Our Flower Continues to Blossom

March 19

Although we may have missed a lot of “firsts” in our 7yrs olds life we are celebrating different ones with her this week.
Meal time prayer - folds her hands now and prays for her family
First Fingernail Polish - even on the toes
First time watching mom drive!!
First time seeing a Grandma Drive - she kept laughing
First time rollerblading
First time riding a bike - she has mastered that but goes way too fast!
First time greeting a Dad when he came home from work
First time eating at the park
First time meeting Keira after 4 days of separation-SCREAMS
First time seeing a boy wear a hat backwards - she thought he was nuts
First time talking with a Chinese person in the US- very fun
First time trying chips, bologna, sprite “cola”, peanut butter sandwich
First Family Photo
First time cooking scrambled eggs with her sisters - HUGE HIT!!
First time making cookies
She continues to blossom more and more precious everyday. She is learning where everything goes and the flow of our house. She loves to be outside - we are so glad summer is coming. She is good about me working at night, very content to be with Dan and the girls & brothers.
In this short 2 ½ weeks she has come such a long way. Incredibly adaptable. Now and then she will mention her Dapu momma but does not cry or seem sad when she speaks of her. I am glad she has felt such strong love in her lifetime.
We are making a grocery trip tonight and that should be a treat for her also. She is making a list of everything she likes and laughs when she sees a gallon of milk or ice cream - such big quantities she acts likes she never saw. Wait till she sees how full we need to fill the shopping cart for a family of 8!! I can hear her say “OIIIYYYY” when she acts like she is overworked - she is so funny.
Also, we she tells everyone in the fam how much she loves them. I asked her tonight how come in Guangzhou she said she did not love me. Her answer was “I sorry momma” followed by a huge kiss and hug!!!! WOW, tears of JOY!! It is less than 1 week home and she is already sorry. THANK YOU LORD for this precious little girl finally loving/trusting me enough to tell me she was sorry for that. Words are not express how much this little girls is loved even though she fought it so. When I ask her if she is happy - she just beams!!!
God is good!!!
Tammy

making cookies


Don't ya just LOVE aprons and the hat!!

Cats Cradle!!

Teaching the girls how to do the star

playing a game of cootie

Yes, the polish

painting with the girls

so proud to ride a bike

Daddy with all his kittens!!

Sooo much fun with Cam

Waking up to Daddy

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY

GOOD NEWS!!

Things are starting to happen at the Knoper home. While Keira did ask a time or two about her freind today... There were NO TEARS!! Even at bedtime which is the hardest for her. She even reached out to hug me even before I was through getting her blankets!! This is also the first time since I met her that I worked and left her home. She was so happy to see me and Tacia come home but was also happy with her dad!! It has been a wonderful day!!!!!!

Friday/Sat/Sunday

Sunday
March 15
What a good first full day home, it was wonderful. Isabella slept in her own bed and was the last one to get up at around 7:00
She has a yogurt breakfast and while Dan, Coty and Chloe went to church and the other girls stayed home with me to catch up. Isabella continues to be so happy.
During the day she rollerbladed, rode her bike, played in the yard, loves the piano and Cam and Tori took her to the park. She is having a blast.
As we watched her and Dan walk hand in hand with the other girls running around them, Coty said “you know mom I think our family just feels perfect” We I could not have said it better.
While there is still work ahead she is making forward steps everyday. She watches her sisters wanting to fit in. To think our Gotcha Day was March 2 is amazing. She still is a little stingy on hugs and kisses to me but the point is I get some! Not too long ago I could not even touch her. I am so thrilled she LOVES her Daddy so much. Tori is also wonderful to her. And well, we are “filling her bucket” with love and love to see her so happy!!
Keira is struggling much more. She had a sad first night and during the day still has quiet crying times. She called on Skype where the girls can see each other and wanted Isabella to come over so bad. She calls on the phone and asks her to come over and also still cries for the guide. She has to learn to be independent of Isabella and I’m sure that is scary on top of all the changes. She loves her family and will allow Stacy to comfort her when she is sad but still is sad. Time will change it but its hard until then. I’m hoping for a better night tonight for the Knopers.
I’m getting ready for a “normal” week. Work on Monday night, school with the girls and yes lots playing. Going to keep Isabella’s week very quiet…hope to have her not leave the house but we will see.
Praying for continued good progress with Isabella and less sadness for Keira.
Tammy
Ps. The pictures are some from her first day home. I hope to get copies of the airport picture later.



