WE ARE HOME!!!!

We are home. And it felt so good to sleep in our own beds.

THE JOURNEY
Our travels went very well. I drew on a piece of paper three airplanes. The agency staff had told her we would be traveling on 3 planes. As we took each trip, we crossed off a plane. She slept a majority of the flight from Shanhai to Chicago. Which was good. However, when she woke up it was morning time in China. So, yep, you guessed it. Little Miss Sunshine wasn't very happy. It was shortly before we arrived in Chicago though. so, she cried only a tiny bit on the plane. And then the entire time going through customs and immigration. However, by the time we got on our flight to KC she was fine.

OUR ARRIVAL
What a wonderful welcome home. Bill went and got the van while we got our luggage. When I walked outside to our van, Nina-Li recognized it right away. (Yeah!) We have incredible friends who brought our van up to the airport. They left Nina-Li some gifts and treats for all of us. Thanks to our neighbor Elizabeth, I had step-by-step photographs of Nina-Li's carseat and how to use it. She got right in and didn't complain. In China no car seats, seat belts are optional. We listened to her Chinese children's CD's in the car, which she loved. We had a great ride home.

HOME
When we got home, Nina-Li was so excited. She ran through the house looking at everything, matching it all to the photographs embedded in her mind. She quickly went upstairs to see her room. She did the same thing. She was very happy. A response we were uncertain if we would get. She played in her room a lot discovering her books and the few toys she has. I read several times not to have a lot of toys right away. It can be overwhelming and over stimulating. I can see that was good advice. She had to touch and see everything. So, if she had a lot, she would have been up all night. She was uncertain to go up into her bed. I was nervous about that. Later I realized she was apprehensive climbing the ladder. Once I taught her how to go up and get to her bed, she was fine.

BEDTIME
We were up late. Obviously with the time change and the late arrival home. I was getting sleeping and told her momma was getting sleepy. The next thing I know I find her in bed looking at her books. Yeah! So we hung out while I commented on the pictures. It was way too late to read. So, I figured out she didn't want lights on and her curtains opened. She fell asleep and has slept for almost 11 hours now and still sleeping. No tears. Which we were prepared for. She has always been a sound sleeper, which is a benefit to all of us.

So, we'll see what our first day brings. Still trying to figure out what she wants for breakfast. I don't have a full breakfast buffet here at home, and she can't nibble and refuse as easily. I think I will need to learn how to make congee, which is a watered down rice that they often have for breakfast. Well, and almost all meals. That and fruit.

THE BOYS
The boys did a great job. So many people commented on what great brothers they are. How kind and good they were. They loved their trip to China. None of us want to be on an airplane for awhile, yet they are already wondering where we will go next. I'm afraid with our trip to Mexico last year and this year's trip to China they are becoming more interested in international travels. Ummmmmm, financing that might be an issue.

Thank you for all of your prayers. They sustained us greatly. I cannot tell you how much your words of encouragement helped me.

I apologize there are now pictures. I have to download all 1600 to my computer.

Love to you all!