China and Back March 2012

Well, we've been back for almost 2 weeks now. We arrived home in the wee hours of the morning on 3/22. It's been such a whirlwind, we really haven't stopped. I wasn't able to blog in China. Blogger was blocked and honestly, our days were so full, I don't know that I would have made the time, even if I could have logged on. It was eat, sleep and care for two sweet girls. If I'd given a moment to blogging I would have missed something else, and there was nothing else I could part with on that amazing trip....most certainly not my sleep. I have a bazillion beautiful pictures, but haven't been able to organize them. So, tonight I'm loading a few that cover the "Reader's Digest" version of our trip. And so hoping that I can carve out the time to get the remainder of those photos that help preserve the precious memory of our journey to Grace, to beautiful China, organized on on the blog before too much more time passes.

WE MADE IT!! That's how I felt this day. So very happy to be back in China, and to be standing on the Great Wall with James AND Georgea this time. Our travel over was perfect. No issues, easy flights, easy layovers & a perfectly-perfect 3.5 year old traveler.

This is our first day in China. We rose early to go to the great wall, the olympics campus and have a nice lunch with our 8-family travel group. Georgea, the most amazing toddler traveler I've ever known, was her bubbly, happy self, even after the 24 hours of travel & 15 hour time change- amazing!

Beijing tourist whirlwind behind us, and now in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province....3-12-12 was our big day. Our baby girl came to us with resistance, crying...real tears....my heart breaks....and explodes with joy simultaneously. The feelings, really there are no words to describe the deep conflict of sadness and joy that are experienced on this day.

Only a few moments after receiving Grace into our arms, she calms and we are here as a family with Grace's nanny joining us (holding another baby from the Children's Welfare Institute where Grace lived for almost 21 months).

With the Director of CWI of Ningdu County.

Grace Ning Si Qi accepts a snack tentatively, from her new big sister. Georgea handled this day with amazing sensitivity and grace. She truly continues to amaze me.

LOVE my first born. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

Grace got a little sick on the long (I think about 5 hour) car ride from Ningdu County to Nanchang. Sweet baby girl. I'm sure that was an overwhelming trip. So, we did a little wardrobe change when we returned to the hotel. I peeled about 5 layers of clothing (which is tradition in China). I was really surprised to see what a tiny little angel she was under all those sweaters, tops, jackets, leggings, pants, etc. She was so much smaller that what she appeared in our first photos of her.

Just prior to Grace's first medical exam by our friend Dr. Barbara Rumberger. Dr. Barbara is the U.S. travel doctor that our adoption agency sent to China with our group. She was with us when we traveled to bring Georgea home too. What a gift to have her there!

Dr. Barbara with our girls.

Grace cried at first. Then cooperated, then........

...decided she'd cry again. And, in true sympathetic form her big sister decided to join in. I just decided it was best to find the humor in the situation and a few moments later all was well.

Touring Nanchang with a solemn baby girl.

My two beautiful girls. Let the coordinating outfits begin!

Georgea, seeming so grown up all of a sudden.

Somber, solemn, serious. Grace was just taking it all in the first few days.

Georgea expanded her social horizons and made friends from all over the U.S. via the older siblings in our travel group. What a huge blessing!

Nanchang & Jiangxi province are known for porcelain. Here we are visiting some of the porcelain shops near our hotel.

Now in Guangzhou, Guangdong province at the dreaded, but mandatory International Travel Healthcare, adoptive medical exam. It was hot & crowded. Grace was not happy, but she plowed through this process and we were out in a few hours.

"Don't mess with me!!!" Following in Georgea's footsteps. We have very similar photos of Georgea with lots of tears, just less than 3 years ago when we made our first trip to China.

Bouncing back & showing the start of a tiny little grin.

"The big kids!"

At "Lucy's" restaurant in Guangzhou. A favorite from our first trip, mainly because of the outdoor, park-adjacent seating.

Beautiful view of the Pearl River from the park next to Lucy's.

Isaac, Emma, Georgea & Simon became fast friends! Such an awesome group of older siblings.

In the lobby of the Victory Hotel where we stayed in Guangzhou, nearing the end of our trip.

Grace took to Georgea and was very interested in her from the get-go and Georgea immediately wrapped her arms around her little sister. I can't express how proud I am of Georgea's adjustment, truly impressive and such a gift to James and me.

Georgea with her buddies Isaac & Simon. Way too cute!

This evening it was just Georgea, Grace & me in the room while getting Grace ready for bed. Grace decided to let loose a little. She showed us her silly, smiling side. It was our first real glimpse of Grace, beyond her protective "outer shell." It melted my heart and was such a sweet time.

Beauty.

I'm quite sure Georgea wishes she could have taken these guys "her guys" home with her!

Ahhh, the smiles were treasures each time we caught a glimpse.

Our travel group (minus one family), gathered in the lobby of the Garden Hotel in Guangzhou. We had such a wonderful and diverse group and so enjoyed getting to know all the families.

More to come on our travel home & adjustment as soon as time allows......