Settling in

Makenna is such a happy baby! Liv and Jack are totally in love and I think the feeling is mutual. We are slowly introducing her to all of her family and she seems to enjoy new experiences. Of course she likes most people at a distance! She is going to have blood drawn tomorrow to be tested for everything under the sun. She had a TB skin test today and I collected 2 of 3 stool samples that I have to take to the lab tomorrow. Our pediatrician thinks she is pretty healthy but for our whole family's sake she should have the tests. Every day she discovers some new skill and it makes her so happy. She started walking a few days after we came home and now she is everywhere! She smiles and laughs all the time. Today she started dancing to music especially cartoon music. Every day I am so thankful to her foster family for giving her so much love and care. She could never be so silly and happy if she hadn't been loved by them first. I only hope that sending updates and pictures will make them happy for her in her new life.

We are home!

Wow what a trip. I don't think I am ready to put my thoughts together about my adoption trip. The journey home was long and stressful. But being home is all worth it. I missed Liv and Jack so much it was terrible. Makenna has really taken to them also. She loves having her big brother and sister around. Now if we could just get back on a decent sleep pattern we would be good. For everybody out there still waiting it really will be your turn one day and memories of the wait will fade (not go away-but fade) and you will think how lucky you are to have this child in your life.

Last post from China!

We are leaving in the morning and I am so ready to come home. I know the plane ride will be tough but we will make it through and then we can start our real life together. The red couch photo was a disaster. Makenna was not in the mood. She pretty much hates to sit still. Oh well we tried.

Chillin at Starbucks and street market

Makenna started feeling better this afternoon and we cooled off at Starbucks while she acted silly. Afterwards we walked to the pearl market and went through a very interesting area of Guangzhou where they sell a lot of ingredients for traditional medicine and foods. Dad and I felt like we were in an episode of that bizarre foods show!

medical exam

Makenna weighs 22 lbs and is 29.5 inches long. She received five shots today and is doing well. She hated it.

Guangzhou

Makenna gets happier everyday. I am not saying it is easy now, it is NOT. This is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I know she is worth it and when we get home this will all start to fade. When she is happy she is so much fun! She is also very curious and busy. I can never sit still unless she is sleeping.I will post more about China when I can but Makenna is the focus of every minute right now. I know what people mean when they say this is not a vacation or tourist trip. It is all about her and what she needs, and that is ok with me because I can see what a wonderful baby she really is. Anyway here are a couple new photos of Makenna.She is so cute!

Leaving for Guangzhou

This morning we are flying to Guangzhou. I really like Nanchang and if I were here for different reasons I might like to stay BUT I am so happy to be one day closer to home! Makenna had lots of smiley, happy times yesterday and several periods of crying inconsolably. But those happy grins help you through the tough parts. I managed to have a 12 year old girl who is learning english help me pick out a gift for Liv at the street market near our hotel. Very interesting experience at the street market. A real glimpse of what life is really like here. Well I have to pack so wish us luck on Makenna's first flight!