WE ARE HOME!!!
March 13/14/
Thursday/Friday night we started packing for leaving on Friday. Ohhhh that’s not a treat. I love to pack, repack and then do it again but I did not have time for that so we just was just shoving things in!! We did not purchase many things but we both felt like it was going to be a little tight so Coty ran out at to try and buy a suitcase. Fun to watch him from the hotel room window talking, looking, walking away and then back after they made their “best offer” as he was going to leave. TOO FUNNY, he is so good at knocking down prices! So we finished packing and had about 3 hrs sleep before we needed to get up and ready to go. Its always such a frantic time to finish things up, pack, check-out, think about what would be needed in Hong Kong, snack for the girls etc but we were ready and out the door and on the bus by 5:50. While the breakfast buffet is not even open at that time, they had box lunches for us to eat. The girls ate nothing and nerves made us not hungry either.
At the Guangzhou airport our luggage was taken off from the bus and off we go to check-in and find our gate. In the process we forgot to load a small duffle bag and by the time we remembered it - well it was stolen. Not sure what all was in it but I know they got my underwear! Serves them right!!
Airport are very hard, busy & filled with security checkpoints at which every point they takes just a little more from your luggage. We finally boarded the plane and made the short flight to Hong Kong where we stayed at a hotel in the airport. The girls were very excited about their 1st out of 4 plane rides. The kept ourselves busy at the airport/hotel and again at night started the finally packing. We (OK I) woke up at 3:00am and got everyone in the Prins room ready to go only to find out it was Tokyo time NOT Hong Kong and we were ready 1 hour early.
Finally we were ready to check in to fly to Japan and Stacy realized she left her alarm clock and Isabella left Stacys coat in the room. Well, we were slowing lighting up our loads….. Duffle bag gone, coat gone, clock gone. After that I had to count everything 10 times before we moved to our next points.
Anyways, the girl were wonderful on ALL 4 of the planes. We were smart enough to NOT let them sit together and they really slept a lot. GREAT plane rides for which we are very thankful. It is so many hours in such a small area that well, it could have been trouble but was not.
On the flight from Detroit to GR Isabella was so excited. We talked about hugging Babba (Daddy) her brother and sisters and she was just so happy! Keira, well she hardly spoke most of the day and was very somber. We got off the plane Isabella ran to her family and just hugged everyone. She was so excited to finally met them! She got to meet her Grandma & Grandpa, Aunts and Uncles and cousins and our very special friends the Wiersmas and Sterkens
Lots of pictures, lots of hugs and lots of smiles from both girls to finally meet everyone. We were nervous about finally parting ways with the girls but Keira was hand-in-hand with her sisters and well Isabella LOVED her dad and family and so they both waved goodbye and were off to their new homes.
Never dreamed it would go so well in/at the airports and I’m so very thankful!!
Isabella and Keira spent the rest of the night exploring their new homes and playing with their families. Both so excited about everything!!
Perfect ending to the LONG day!
tammy

Isabella and her Dad

Watching Daddy put on the training wheels

Cam, Isabella and Coty

Help from both brothers

Cam helping with the Roller blades.... looking for her helmet!

Cam and Isabella

Cam helping her ride her bike

Watching the plane in Hong Kong

First night at home!!

Hand in Hand with Daddy

Thursday March 12 - BLESSINGS

Today I am pleased to announce my daughter LIKES ME!! What a treat that is. We had so much fun! We had our appointment at the US Consulate to get our entry Visa for Isabella and SHE CAN COME HOME!! Not that we ever doubted it but it is always nice to see in her new passport. Also, we were really happy to hear that they will be a little less paperwork when we get home (and less fees) due to the Hague Treaty for adoptions being in place with both China and the US. Isabella and I even got applause along with Stacy and Keira for adopting 4 & 3 times. So many wonderful families adopting and it nice to see so many little ones FINALLY finding their homes.

