get home, breakfast is not going to be a buffet, so
don't get to used to this! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I AM thankful he eats well, and he is willing to try just
about everything. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But we are flipping a coin to see who has to go through the
buffet with him every morning. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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After breakfast we met up with our guide Richard and the
other family with our agency. They have an adorable almost 2 year old girl,
first child. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We went pearl shopping where we bought Mercie a set of
pearls that we will give her when she is older, as we did for the other girls.
We also bought Syler a piece of jade. After that we headed to the Island. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We stayed on the Island with our last adoptions and we loved
it. It is quiet, tons of little shops and just so quaint. There was a main
hotel all families stayed at called the White Swan. That is closed and most of
the shops have also closed, sadly. We went in a few but it was not so much fun. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mark hates shopping as it is and had already used his
patience with the pearls. Syler by this point was mad at us and Mercie was
overtired and screaming. So, it was not the most fun experience. With Sage & Mavery I bought lots of
“junk” to put away for each year as gifts. (which I actually have yet to give
them because I know they would just lose or destroy it.) Considering how often
I am in China now, that stuff just doesn’t seem as big of a deal. I figure I
can buy it on another trip, when I am here with out children. OR Mark. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
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We did eat lunch at Subway on the Island. So far I have
eaten lettuce & vegetables, had ice in my drinks, brushed my teeth with the water and lived
to tell about it. Hopefully I did not just jinx myself. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We came back to the hotel and Malaine and I did walk around
a bit near the hotel. She wanted a hot chocolate so we stopped at Starbucks in
our hotel. There is also a Mc Donalds & 7/11 next door if you are staying
here! <o:p></o:p></div>
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We decided for dinner to venture over to a Mexican
restaurant everyone had talked about. It is near the Gardent hotel, a taxi ride
for us. We can’t seem to get anything timed right so by the time we went Syler
was being defiant. (tired and hungry) He was trying to run away from us and
when we got in the taxi I tried to make him sit on the seat and he sat on the
floor glaring at me. Then glared through most of dinner. BUT once he finally
ate his mood did lift thankfully. <o:p></o:p><br />
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We started with chips and salsa, which was SO spicy even
Syler could not take it. $12 for a small
plate of chips! I had fajitas. Which had no cheese. Mark said his enchiladas
were ok. It is about $2 for the 20 minute taxi ride, a MUCH better deal than the food in my opinion. I am not a huge mexican fan as it is. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We are having some electronic issues with Syler. The hardest
thing with an older child is boundaries. If we say no, he pouts and withdraws.
When shopping he asks for EVERYTHING. In the room he wants to be watching TV,
playing on the ipad, etc.. We have started hiding remotes and that does work.
We bought some Chinese kids movies today, which he was SO Excited about. We let
him watch one this afternoon and then he wanted to just keep on watching. You want to make them happy, but I also want
to let him know that he has to listen to us too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We read quite a bit before adopting about “cocooning”.
Keeping the kids home and on a routine. We are SURE that we will have no
problems doing that! I am convinced I am never leaving the house again! I do
get it now, some of those things I read. Here, you have no choice. If we stayed
in the room we would all be crazy. But our house will be where Syler &
Mercie will learn what home is. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We are SOO ready to be HOME!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Consulate tomorrow, our FINAL step towards home! Ok, well
almost. We then have to wait to get their visa’s, but getting SO close! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-38620115684103611792014-04-07T08:19:00.002-07:002014-04-07T08:19:44.662-07:00Safari Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-12659947409712775682014-04-07T07:09:00.001-07:002014-04-07T07:11:44.539-07:00Guangzhou Safari Park-Monday<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Today we visited the Guangzhou Safari Park. Also known as a
really big zoo. We had to wake the kids up, which I hate doing. We are all
finally sleeping in and sleeping so well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p>One not so fun thing that happened this morning. We were getting off the elevator to come back to our room after breakfast. Syler runs off, Mark and I step off. I look back and Malaine, holding Fei Fei is STILL on as the doors close. EEK!! Talk about panic! Mark took another elevator down while I waited on our floor crying. Syler just kept watching me and watching the elevators. Poor Malaine was so upset and I felt horrible. My children can now add this to the stories they use to make fun of me! Remember when Mom.... </o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p>On to the zoo! </o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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The safari is huge and Syler was SOOO excited when we pulled
up. He took the map and studied it and started pointing and talking about the
pandas as soon as he found them on the map. (when I say talking I mean making
noise, of course he knows we don’t understand him!) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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They have a tram ride through the animals that is actually
pretty impressive. You can drive through in your car or ride the tram. The
animals are so close and I can promise you, Syler has never seen anything like
that! His whole face would light up and he would smile so big, pointing at the
animals, pulling on us to make sure we would look. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I was in tears just thinking how something like a zoo, which
is SO ordinary for us, is so extraordinary for my sweet son. I prayed that he would never lose this sense
of wonder, and that WE would also remember how blessed we are. That we would
take more time to stop and enjoy the little things. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For lunch we dined in the Panda Restaurant. It has glass overlooking pandas. Which
sounded much more exciting than it was. We had pigtails for lunch. Literally
pig tails. It was in a pot with boiled peanuts. Actually not so bad. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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After lunch Mercie was tired. She REFUSES to go in a
stroller, and so we take turns carrying her. But when she is tired, she wants
Malaine ONLY. Who of course can’t carry her long. So we spent about 2 hours walking
around with her SCREAMING. We had no option, we were there alone with no
communication, just a pick up time. We were all super stressed out by the time
we got back to the hotel! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We did let the kids feed the giraffes (which they loved) AND
baby tigers .In 2008 we fed the baby tiger with Mavery. Malaine has wanted to
do it ever since. We looked ALL day for this baby tiger and praise the Lord
right before we left we found it! I am not sure it was nearly as exciting as
Malaine thought it would be, but we did it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We were not in the van 2 minutes and both kids were OUT. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We went to the playground and then had dinner in the
executive lounge. Have I mentioned how nice that is? Menu changes nightly.
