We're Home!

Snoozing on the flight home
SISTERS!
Oatmeal Monster (as Grace calls her)
Swimming together
Friends forever!

We've been home now for 3 weeks and things are going good. Mollie is adjusting very well to her new life. She loves her brothers and sisters. Her and Grace are on their way to becoming great friends! Grace is a wonderful big sister. She is learning how to share everything (especially Mommy and Daddy!) Overall, both girls are adjusting well considering all the changes that have taken place. Emily, of course, LOVES having another little sister and Mollie absolutely loves Emily. She has been a big help! Emily helped out so much with the girls the first week when we were getting over the jet lag and trying to catch up on sleep. Mollie took a day or two to warm up to her big brothers, Andrew and Nathan, but she is in love with them now. They give her so much attention and would do just about anything for her!

Mollie has already seen the pediatrician twice. All of her lab work came back normal. She had to get a few (6 to be exact) immunizations to get her caught up on her shots. We saw the cardiologist last week. He did an EKG and an ultrasound. He said everything looked great. No need for anymore surgery. She has a slight heart murmur, but nothing to worry about. We were very relieved!

She is a very healthy, happy little girl! She laughs and giggles all the time. We are having so much fun with her. She is learning so many new things everyday. It's so exciting seeing her blossom. She loves the water (bath and pool)! She is an amazing little girl! She has the cutest little sense of humor. She loves to give hugs and kisses. We feel very blessed that she is a part of our family. Our lives are a lot busier now, but we are loving every minute of it! I look at her sometimes and can't believe that God has entrusted us with another one of His precious little creations.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! ~ 2 Corinthians 9:15

Our Last Night in China

We begin our journey home early tomorrow morning. We are looking so forward to coming home. Our flight comes in around 10:45. So we have a long journey ahead of us. I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, milk (haven't had it in 2 weeks) and chocolate chip cookies! Most of all, we can't wait to see our kids!

Today we went to the US Consulate to be sworn in and pick up our last bit of paperwork. It rained most of the day. In the afternoon we did a little more shopping. All the families met tonight and had one last Chinese dinner together. We will miss the families. We feel so blessed to have shared this awesome experience with them.

We have 3 flights ahead of us and 2 long layovers in Beijing and Newark, NJ. We are hoping and praying for smooth flights and that Mollie will do well with all of this. Thanks so much for your prayers and your support.

Thanks again to everyone who helped out at home!

Andrew, Emily, Nathan & Grace ~ We love you all very much! ~ Only 24 more hours!

~ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

David, Barb & Mollie

Playtime with Daddy

We had to spend time in our room this morning. Michael went to the US Consulate with all of our paperwork. We needed to be near the phone in case there were any problems or any questions from the Consulate. Mollie and Daddy had some playtime on the bed, which was great for bonding.

Swimming with Daddy

Tuesday ~ A Free Day

The park near the Pearl River
Mollie's first taste of ice cream
The desserts we found
Mollie choosing which dessert she wants

Mollie at breakfast Tuesday morning
The courtyard at our hotel
Our princess
Mollie and Daddy
A walk in the park

Today (Tuesday) was a free day, no paperwork or meetings. After breakfast, we decided to put Mollie in the stroller and go for a walk. We of course did a little shopping. We walked through a beautiful park that is right on the Pearl River, very close to our hotel. It was full of people dancing, playing games and just relaxing. The flowers and all the palm trees made me feel almost like we were at the beach. Shamian Island is beautiful. Many couples come here to get married. We've seen at least one couple everyday since we've been here taking photos for their wedding. There also a lot of really neat statues on the island. There is a playground also that we haven't made it to yet and a Starbucks. We may try to fit that in on Wednesday.

After a little shopping we stopped at a little deli/bakery where we found Haagen Dazs ice cream!YES! I said Haagen Dazs ice cream. It tasted so good. Mollie had her first taste of ice cream and didn't much care for it. I think it was probably the cold she didn't like. We could tell she had never had it before. They also had wonderful pastries that we will try another day. We've never seen desserts like this before in China. (so much for losing a little weight while I'm here) Their idea of dessert is watermelon.

We headed back to the hotel for lunch then a nap for Mollie. She slept about 2 hours (a good little sleeper). When she woke up (always wakes up happy with a smile) we decided to head up to the pool. The Vogel's, Nancy and Dan, were their with their three little ones. They are such a sweet family. They have 3 older sons out of the house and 3 beautiful daughters Julianna 5, Grace 4 and their newest addition 2 year old Annie. We enjoyed swimming with them. Mollie absolutely loved the water. I at first didn't get in the water, so Mollie loved going to David in the water. He loved it too! She would hold her arms out to him and just giggle. She is such a happy baby!

We are looking forward to coming home. Only a couple more days here in China. It's kind of bittersweet. There are so many things I will miss here in China. But more than anything, I miss my 4 other beautiful children! Only 2 more days and we begin our (long) journey home!

I am so thankful to God for all He has given us!

~ Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We love you all!

David, Barb & Mollie

A few more pictures from Monday

Like my hair? Mommy braided it for me

Out for a walk with some friends

Catching up on the daily news
Now let's see, where are those comics?

Lunch with Daddy

Mollie had noodles for lunch with Daddy. She absolutely loved them. She must've had them at the orphanage. This was the first time we've tried giving them to her. They are similar to Ramen Noodles at home. Emily, you have another little sister who will share them with you!