After that we did our final stops and goodbyes to people who have been so kind and patient with the girls. The resturants where we eat, the stores we stopped by all have been so sweet with the girls that they call them their friends (in Chinese of course) While leaving one store it is so funny to watch Isabella because for some reason she thinks she must hail the cab!! Sticks her little arm out and waves for one like a pro. Both girls got afraid of men asking for $$ and Isabella tells them "NO" and well I'm not sure what else. After we got in the taxi, Isabella really clung to me and put her head on me and well I guess I think a little fear is a wonderful thing!! It broke the ice with her or many finally she was able to let me comfort her - whatever the reason I it was so good to have. We really did not stuggle with anything today.

What a wonderful way to end our time in China - breaking through with my daughter. While I know and appreciate that she still loves the Director her little heart is making room for me!! I just can't wait to share her with her family. There is so much for love about both girls!! Both so very different but yet such incredible gifts.

Looking back to the 1 1/2 weeks they have been with us, we can see their love growing for us. So wonderful to feel that after loving these girls for so long!!

Well I must get a couple of hours sleep before we leave in the morning to Hong Kong. We stay overnight and leave early on Sat for home. Sorry I don't have time to post pictures and will not be able to access the blog from the Hong Kong hotel. I do may best to post when we got home and let you know how the flights and the GRAND REUNION goes.

Thank you Lord for directing the path for us to the precious little girls!! I will forever be greatful!

tammy
ps. Thank you Tori for your email and prayers - see you Sat!!!

March 11

Today we went to the zoo. Just can’t imagine Coty chooses not to go on any tours with us!! ANYWAYS, any day spent with Kelly the guide is a good day for the girls. Second best thing is riding the bus. Guess which one picks the front seat…….. The offical greeter Isabella. After walking around for about ½ or so we had about 1hr left to walk on our own. Isabella was soooo excited to look for monkeys that she could hardly look at anything else. The girls said they had never been to the zoo and this one had elephants, tigers, lions, hippos which are something I never see much of. They also have dogs which feels kinda funny. Well after the guide left us on our own, the girls got so sad. They no longer wanted to look at ANY animals and Isabella in fact covered her eyes. Did I mention she is strong willed? Well after a short sit with snacks we headed back to the bus to wait for the last hour. Isabella cried and cried, and Keira just got sad. Very hard to watch your child so sad and crying and not being able to comfort them. Thankfully the guide was back early and could talk with Isabella and even got her to say sorry and give me a hug. Think that was the second one I have received.
It seems like every morning they wake up missing the orphanage director and renew their quest to not like us. By evening they are so much better for us and we spend evenings laughing and playing with them. But then again every morning starts new again being sad/mad.
But while counting blessings today, top on my list is that my daughter sat on my lap. Yup, very big deal. It was not in order to play the computer but just because she wanted to. Ok, I fought the urge to rub her back but am thrilled that she sat on my lap. By the time it was bedtime, she finally gave me a kiss on the check and told ME she loved me. The other nights it was only to Stacy, Coty and Keira but tonight I got the first I love you said to me from this child who is so incredibly precious! Felt like my birthday!! Then at bedtime Isabella even put a arm on me!! Incredible !! I hated to get up and start our packing. Step by step she is she is starting let me in her world. More is coming I am sure but she has to make her way through her feelings in her time. No matter how hard I want it to happen, I will be patiently (ok, some time not so patiently) waiting for her heart to soften to me as she shows so much love to others.
Funny things from the girls today. While waiting for a taxi, I asked the guide to tell her that at home I will drive. The use mainly city buses, subway and taxis for their driving here and thought she would find it cool that I drove. She looked at the guide and asked “well then where is her car” YUP, packed it in my suitcase and took it to China !! Also they wondered when we get home, who will they follow. We always follow the guide places and how will we know where to go without a guide!! Also, they wondered if our new house has 10 floors (thinking like the hotel) Poor things, we only have 2 and that is if you include the basement!!
The pictures below are just a few of our evening. They get so much better happier with us in the evening than the mornings. The girls also have started to calm down and actually play with things. I just LOVE to see them play dolls. Judging by how they like to care for the little ones in our travel group, I’m sure they helped care and play with them at the orphanage.
Well got to get some more packing/shuffling done before bedtime. We leave Friday for Hong Kong. Then early Sat. for HOME. Starting to get nervous and excited. Praying for good plane rides for the girls especially on the long one from Japan to Detroit - we fly economy which actually means cargo.
Here is the flight schedule:
Hong Kong to Narita Japan - 4hrs
Narita to Detroit - 12hrs
Detroit to GR - 1hr
We arrive in GR on Sat. March 14 at 4:19pm.
Night for now,
tammy
Precious little hand
The girls playing with a doll