Tonight it was mini enchiladas, sandwiches, hot dogs (Syler ate 5!) waffle
fries, salad bar, fruit, desserts etc.. SO easy with the kids. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We played UNO back in the room, hide and seek and Mark
wrestled the kids. Syler LOVES his daddy. If you know Mark you know he is just
amazing with kids in general. He plays with them, and makes them laugh SO
loud! Syler was much more interactive
tonight with Malaine. His mood overall just seems more settled. Right now he and Malaine are watching High
School Musical. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mercie is still up and down. If she is comfortable, she is
happy. So in the room, eating, breakfast, playground etc. BUT if it is a new
situation, watch out. You can see she is just scared to death. She is VERY
attached to Malaine and it seems the more we try to stop that attachment, the
worse she gets. So right now we are in survival mode. She does do well letting
me feed her, change her and willingly comes to me. When she is tired though, we
ALL struggle! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been fighting a headache all day. I am going to blame
it on the stress of a screaming baby!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are pretty amazed at how quickly Syler is learning things
already. Today at lunch when he was finished he clearly said “LET’s GO!” . <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He also says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Baba(daddy in Chinese) go night night! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Baba no tickle! Or Baba YES tickle. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When playing hide and seek he calls out, Baba, Baba! SO
sweet! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Night Night<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mama<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Baba<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lainey<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tickle<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shoes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Counts to 7 clearly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He will also repeat whatever we tell him to say, often
adding SAY which cracks us up. “Say Sawyer, Say Kenna! Etc..!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>I am trying to upload pictures and it is just so slow for some reason. Going to just let Amy add them in another post. </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tomorrow is Pearl Shopping. I am sure that Syler will be thrilled. I am thrilled though we are meeting up with another family with our agency. They are staying at the other hotel. We are missing having a travel group on this trip. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-33371293214365260972014-04-06T17:47:00.000-07:002014-04-06T17:47:01.914-07:00Pictures with Shane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-68974921836408345092014-04-06T08:34:00.000-07:002014-04-06T08:34:01.705-07:00Sunday in Guangzhou
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">So Syler went to bed crying,
Mercie woke up screaming this morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">We are having so much fun. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 20.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Thankfully we are sleeping
ALL night, all of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">And things with Mercie are
getting better. She just doesn’t get that excited about waking up. Or going to
sleep. Sometimes she literally just falls asleep standing up randomly. We
prefer that over the screaming. Anyways…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Thankfully Syler woke up and
seemed to be doing better. We went to the breakfast buffet where it is food
heaven for him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">A note on our hotel. There
are 2 main hotels agencies are now using here. Actually I think one most
families go to called The Garden. But I had heard much talk about The China
Hotel through my adoption group. It is a Marriott hotel and it was advised that
if you open up a Mariott credit card you can gain points to use towards your
stay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Now I know Dave Ramsey would
NOT approve of opening up a CC, BUT in this situation he would be wrong because
it is a DEAL. SO if you are coming to Guangzhou THIS is the way to do things!
We are in a huge suite complete with 2 bathrooms. We have a huge breakfast
buffet included AND happy hour (free dinner) every evening with unlimited
drinks all day. And we paid less than we have ever paid for a hotel! Not to
mention the beds are actually pretty comfy, which if you know the beds in
china, you know this is a miracle! The only negative I can see of this place is
there is not as much around it as the other hotel. But taxi’s are cheap and
easy to use. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Breakfast buffet is awesome,
just ask Syler who eats about 4 plates every morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">My brother met us in GZ on
Friday evening and it has been so great having him here. He has been living in
China the last few years so we don’t see enough of him for sure. The kids loved
him and it was a great weekend of just hanging out with him. That was an
advantage for sure in zipping around the city this weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">It poured rain here ALL day.
Malaine REALLY wanted to swim so they tried to swim in the rain but once the
thunder came it was time to come in. We
decided to venture to an Irish Pub for lunch which was really good food. (I had
a steak sandwich, Caesar salad and the hot wings are delicious.) It is called
The Paddy Wagon, if you need a place to go. Mark said his burger was just “ok”,
so maybe I was just really hungry! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Syler was up and down today.
He is testing for sure. Little things. If we say no, giving us the cold
shoulder, pushing us away. Tonight we hid all the electronics and remotes for
the tv’s and he played lots of UNO and was happier again. He let me lay with
him till he fell asleep so I was encouraged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Mecie on the other hand
screamed herself to sleep. BUT we are seeing more and more personality during
the day. She still prefers Malaine and really wants to know where she is at all
times. Each day it is a bit better. She is as cute as can be and I think once
she opens up we are going to have a whole lot of fun with her. She was cracking us up eating today. She
LOVED the hot wings! And they were HOT. Both kids do. I guess that is the Hunan
spice in them! She is also such a water bug! Her favorite is to play in the tub
and she insists on the water running the entire time. She puts her head and
face in it! I did not expect that but I am thankful because my kids all love to
swim. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Tomorrow we are supposed to
go to the Safari Zoo, so we are praying the rain goes away. Malaine will be so disappointed if we are stuck at the history museum instead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">We said goodbye to Shane
tonight and he will really be missed. As much as we wish he lived closer, we
are so proud of him and his calling to be here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Thank you for praying for us.
We are missing our kids at home and so ready to return to them! Counting down
the days! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-42098863838418998582014-04-05T17:43:00.003-07:002014-04-05T17:43:51.685-07:00Play Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-44453434214462422272014-04-05T07:33:00.002-07:002014-04-05T07:33:56.641-07:00Grieving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Watching kids from hard places process adoption is hard.<br />
<br />
We are seeing it from 2 such different perspectives.<br />
<br />
Mercie, as you know, came to us kicking and screaming.<br />
<br />
But she is calming down. While I am still not at the top of her list, she is letting me hold her and isn't spitting every time I come near.<br />
<br />
Besides tonight when she BIT me. My beautiful baby girl has some REALLY sharp teeth and my finger is still paying for it!<br />
<br />
Syler on the other hand has just been happy. Last night he called out Mama when he needed something. First time to use my name of his choice and it was so sweet!<br />
<br />
But today he was a bit more distant. (didn't I just post about how well he is doing!?) Typically he lets me hold his hand, hug on him etc.. Today he pushed me away. Then tonight we made him turn off the tv for bed. He started pouting and tears started rolling.<br />
<br />
I tried to hug him and he pushed away. And on it went. He would not budge, just sat frozen with these big silent tears rolling down his face.<br />
<br />
All these thoughts start going through your head. At the top of the list is WHAT HAVE WE DONE. Because it is one thing when a baby grieves, but an older boy, well that is just a bit more scary. And when you are tired, irrational fears start to play in your head.<br />
<br />
So we sat and we both cried and I prayed and read from the story book bible through the tears and just kept saying over and over, I love you, mama loves you.<br />
<br />
Slowly, he let me rub his back. Then he let me hold his hand. His tears slowed and he let me pull him into my lap. Through our translator app we asked if we could sit with him and he said yes. We told him we are so happy he is ours and that we are family forever. We sat with him till he was asleep.<br />
<br />
I know that this is GOOD progress. He HAS to go through this. How can he walk away from the only life he knew and NOT be sad?<br />
<br />
But as his mama, my heart breaks for him. I know he has to be so scared. There is no one now to explain things to him. Everything is different. He paid more attention today to Mercie than he has the entire week and I am sure it is because SHE is the only thing that is the same.<br />
<br />
And he has been SO brave. He is ALWAYS always making sure I am ok. Today at lunch I did not have a drink so he was offering me his soda. He was worried about Mercie's shoes. He is always thinking of others. Always.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoDqNA5ftOH97BX6UE7DahTJTtHF931CDMlwAeKSD6T0zEkBVGSQuuCSmHvzHVXsiHg6yfeuG9GdFwRN1pPqC8BXqKT5w18bXmuO6JYExgx5zTFOFzfsLNr-4HrMTd5HDfObZeUtBipI/s1600/photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoDqNA5ftOH97BX6UE7DahTJTtHF931CDMlwAeKSD6T0zEkBVGSQuuCSmHvzHVXsiHg6yfeuG9GdFwRN1pPqC8BXqKT5w18bXmuO6JYExgx5zTFOFzfsLNr-4HrMTd5HDfObZeUtBipI/s1600/photo.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Please pray for his heart if you will. Pray for us that we will know how to comfort him. I know that Jesus will heal his little heart, I trust that and believe that. I know that grief will come in waves, and we will just continue to ride them out, one day at a time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-80660276797683568642014-04-04T09:06:00.001-07:002014-04-04T09:06:25.415-07:00Goodbye Changsha-Friday
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">**Will fill in pictures tomorrow. To tired and we have an early morning medical appointment for kids! But we made it to GZ and my brother is here!! :-) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Today we had nothing on the
agenda but to pack and leave for Guangzhou. We have been in Changsha for the
last 5 nights and we are ready to move on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">**Just for reference. Your
children come to you in the capital city of their province (state) for
adoption. You have to wait 5 days for their passports. Then you move onto to
Guangzhou where the US consulate is and you finish the process of getting them
a visa. Once we land on US soil, my kids are citizens! Nothing else has to be
done for the adoption once we are home, which is why the trip is so long on
this side. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">If you remember I started
with 4 suitcases, SMALL suitcases. Our guide Amy even commented how little
luggage we had! Mark was insistant we get it down to THREE for this journey. So
thankful we did..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We spent the morning skyping
the kids and packing. Mercie continues to be up and down. She loves me, she
loves me not. BUT it is a huge improvement and we are seeing much more calm
than sad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We left our hotel around 230pm.
Mercie went into panic mode then, I think she is sensing the change. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">One thing I have to note… We
stayed in the same hotel that we were in back with Sage in 2006. The
Dolton. I would almost swear I was in
the same room! It has been such a strange feeling. The only thing missing is
all the other families! We have seen ONE family here on a heritage tour. (And
the mom’s name was Mercy, by the way!) In 2006 the hotel was overflowing with
families adopting. It actually makes me sad. The breakfast buffet is still
impressive. AND our favorite doorman is still there! His name is Dean and he is
the happiest nicest guy! We told him (through the guide) that we remembered him
and were so happy to see him again! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">At the hotel Amy told Syler
he had to be a big boy and help with the luggage and he was having so much fun<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">pulling a suitcase. He took
his jobs seriously! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">After leaving the hotel we
had to go by the Civil Affairs to get the kids passports. It took FOREVER.
Syler fell asleep waiting. Mercie
actually did well in the car sitting on my lap, playing, in a happy mood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We started for the train
station and hit traffic. A WHOLE LOT of traffic. The clock started ticking for
our 4:25pm train. It is a holiday weekend so they said it was busy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I start praying, God please
just let us get on this train. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">At 4:05 I started to panic.
At 4:10 I thought there is no way because we still had to go through security
once we arrived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">And then I am thinking what
in the world will we do because it is a holiday weekend and we barely got tickets
for this train as it is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">At 4:16 we pulled up to the
train station and Amy said RUN. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Now, imagine this if you
will. I already had Fei Fei strapped to my chest. We had our backpacks on. But
we did have 3 suitcases with us and 5 of us to get through security. (backpacks
off, thank the Lord they just send it through a scanner) We get through
security and Amy is RUNNING. Syler is pulling a suitcase, I have a baby
strapped on, a backpack AND a purse. Our gate is about 10 down and I am
thinking NO WAY. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I hit that moment of
paralyzed fear where your legs feel like lead. I am watching my 8 year old pull
that suitcase as if his life depended on it and I just wanted to pass out.! But
watching him knowing he KNOWS how important it is to just GO we are moving
towards HOME, I keep moving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Amy is already at the ticket
counter yelling RUN come on you can do it! We get through and then we see the
steps! NO Escalator just 100 steps but the train is at the bottom! She is
cheering us on, just GO, GO! So Syler and
Malaine are dragging one suitcase down the steps while Mark and I each have
another. Through all of this Fei Fei is as calm as can be! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We get ON the train, I look
down and one of Mercie’s shoes is GONE! (the only shoes that fit her) UGH! But there is nothing I can do but
find my seat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We sit down and literally the
train starts to move. And I immediately burst into tears. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">God continues to surround us
and carry us through. He proves himself big all the time. He is showing me through an 8 year old boy
that we just need to keep moving, even when we feel paralyzed with fear. He
allowed me to bring Malaine who has been a huge help and I don’t know what we
would have done with out her on this trip. Not even kidding. She NEVER
complains and I know she is bored at times but just keeps smiling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We will be in Guangzhou soon.