Special thank you to Debbie

Also thank you to LeighAnne who watched and waited for the girls files and finally locked them in for us!!

Typical day/night - girls always together and really never fight!! Such good friends.

KEIRAS NEW GLASSES - SOOOO CUTE ON HER AND SHE IS SO PROUD!!

Keira showing off her glasses - yes that are PINK!!

Maybe Lily will have a sister that will play "mother/daughter" will her!!!

March 10

Well, we are in the last few days of our stay and the girls are starting to get more comfortable with us and basically everything. They thought the hotel was their new home. Isabella continues to let me get close in very small doses. She does love her aunt more than me but that’s ok, she kinda a nice lady to love.
We found a book store to day and the girls went nuts!! They were missing school work! We got them loaded up and only gave them 2 - saving the rest for the plane ride and back home.
Isabella was so funny tonight at the restaurant. She was copying everything Stacy said and did down to clearing her throat and then laughed so hard she could hardly eat!! Some of the English words sound crazy to her so and she repeats them as she hear them - she is so goofy. She once again confused us at dinner telling the waitress that her mom was very hungry and she ordered 3 bowl of a bean soup on top of the meal we ordered. Now she tells them in Chinese and the waitresses all love to talk to the girls so the only way we find these things out is when food starts arriving that we did not order!! THEN she proceeded to eat all 3 bowls and was so full that she could hardly walk. Could not even jump down steps which she ALWAYS does!! Mental Note: Get card written out that says to not take any orders from these two girls - only get noodle soup for them - moms will not pay for any extras!!
Also, Isabella found the game room which is only open in the evenings. She has wanted to go very bad and so when Stacy & Keira were getting glasses, we checked the time and waited. She has a new watch and I could show her when they opened. She has a very hard time waiting and after about ½ hour - she showed me her watch and it showed that they were now open……. Only thing was I knew it would not be for another hour……. She changed it herself to show the time they opened thinking we could go in!! She could not even look me in the face when I asked her about it! Smart little girl!!
Zoo is planned for tomorrow and our guide is taking us to get glasses (frames) and also piano music!! Can’t wait I’m sure the girls will love it.
Sorry no pictures to post. Can’t imagine how few pictures we have!! Such a busy trip but I’ll have some tomorrow for sure including Keira in her new glasses. She can't wipe the smile from her face and just looks all around - wanted to sleep in the also AWWWWWW.
Tammy
Ps. Marcia you are such a friend - thank you. Marcy, I love to hear from you - thank you for taking the time.

forgot to mention

**forgot to mention**
When they asked Keira how long her eyes were not working well she said "oh about 10yrs" She is only 7yrs old LOL. Can tell Isabella was not there to correct her and good thing she had them check here! She probably would have order 10 pair back home!