My brother will be there to meet us tonight for the weekend. (my brother has
lived in China for the last few years teaching English) We are so excited to
see him! We had Amy tell Syler he would meet his uncle who is VERY tall! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> GZ is always a very welcome relief for all adoption
families. It is very westernized and it is where ALL families have to go, so
you get to meet others. Personally I am hopeful that our room will be cool (SO
hot in Hunan!) AND our bed might be a bit softer. I literally have bruises on
my hips you can see, from the hard bed! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Many families look forward to
the food and while of course we are excited to try out Tequilas and the Irish
Pub we have heard about (though Chinese Mexican, hmmm) we actually love chinese
food so that is not such a big deal for us. People talk about losing weight on
their trips from not eating. HA! I thought I was losing at first but I really
doubt it. We eat and eat and eat, cant’ get this food at home!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">That is another thing Malaine
has done great at. I brought some food, just in case. I have ALL the food I
brought still. She eats everything. Now I won’t say she wasn’t excited when we
ordered pizza this week or had Mc Donalds. But she really does well trying
everything and for the most part likes it. Another kind of funny… We eat
everything. We brush our teeth with the water, we aren’t so careful. Thank the
Lord we never get sick. BUT we had American food one day and guess what? We
both felt sick! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">This has turned into a very
long post and we should arrive in GZ soon. Hopefully I will get this posted
once we are settled in our room! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-14410406507890095142014-04-03T07:40:00.000-07:002014-04-03T07:40:19.875-07:00The JOY of our BOY!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWKlh6uFEz9qwUhyphenhyphenPV3VkWPDBWZJRjgbv5PKZ8Co1_A5k9krBVKTEe8ft-dYdm1oTLOPDkxiVZSviRCpzLXTOOATsVJ29-9QspTHx-GQXSQyG48iK4IxrTTKOV82naLcE-RTxYLkBUDY/s1600/katie-davis-quote21.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWKlh6uFEz9qwUhyphenhyphenPV3VkWPDBWZJRjgbv5PKZ8Co1_A5k9krBVKTEe8ft-dYdm1oTLOPDkxiVZSviRCpzLXTOOATsVJ29-9QspTHx-GQXSQyG48iK4IxrTTKOV82naLcE-RTxYLkBUDY/s1600/katie-davis-quote21.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">For many years Mark had made
comments about adopting an older child someday. Of course my husband makes many
comments about many things and you would think he would have learned by now
that if you make a comment, you better mean it with me! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">So we have often talked about
what an older child adoption might look like. And who can REALLY know that till
they do it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I know it is a bit easier for
us than most. I had met Syler, I KNEW what a sweet spirit he had. But we still
had questions. In reality I am only at the orphanage a week. We didn’t really know his background. We know
nothing of teaching an older child how to live life outside of an orphanage! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">But we had no doubt God had
said THIS is your son. And we knew that no matter what HE would answer our
questions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We traveled to the orphanage
last Friday. They had our kids waiting outside for us. And when he saw us, he
smiled. He walked right into my arms and into my heart forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKYwdXthpbVHtvquZRAcdZ2SExJiOkHok8E0LM7nQBpYT1CpUGDYjCkQosDUJJoSXDetCnPKvdtwZQ3HgrglCHSvV0OpBAQT3w7OuziOhHpqhoYji6H0qrbO5JidwjvWXcPuFpqnCA58/s1600/unnamed-52.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKYwdXthpbVHtvquZRAcdZ2SExJiOkHok8E0LM7nQBpYT1CpUGDYjCkQosDUJJoSXDetCnPKvdtwZQ3HgrglCHSvV0OpBAQT3w7OuziOhHpqhoYji6H0qrbO5JidwjvWXcPuFpqnCA58/s1600/unnamed-52.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The 2<sup>nd</sup> day we
were there they said he had not slept the night before, he was so excited and
so happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Like mother, like son! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">When you adopt an older child
it is so easy to think of all the things we have missed. I have no photos of
him before he was 7. It is hard to imagine not knowing his life as a little
boy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">But then you start to see
life through his eyes NOW and start to count the firsts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The first night we gave him a
bubble bath. He was so happy. He laughed and smiled. Brushing his teeth even
had him smiling! Tucking him into bed, reading a story, saying prayers, he
never stopped smiling! (and seriously I so wanted to take photos of his first bath but I knew that would just be ridiculous!!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6SSujYtfS-8LdIgsqp6DUA_BYqvg6N4zmziII4HFgwGzICVzSWOnkMbGOaMRsvctSd1Se2fWaYJfRZdLBXZU48WNEIzrJrbn5Op4M8yUXNOdODtkq4rE8Xh9EK_3xhPanLwGiiGdnp8/s1600/unnamed-51.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6SSujYtfS-8LdIgsqp6DUA_BYqvg6N4zmziII4HFgwGzICVzSWOnkMbGOaMRsvctSd1Se2fWaYJfRZdLBXZU48WNEIzrJrbn5Op4M8yUXNOdODtkq4rE8Xh9EK_3xhPanLwGiiGdnp8/s1600/unnamed-51.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">We took him swimming and that
is another first we will never forget. The pool here is HUGE! Swim caps
required. AND swimsuits as we had to explain to him! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> He was a bit nervous at first, especially when
his daddy let him go under water. (eek!) but it did not take him long and he is
now putting his face in and just SO excited to be in that pool! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">EATING! Whatever he wants! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtn6HLs2gvD_gmBkqNsEJiAgSwqNaqZgY06LmHsZAJ7ihgndkzmJ2vXcZmtvH7oi6iElNnxqphwKHXas_vLAeiHu1OGvz8BJk8SK0sywzz2eaLGEdosG8b2zYlgxGqz8mJirpv17IbcEg/s1600/unnamed-50.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtn6HLs2gvD_gmBkqNsEJiAgSwqNaqZgY06LmHsZAJ7ihgndkzmJ2vXcZmtvH7oi6iElNnxqphwKHXas_vLAeiHu1OGvz8BJk8SK0sywzz2eaLGEdosG8b2zYlgxGqz8mJirpv17IbcEg/s1600/unnamed-50.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">PIZZA! We ordered in last
night and when it was delivered he yelled PIZZA! (he told our guide he had
never had it before!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Seeing fish at the river, he
was fascinated and I was so worried he was going to crawl in the river! Then
today he got to feed KOI. A treasure for sure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Riding a ride at the park
today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBtuRbq3CXWrlWR6Fgv_hkhQwJIpCDAqwDJtr246FHZmKH5blysDmYM_QX5DpUG5S3OLURzbWjpRSkAjRcgsM4sABgSRojaSnhbFlxgGy0ceoN07FYo4ecx6pKD34nfnSVxzuBPfGJfg/s1600/unnamed-43.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBtuRbq3CXWrlWR6Fgv_hkhQwJIpCDAqwDJtr246FHZmKH5blysDmYM_QX5DpUG5S3OLURzbWjpRSkAjRcgsM4sABgSRojaSnhbFlxgGy0ceoN07FYo4ecx6pKD34nfnSVxzuBPfGJfg/s1600/unnamed-43.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Climbing in our bed for early
morning snuggles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">I have been reading to him
from the Jesus Storybook bible every night as I put him to bed. He has no idea
of course what I am saying. But he just watches me as I read and he listens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Folding his hands in prayer
with us as we pray. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Picking out what clothes he
will wear each day. The excitement over matching his daddy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1c4RxAGuI8Ekg0e5cBpVszrPSt2XnGD_YJGpWPB-GOhoEa89qIZnzGnEMHLLlzxsEW06FF668kkmWrYJcqWJ8B3g0age4EXCLy9uRGejdYZbZk9zzeMzI8tU2vS3_R84K5UV4-pAbDUU/s1600/unnamed-35.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1c4RxAGuI8Ekg0e5cBpVszrPSt2XnGD_YJGpWPB-GOhoEa89qIZnzGnEMHLLlzxsEW06FF668kkmWrYJcqWJ8B3g0age4EXCLy9uRGejdYZbZk9zzeMzI8tU2vS3_R84K5UV4-pAbDUU/s1600/unnamed-35.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">His first word is TICKLE. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> And he LOVES wrestling with his daddy or being
tickled! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif00OWYpS-NVl2Mig1rp-7z9sJZQlr9okAPITwHm-1R7tixIxr6U9rZPtJzKvPhajcPLbH7PxRMcvxqbmpkIH7oA8Q-g1c_kFTxnaJgFTp1p0hNLbnJr0E-lC665IWUl1KAAT6IOHJDTE/s1600/unnamed-49.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif00OWYpS-NVl2Mig1rp-7z9sJZQlr9okAPITwHm-1R7tixIxr6U9rZPtJzKvPhajcPLbH7PxRMcvxqbmpkIH7oA8Q-g1c_kFTxnaJgFTp1p0hNLbnJr0E-lC665IWUl1KAAT6IOHJDTE/s1600/unnamed-49.jpeg" height="320" width="296" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">He is smart and has some
intense concentration. He built a set of lego’s today with out any help.
Refusing help I should add. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODc373F1Pyfn7qMMhR8F6UE_IuZaf5n0jpRpUvVingT5mNuUmmx9Gu0GXoWRYyxbRL6BI1uwBL_LO9mvWNmRk9uAPnGwZucfBNNA7YLByXm1m7CjvxePKmw-Ad04-MOshoTLWVU7iJ0o/s1600/unnamed-44.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODc373F1Pyfn7qMMhR8F6UE_IuZaf5n0jpRpUvVingT5mNuUmmx9Gu0GXoWRYyxbRL6BI1uwBL_LO9mvWNmRk9uAPnGwZucfBNNA7YLByXm1m7CjvxePKmw-Ad04-MOshoTLWVU7iJ0o/s1600/unnamed-44.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pvjh0iLvEFTJScWnMJ-Sebitw0ik4kL3Vph3kgGZOq80xYWfpkVVEh4GEk4IR78RlVd5BFQLf7z-EcM93TV00_wfP-XOtGG1I8OIbUkpcQ6gGaGvcRzbf4CXvzUoSGI3eEBym7HyiTk/s1600/unnamed-45.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pvjh0iLvEFTJScWnMJ-Sebitw0ik4kL3Vph3kgGZOq80xYWfpkVVEh4GEk4IR78RlVd5BFQLf7z-EcM93TV00_wfP-XOtGG1I8OIbUkpcQ6gGaGvcRzbf4CXvzUoSGI3eEBym7HyiTk/s1600/unnamed-45.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">He will willingly walk
holding my hand and lets me hug & kiss all over him. I am anxious for the
day he returns these because he wants too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">He really is an amazing kid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsU8etwriokCzUVw0JjGe0FZkZnfRo4ffo6KjNfODfTEtYD2UGRvt3lmbTwIVizcn6GxhScDFSmsE1wKufD-o8LutYN4pMBv05ESOfeqYvmucXln8XPWv-g6HPMuBdWDlBheugBAtM87M/s1600/unnamed-46.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsU8etwriokCzUVw0JjGe0FZkZnfRo4ffo6KjNfODfTEtYD2UGRvt3lmbTwIVizcn6GxhScDFSmsE1wKufD-o8LutYN4pMBv05ESOfeqYvmucXln8XPWv-g6HPMuBdWDlBheugBAtM87M/s1600/unnamed-46.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Today we were at a park with
our guide and another family. He asked for a toy and she told him no. His whole
countenance fell. I did not know he asked, she told me she told him it was to
expensive in the park for the toys. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYLpclpB8vezJYG0VFjzec2ZNasOCTf6WRunvzT9MF_puR9txPNJMuV2t5oIfrbDanNudHcgpUYgLNGFK8Ix6kBOuPQDf7dyXj-qoES7D6IlZ4vz3xr0NQI-pam2CpYudVRU3O6Xl7zU/s1600/unnamed-48.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYLpclpB8vezJYG0VFjzec2ZNasOCTf6WRunvzT9MF_puR9txPNJMuV2t5oIfrbDanNudHcgpUYgLNGFK8Ix6kBOuPQDf7dyXj-qoES7D6IlZ4vz3xr0NQI-pam2CpYudVRU3O6Xl7zU/s1600/unnamed-48.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Now, I am not saying that
every time my kid asks for something we are going to get it for him. But…
considering it has been 72 hours since gotcha and he asked for a $2 toy, I would have happily bought it! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">So he was withdrawn for a few
hours, even after we DID buy a toy in another location. Thankfully it did not last long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I know that we are in honeymoon phase and that it might not always go this well with our sweet boy. </div>
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But I do know that I am so thankful that God has allowed me to be his mommy and no matter what, he is mine. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YRat7l3LrKHW1ijzgo2t0gLCeUpDgnJKLZzgBhCHLx_z6wjH2XwvMRfcag7Swf8bbZxZQ-jfhLaIvTRvOj2lmMp-AFDTrTPuwEoB6x1bOx08BGHhybQNmMk5lBhdLTEocfSjN_uR6F4/s1600/unnamed-55.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YRat7l3LrKHW1ijzgo2t0gLCeUpDgnJKLZzgBhCHLx_z6wjH2XwvMRfcag7Swf8bbZxZQ-jfhLaIvTRvOj2lmMp-AFDTrTPuwEoB6x1bOx08BGHhybQNmMk5lBhdLTEocfSjN_uR6F4/s1600/unnamed-55.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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**Also wanted to give a quick update on Ms Mercie. We had GIGGLES today and I was the one to get them!!! Will post a video tomorrow but had to share and say thank you for praying! We are still working and it is up and down but SOO thankful for that glimpse of sweetness! </div>
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<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-24275005250852543402014-04-02T07:13:00.000-07:002014-04-02T07:13:49.877-07:001 step Forward, 3 steps back... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxwk3kUg_hE2OtiZiUiQXNWVK1JEDmCyh2ulju81zdkbP67jN8flgz45LfLgLK_2IzDj1nqw0YsGGQdHsdQS_PLCVgRCRcVL24bDLlEUtNY-KnbMwqJ5qYy_gr7zLtFq_NWgP8IsWvfM/s1600/1-john-419-8-x-10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxwk3kUg_hE2OtiZiUiQXNWVK1JEDmCyh2ulju81zdkbP67jN8flgz45LfLgLK_2IzDj1nqw0YsGGQdHsdQS_PLCVgRCRcVL24bDLlEUtNY-KnbMwqJ5qYy_gr7zLtFq_NWgP8IsWvfM/s1600/1-john-419-8-x-10.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falling asleep sitting up.. </td></tr>
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Here we are, 48 hours post Gotcha, and she still cries. Ms Mercie is miserable. And we are hurting for her. During the night she woke up and just sat for awhile and stared at us. Then around 6 she woke up for good, NOT screaming, so I thought that was a good sign. But that was short lived. SO many tears!<br />
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I thought we were making a bit of progress this morning. We went to the river and had a long walk. I carried her in the baby carrier and she did ok. Then I let her walk for awhile and she held my hand.<br />
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We had lunch at Mc Donalds and she seemed to be doing better. Sitting on my lap, letting me feed her. (she prefers the corn as a side over fries, in case you wonder!) :-)<br />
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And then we came back to the room. The room is not a good place for her. As soon as we get off the elevator she cries. We decided to try swimming. I thought there is NO WAY this child will get in the pool. But she did and she loved it. Till Malaine wanted to actually swim and she was stuck with me. A Chinese woman was getting lessons, so she came over and took Fei Fei from me, and tried to get me to go swim. Fei of course went willingly and calmed down! (I did not swim, fyi, I just sat there shaking my head no as the lady tried to shoo me off!) Soon the pool attendant came over to scold me for not having on my swim cap and Fei was screaming her head off back in my arms so she and I left while Mark let the other 2 swim. She screamed ALL the way up the very full elevator, while I was being scolded that it was to cold for her to be in her swimsuit.<br />
Upstairs she was hysterical, I was pretty much hysterical and so we walked. And we walked and we walked about 1000 laps around the 31st floor of our hotel. Come near the room door, she flips out. Partly she was tired and would not give in. I prayed over her, I sang songs over her, my tears covered her and she would just not calm down.<br />
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I am pretty sure they are ready for us to leave this hotel!<br />
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Finally Mark comes up and seeing Malaine quiets her.<br />