Also to hear Isabaella say Thank you crack us up. Its like like SHANK GOU, MOMMA!! Just wait till you hear her.

tammy

One week ago

Today we started out as usual with Isabella waking everyone up and getting things moving. She even claps her hands. We tried breakfast separate but while Keira was fine, Isabella would not eat. Eventually, after Stacy and Keira were done eating they moved over to sit with us and things went better. We did a tour today to White Cloud Mountain Park. BEAUTIFUL park. Dan, you would LOVE it. So many things in bloom and such unique plants. The girls fed the fish and well, were ready to get back on the bus. They LOVE to ride the big bus. The garden, well not so much but the bus ride is their treat. Also what makes EVERY tour for them wonderful is they get to talk with Kelly our guide along with the other families. Isabella is such a charmer.
One the way back we stopped at a McDonalds and the girls tried their very first “American” meal. Up to this point they will would not eat ANYTHING but Chinese food even with all the things on the breakfast buffet so this was a step to even try something different for them. Isabella loved it “better than noodle soup” she said but Keira, well she only ate the bun. Ice-cream cones were for desert. When we went to the counter Isabella ordered and the bill was just way too high. I checked and she had ordered 2 ice-cream cones, 2 sundaes and 2 shakes!! Tooo funny. We had our guide explain.
Stacy & Keira went to the eye hospital today. During the 3 ½hrs Keira spoke much more (Isabella not talking all the time) to Stacy and Kelly about life in the orphanage and school. They sure loved the Director at the orphanage but school was tough in many ways.
While Stacy and Keira were gone Isabella, Coty and I went to the park. Afterwards Isabella I played on the computer (PBSkids) back to the hotel. She loves it and will sit on my lap for such a long time. We also went for a walk and I showed her the pools. They are so beautiful but cold so no one was swimming. She seemed a little scared around the pools and told the staff she never swam in one. She would not hardly even touch the water. I was just very thankful that she would do things with me without her sidekick Keira.
We had a group dinner at our favorite restaurant where everyone knows the girls by name. They also know what they like to eat there - noodle soup. We thought it was ok when they ordered, usually it is just their soup and maybe a drink. Well little did we know they ordered much more than just soup this time!!! Here comes the food - noodles - steamed buns - dumpling like bun and expensive tea!! Too funny.
Another funny thing today was Keira wanted Hong Boa (red envelopes) from the store that are given with money in them for Chinese New year or special occasions. After Stacy paid, she let Keira have them because she was so excited. She was not sure what she was going to do with them because Keira LOVES money and she could not imagine her putting money in them to give them away. Well, Stacy watched at Keira ripped each one open LOOKING for the money!! Keira thought she was getting a windfall when she saw the envelopes in the store!!! Tooo funny!!
Today marks one week that we have had the girls. When I stand back I can see the progress. These two girls just wanted to go back to their hometown, to the only momma (the director) they knew. Now, while they still (mainly Isabella) miss the director they are starting to have fun with us. Isabella is learning so much english and is so full of love. She has such a huge personality. Keira is less talkative (only because Isabella says it all for her) but such a sweet, caring personality. Amazing when I think about how these girls lives have been turned upside down, and yet they stay strong and meet each day ready to go. I can’t imagine walking in their shoes and being so brave.
Thanking God daily for placing these girls in our lives. Sunny days are ahead!!
Tammy
Ps. Lisa, I have to say your email was just want I needed to hear. Thank you so much for understanding and also taking me back to our incredible start!!
pss. Chloe please give mom a break about my spellin and grammar. I have lost a little brain power these last few days!!

Computer time with mom

White Cloud Mountain Park

no, not so cold here but she likes her hood on(acutally Keiras coat-they switch/share everything)

Last time you see Keira without glasses!

a few pictures for the day

We had a very busy day so I can only post a few pictures. Basically the attitudes the same.... but I was able to help her do her wash in the sink... that is a step ahead. She must of had to wash her own clothes in the sink. She really scrubs them and double checks the sleeve to make sure they are clean. Wrings the out and then hangs them on the tub. She brushes her teeth over the toilet. We tried to explain that its a moms job but for now, its more comfortable to do it her way. She is so proud when she is done, so independent.

Also figured out how to get them to take pictures with us.... have the other one take the pictures and then they will stand by us and even smile. TRICKS, that what have to do.

bye for now

tammy

4 days before we fly to Hong Kong..... smelling home like I never did before!!!!!

Sherry got books for the girls... for quiet play

special friends Sherry and Daisy