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Amy is our guide here in Changsha and knows the orphanage well. She and I had met on a few of my trips. In talking yesterday she said, " I remember the day I met you in Chenzhou in 2012. You were holding Lin Fei and you said, Amy, I want this baby to be mine! And Shannon, your dream has come true!".<br />
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There is nothing that shows the gospel to me more clearly than the adoption of my children. And THIS journey to THIS baby girl is the closest picture of grace I can imagine. I wanted this baby as mine from the minute I saw her. I have prayed for her, pursued her and dreamed of her for so long.<br />
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She, on the other hand is fighting this so badly. She can't see ahead, only what is right now.<br />
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And isn't that what Christ has done for us? He chases after us, he calls us he does NOT give up no matter how much we run, how much we reject him, how much we say no!<br />
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And then eventually we realize our need for a savior. He wraps us up in His embrace and binds our heart with his forever.<br />
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Eventually I know that is how it will be with Mercie. We have worked so hard to have her as ours. I have loved her for a long time. I KNOW that she will realize soon that she needs a mommy. And until she does I will just keep walking the halls, covering her in my prayers and tears and looking forward to the day she settles in my arms.<br />
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Thank you for your prayers and emails of encouragement! I truly appreciate them. If it wasn't for our sweet boy I am sure I would be really struggling. AND we went through this with Mavery so I know it ends. Though with her at least she wanted me and Mark got the rejection!<br />
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Syler is going to get his own post soon, but just so you can see how he is doing...<br />
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<br />ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-11957835483442192672014-04-02T00:33:00.001-07:002014-04-02T00:33:52.399-07:00Friends across the miles
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Tuesday was our last full day
with Steve. I know I have mentioned a bit of backstory on him, but just in case
you missed it. When I came to China on my mission trips we were always assigned
a guide. First 2 times I had a woman who I became good friends with. The 3<sup>rd</sup>
trip I was coming she was expecting twins! We were thrilled for her but
nervous. The biggest part of my trips is relationships. To lose the one whom I
had been working hard to build a relationship with AND who was helping me at
the orphanage was a bit scary. THEN I found out we would have a male guide. For
an all girls trip. Only 4 women at that. So I was not thrilled to say the
least. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And then we met Steve and I
discovered a few things. First, that I am sometimes wrong. Imagine that. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> He was exactly
who we needed for the trips. A male guide adds a different personality to the
team. He was a bit more aggressive in getting things done that I asked. His
sense of humor was exactly what I needed when my emotions were running high.
And he really just made our trip smooth. So I quickly made sure we would have
him for the July trip. We kept in contact once home and he was so helpful to me
with keeping that relationship growing at the orphanage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">July trip he was there and
again I feel was exactly who our team needed. I will never forget he and Sarah
racing up the stairs of our hotel or the great wall! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD57kfLXHB-JkpxrNfCOdhJVP-IP8nPuKyVjLihrOoZ_aHujsiDI4ZZJ8GEi8wcUpbziaK-rlFYtf2U39SYK7XPj4XDCEpyBqJCyDV5ts6JQxzPCrK3i3QfKz71_BVrpBdcybNmRewqZs/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD57kfLXHB-JkpxrNfCOdhJVP-IP8nPuKyVjLihrOoZ_aHujsiDI4ZZJ8GEi8wcUpbziaK-rlFYtf2U39SYK7XPj4XDCEpyBqJCyDV5ts6JQxzPCrK3i3QfKz71_BVrpBdcybNmRewqZs/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He promised for our adoption
trip he would come and meet us. We had hoped to hire him as our guide, but our
agency already has guides in place. But he still wanted to come with us. And he
has blessed us so much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I still need to fill in our
missing days and I will. So much to share. Friday morning early we left HK and
headed to the orphanage. Steve met us there. Typical adoption trips you have a
guide that does your official stuff and makes sure you are ok. The nice thing
about having a friend who is is a guide by trade, is that he stays with you the entire
time because he wants too. So we never have to think about food or crossing streets or
communicating. He is always a step ahead of us. Of course the orphanage loves
him, Mark and Malaine quickly fell in love with him and we are just so thankful
for having him! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW26AwXjbk7yp_Lss9nIi-NGD3qMVW_n7-3pGqDZ2fL3YYZDgxPZ5IHHtXk298k3txLB13PhuU-1XDPBgrtkGdt3gp036CdpSdQwAVk4M9kdC46dhn8P0dYV2qC1uSWveDop5vej-1sxc/s1600/unnamed-26.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW26AwXjbk7yp_Lss9nIi-NGD3qMVW_n7-3pGqDZ2fL3YYZDgxPZ5IHHtXk298k3txLB13PhuU-1XDPBgrtkGdt3gp036CdpSdQwAVk4M9kdC46dhn8P0dYV2qC1uSWveDop5vej-1sxc/s1600/unnamed-26.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0u4XHiO6dMplFv8u-DPyMKXWSmjb1RdzlDrGj1p7hCn_u22-pryigNOrSxV7nRzECT0Px5HBRgDTUGwYkm2zKRexZJsdgCWxjwkTa95BjtPWoVhwMoS9g-JJQsGs4pLbu11GUsqmuz0/s1600/unnamed-27.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0u4XHiO6dMplFv8u-DPyMKXWSmjb1RdzlDrGj1p7hCn_u22-pryigNOrSxV7nRzECT0Px5HBRgDTUGwYkm2zKRexZJsdgCWxjwkTa95BjtPWoVhwMoS9g-JJQsGs4pLbu11GUsqmuz0/s1600/unnamed-27.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We came to Changsha on Sunday
with him and so he was with us for Gotcha day and then all the official stuff
yesterday. We have eaten so well, communicated with Syler, and just had so much
fun because of him. We know he made it a better trip. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvIg3itcgNrK4XU36QwBRJCutHGEOFO-hbueEfUr7eAllXvH6ZgXXbW2sPx14jJMfaILE2JYxpNsXdiGTt1HaIn1sDiJgc29iryO9C7ZMS5ldRTAsd6svVEMjuX8jhBSXZnirq76skNc/s1600/unnamed-24.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvIg3itcgNrK4XU36QwBRJCutHGEOFO-hbueEfUr7eAllXvH6ZgXXbW2sPx14jJMfaILE2JYxpNsXdiGTt1HaIn1sDiJgc29iryO9C7ZMS5ldRTAsd6svVEMjuX8jhBSXZnirq76skNc/s1600/unnamed-24.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Early this morning he had to
fly back home. He presented us last night with a gorgeous embroidered picture
his mother made for us. With a verse about ships and friends like family and we
were so deeply touched. Of course it could say, these crazy Americans are so weird, for all we know! :-) And even if it did, we still love it! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDcozQh3Alcb43pi1CVMpjA-VF7Az2pnU3OVYapHBF4vEsSiyEw60f1y-H1y5I6tdSU4XEJjSGvzVLzAlTMvrfNHLXqHbI11Y_VPXnBN4dUFEyHYX41_8_qHwZ-Fy8BafMuGqdtqxCes/s1600/unnamed-28.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDcozQh3Alcb43pi1CVMpjA-VF7Az2pnU3OVYapHBF4vEsSiyEw60f1y-H1y5I6tdSU4XEJjSGvzVLzAlTMvrfNHLXqHbI11Y_VPXnBN4dUFEyHYX41_8_qHwZ-Fy8BafMuGqdtqxCes/s1600/unnamed-28.jpeg" height="294" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He and I had a showdown last
night over us wanting to help him with costs. Steve proved more stubborn than
even I am, which you should know is impressive. He honestly wanted to join us
because he is our friend. Who does stuff like that? (he lives very far from
where we are now!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So thankful that God has
opened up so many doors for me here in this land that I love. He has given us
true friendships that I will always treasure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUQ6QVEhsleJ9vWun1cqEv7lY4mr4mQxsxkQI7YucTNc91fxgNZ46mpVQUStkiF8mMcqia-xb0CoduEsIu1BB_pDSnQxLVOZPeJDzOei3fOKDp5IYwA4MQiB9yAnkHXs_6NXd8in4GcE/s1600/unnamed-23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUQ6QVEhsleJ9vWun1cqEv7lY4mr4mQxsxkQI7YucTNc91fxgNZ46mpVQUStkiF8mMcqia-xb0CoduEsIu1BB_pDSnQxLVOZPeJDzOei3fOKDp5IYwA4MQiB9yAnkHXs_6NXd8in4GcE/s1600/unnamed-23.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Some Steve funnies I don’t
want to forget…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Me-Malaine is our easy child.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Steve-Yes I can tell she is
easier than Makenna. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoVHf9WkuNQLW90GkFFYZnw0n7X4QQg-8PWppM6PXJ5XdnyMtqkf4o3S2kHfCu64iPG-0arw45wEU17QXq5YKH3oixtsNvgVK_k9bhj7vplzGCzlNOPMCxSB5Gq33H4035nf2u3DgSKA/s1600/unnamed-25.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoVHf9WkuNQLW90GkFFYZnw0n7X4QQg-8PWppM6PXJ5XdnyMtqkf4o3S2kHfCu64iPG-0arw45wEU17QXq5YKH3oixtsNvgVK_k9bhj7vplzGCzlNOPMCxSB5Gq33H4035nf2u3DgSKA/s1600/unnamed-25.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Mark-What has been your
hardest group you have ever had?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Steve-Looks over at me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Walking down the street Steve
starts holding Malaine’s hand. We told him he is lucky that was not Makenna or
she would have punched him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Asked him if he had heard
What does the fox say?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">S-What Fox say? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We are really sad to see him
go, but know that we will see him again! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHsvCJWlNHmKNznG7shDdlVoPu-aHJ3vGAFQ_FgmuuFVKKzJWBuIT9f7erEVJ9o6KQvTYEUWAEhQRg4BscfTPRK34HZhpI73pcbz3ajmYyvthzmPT0xN6kziAulCZDGsrtHj01HCDlxs/s1600/unnamed-29.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHsvCJWlNHmKNznG7shDdlVoPu-aHJ3vGAFQ_FgmuuFVKKzJWBuIT9f7erEVJ9o6KQvTYEUWAEhQRg4BscfTPRK34HZhpI73pcbz3ajmYyvthzmPT0xN6kziAulCZDGsrtHj01HCDlxs/s1600/unnamed-29.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-32949131432729092172014-04-01T06:54:00.000-07:002014-04-01T06:54:10.284-07:00It is official!
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #606060; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Adoption is wonderful and beautiful and the greatest
blessing I have ever experienced. Adoption is also difficult and painful.
Adoption is a beautiful picture of redemption. It is the Gospel in my living
room. And sometimes, it's just hard." (Kisses From Katie pg. 72)</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Today we officially became
the parents of Syler Blane GuoLang Laxton and Mercie Fei Evangelin Laxton. We
promised to never abandon them, or abuse them and to love them forever. We signed a million papers and we gave our
thumbprints. Seems like such an informal process for such an amazing milestone.
These children, they are OURS. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Let me backtrack. The kids
slept GREAT. Mercie slept between us, Syler has a cot next to the bed. I on the
other hand was like a kid the night before Christmas. My babies were HERE. I
couldn’t stop staring at them, crying over them, being in awe that God did
this! AND as many of you know, He did it on the day I BEGGED for. 3/31/14. One
year before that we shared on FB we were adopting. I prayed for months that THAT
would be our Gotcha day. I asked many of you to pray with us. And you did! And
HE did! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Mercie woke up around 6AM.
Took one look at us and started screaming. You know she was thinking, MAYBE
this was all just a bad dream. But then she woke up and there we were. We had
hoped maybe an overnight miracle might have taken place and a NEW Mercie would
wake up. But we knew that was probably
NOT going to happen so we gave her a bottle, which calms her a bit. (and I am
so happy I am getting her back on a bottle, now if I can get her to let ME give
it to her instead of just herself!) Soon after Syler was awake. He went to bed
with a smile and woke up with a smile. We went downstairs to breakfast, which
is a huge buffet. A mix of Western and Chinese food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">My son can eat. And it makes
me so sad. He CHOWS DOWN. He eats a ton and he eats fast. Knowing that he is
eating so much to make up for what he missed or what he MIGHT miss, just breaks
your heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">During breakfast the director
and assistant came in. They brought the children yesterday and then stay
overnight to finish the paperwork today. They were trying to hide from Fei
Fei,knowing she would probably want to go to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We headed back to the civil
affairs office and there we signed the paperwork. I was happy Mercie actually sat on my lap for the car ride, baby steps! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Syler's paperwork was first. We are asked
if we are happy with our child and still want to adopt them. Then because Syler
is over 7 he is asked if he wants us to be his family. He got the biggest smile
on his face and said yes! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This boy has to be the
bravest and sweetest soul I know. Of course I know that a child wants a family
over an orphanage. But still how SCARY it has to be for him! He can’t
understand a word we are saying and he is leaving behind EVERYTHING he knows!
To go to a place where he won’t understand anything, won’t recognize the food
AND to top it off will be forced to wear a seat belt in the car! How much trust
it takes to BELIEVE us when we say, we will never leave you or abandon you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">He got to stamp his hand on
the paper and that sealed it. Syler is ours! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Mercie was next. The director
was worried we would change our mind because she was so upset! (this should
tell you how loud Mercie was, to make them actually worry about this!!) </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> Thankfully 2
year old’s don’t have to agree to the adoption because I can guarantee you she
was NOT going to agree to that if given the choice! We agreed that YES we want this baby girl,
they stamped her foot on the paper and that was that! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> Grieving is still going strong. It is BETTER
and we see a tiny bit of progress here and there. I am definitely her least favorite person in
the world right now, but I am doing ok with that. I have had a few snuggles and
I KNOW that this will pass. The blessing
is we have seen joy and giggles come from our baby girl before Gotcha Day. We know
she was loved so well while she waited for us, and that is why she is
struggling so much. She is scared to death! This child has seen a total of a
few rooms in her entire lifetime, her world has been rocked! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As we finished up the
paperwork I had a chance to talk to the director of the orphanage. Who has
retired recently! (whole post needed on orphanage stuff!) I really love her and started bawling as soon as we started talking. She tries to tell me how I have blessed her, but it is SHE who has blessed me. I sometimes hear people talk about these orphanage directors in such negative ways. But I KNOW this one loves the children, and wants good for them. I am so thankful for her and what I have seen from her. No, it is not perfect. But I really do think she has a good heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px;">Want to share more about the day, but I am going to bed! Prayerfully we will ALL sleep tonight and I am praying day 3 is a new day for Mercie! </span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-4283218896843058782014-03-31T08:09:00.002-07:002014-03-31T08:09:30.286-07:00Gotcha Forever! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIO_-Su7eTyAZweAGd4k_PY3ESTJOj_t036K1tdUMwNyLMj5sE7HNL2dsIqWgpDY7GnabM-oorx3NnAD9a42ZnLHyMaJVTTyxLTClijpttGX35_v6nZW6CKpPRtd5674OZ3FofCyHXIk/s1600/hebrews-615-quote-canvas.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIO_-Su7eTyAZweAGd4k_PY3ESTJOj_t036K1tdUMwNyLMj5sE7HNL2dsIqWgpDY7GnabM-oorx3NnAD9a42ZnLHyMaJVTTyxLTClijpttGX35_v6nZW6CKpPRtd5674OZ3FofCyHXIk/s1600/hebrews-615-quote-canvas.jpeg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
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Today, after waiting so long, our lives are forever changed. <br />
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We are now a family of 9.<br />
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There are 2 less orphans in the world.<br />
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And as I type this my new children are sound asleep, their lives forever changed.<br />
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It is interesting when you adopt 2 at once, such different ages.<br />
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Syler is 8 years old, almost 9. He gets it! He walked into our arms WANTING to be there. He is a complete joy and will melt your heart. I am pretty sure I have never enjoyed anything more than seeing him take a bubble bath tonight, probably his first EVER. We skyped the kids tonight and he said everyone's name. He knew "Kenna" right away from the trips each year.<br />
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Mercie, 2 years old, just wants to be back with what she knows and it is heartbreaking to watch. She has stood at the door and cried for hours. And I do mean hours. We finally got a few smiles tonight, but that was ONLY because of Malaine. She likes Malaine best. Of course. So we are being careful of that. We know she needs to bond with us.<br />
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Tomorrow we will go back to the civil affairs office to finalize the adoption. I am praying that she does ok. She basically cried for over 5 hours straight till she fell asleep. She is in our bed right now, so if you will pray for her little heart tonight.<br />
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Thank you for your prayers. We are so happy tonight. Going to bed knowing that our children are right where they should be.<br />
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<br />ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076789850423155748.post-40910003371579785882014-03-30T08:34:00.001-07:002014-03-30T08:34:38.161-07:00On the Eve of Forever<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> <i> Praise the Lord oh my soul and and forget not all his
benefits-who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems
your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things.</i></span></div>
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<i>Psalm 103<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Today we attended church in my favorite city. The
above verse was the message. Of course we have no idea what is actually being
said. But Steve always helps us to just find what the topic is in our book so
we can follow along. <o:p></o:p></div>
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How appropriate that THIS was what the message was today.
Tomorrow is our Gotcha Day. God IS giving us such good things!<o:p></o:p></div>
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A little girl sat in front of us in church, as cute as
could be. On her shirt were the words, “Clever girl, lucky to the someone” I loved that. Lucky to the someone. People
always say our kids are so lucky. But we know that WE are the lucky some ones
who get to call them ours. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I will fill in the pages of our story between Hong
Kong and now later in the week. But I do have to share that we met up with
Steve, the guide I had on my last 2 trips over. Funny how things work. I was
not happy when I found out I would have a male guide last March. So thankful
the Lord always knows exactly what we need. He was such a great guide and I
made sure we would then have him for my July trip. When he found out we were
coming back over for adoption he quickly offered to join us. Simply as a
friend. He is such a kind soul and we are so thankful for him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnxPTvy5FJk0H8tAShTp0PX0WOn-4fSy8wROwyCUuzZgWfYgQPXMNizbWCJtZjEjvs1UUcvM1DqhXSk_0IzEZx7zh78qpNz7nB4lUvym2gUvFo_MK8kIofzCXuySwNw29RymRSPrMtoA/s1600/unnamed-12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnxPTvy5FJk0H8tAShTp0PX0WOn-4fSy8wROwyCUuzZgWfYgQPXMNizbWCJtZjEjvs1UUcvM1DqhXSk_0IzEZx7zh78qpNz7nB4lUvym2gUvFo_MK8kIofzCXuySwNw29RymRSPrMtoA/s1600/unnamed-12.jpeg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gotcha day happens tomorrow at 3pm. (Monday) For those
of you at home, that is 2am during your Sunday night. I hate that it is so
late, but not our choice. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our lives are about to forever change. We will go from
a family of 7 to a family of 9. One year ago we started this journey not knowing
for sure what would happen. Just knowing that God had called us to return to
China. And now here we are! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Tonight Syler and Mercie sleep for the last time as
orphans. They will never again go to bed with out a hug and a kiss goodnight.
They will never have to wonder what their future holds. They will become
Laxtons, part of a family that already adores them and treasures them. They are
so wanted and loved. <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Forever is coming soon! </div>
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<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com1