enjoy the pictures,
tammy
The new "Doctor" in the house :-)
Just before the concert
The girls, Dan and GEOFF MOORE - LOVE his music and what a nice guy!!!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
WHAT FUN!!
We had the chance t0 work at the Steven Curtis Chapman/Michael W. Smith/Geoff Moore concert. WHAT FUN!! Great concert and the girls had a blast passing out folders for Show Hope sponsorships. Great way to help children on a monthly basis at just $35.00 a month. On top of hearing the music we were able to meet Mr. Chapman and Mr. Moore and actually the girls spent a little time talking with Geoff Moore. What a truly nice guy!!! I loved their music and hearts before but now even more!!
Just before the concert
Wonderful Concert and meeting Steven Curtis Chapman - a THRILL!!
The girls, Dan and GEOFF MOORE - LOVE his music and what a nice guy!!!
Just before the concert
The girls, Dan and GEOFF MOORE - LOVE his music and what a nice guy!!!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Easter day and 1 month
Well we have been home with Bella 1 month... actually a few days longer as I type this. She continues to do wonderful and is such a happy, smart, helpful, giggly little girl. She loves her family, church, teacher, the dentist (tea stains are all gone) and really anyone that she meets. She is so full of love.
Days are very busy with homeschool, work, meals and playing but wanted to share just a few picts of Easter Day.
tammy
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
"I Love you THAAAREE"
April 4 - home 3 weeks
Oh we are sure having fun with Isabella and she is having such good days!
She loves to tell us she loves us when we leave or come home or just any ol’ time. Well she started saying “I love you too” after we tell her (about 100 times a day) and tonight it became “I love you tharee” which is three!! I never thought about her thinking “I Love you too” in her mind was NUMBER 2 but that must be how she thought of it. Too funny. NOW along with the girls we hear “I love you 100, I love you a million” etc and etc.
She met with her new Chinese Teacher whom she LOVES last week. She will be coming to our home to do school with all the girls including Stacys 3 girls. We will all be learning more Chinese and Isabella & Keira should be able to retain what they already know.
We also went to church last Sunday and are planning on it tomorrow - Palm Sunday. Isabella did really well. We sat upstairs is order to have a little more “grace” incase things got a little loud with her but she really did wonderful. She about jumped out of her seat when she heard Pastor praying for her and thought that was really funny. She also went down with the girls to listen to the Pastor give a children’s sermon. She sat so good and is just really taking it all in. She can’t wait to sing up front tomorrow “He is the king of kings” and wave her palm branch. Yes, say a little prayer for that but I’m sure Chloe & Caillie will keep her in line.
So all in all, everything is going wonderful. She is finding her boundaries, learning so much English, doing well in our school and loving being outside and just playing with the girls. She is not liking the cold weather but hey, we ALL are ready for some warm days. Keira and Isabella talk on the phone often and see each other weekly. They both continue to get easier everyday and are blending into their families wonderful. Lily FINALLY has a sister that loves to play dolls - life is good!!
Tammy
Oh we are sure having fun with Isabella and she is having such good days!
She loves to tell us she loves us when we leave or come home or just any ol’ time. Well she started saying “I love you too” after we tell her (about 100 times a day) and tonight it became “I love you tharee” which is three!! I never thought about her thinking “I Love you too” in her mind was NUMBER 2 but that must be how she thought of it. Too funny. NOW along with the girls we hear “I love you 100, I love you a million” etc and etc.
She met with her new Chinese Teacher whom she LOVES last week. She will be coming to our home to do school with all the girls including Stacys 3 girls. We will all be learning more Chinese and Isabella & Keira should be able to retain what they already know.
We also went to church last Sunday and are planning on it tomorrow - Palm Sunday. Isabella did really well. We sat upstairs is order to have a little more “grace” incase things got a little loud with her but she really did wonderful. She about jumped out of her seat when she heard Pastor praying for her and thought that was really funny. She also went down with the girls to listen to the Pastor give a children’s sermon. She sat so good and is just really taking it all in. She can’t wait to sing up front tomorrow “He is the king of kings” and wave her palm branch. Yes, say a little prayer for that but I’m sure Chloe & Caillie will keep her in line.
So all in all, everything is going wonderful. She is finding her boundaries, learning so much English, doing well in our school and loving being outside and just playing with the girls. She is not liking the cold weather but hey, we ALL are ready for some warm days. Keira and Isabella talk on the phone often and see each other weekly. They both continue to get easier everyday and are blending into their families wonderful. Lily FINALLY has a sister that loves to play dolls - life is good!!
Tammy
All the girls with their teacher
Playing outside
Feeling her first snow
Riding "horses"
Chalk drawings of her family
running out of room!!
Chalk drawing of herself and best friend/cousin Keira. Notice the hands :-)
Yes, we wonder what the neighbors are thinking!!
Four dancing "PRINSess girls"
bags packed with baby gear, hats (yes, I know crazy hats) but what fun they have!
Love to sing together
All dresses up for dancing
Friday, March 20, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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!!!!!!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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
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!!
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, 2009
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 $$ and Isabella tells them "NO" and well I'm not sure what else. After we got in the taxi, Isabella really clung to me and put her head on me and well I guess I think a little fear is a wonderful thing!! It broke the ice with her or many finally she was able to let me comfort her - whatever the reason I it was so good to have. We really did not stuggle with anything today.
What a wonderful way to end our time in China - breaking through with my daughter. While I know and appreciate that she still loves the Director her little heart is making room for me!! I just can't wait to share her with her family. There is so much for love about both girls!! Both so very different but yet such incredible gifts.
Looking back to the 1 1/2 weeks they have been with us, we can see their love growing for us. So wonderful to feel that after loving these girls for so long!!
Well I must get a couple of hours sleep before we leave in the morning to Hong Kong. We stay overnight and leave early on Sat for home. Sorry I don't have time to post pictures and will not be able to access the blog from the Hong Kong hotel. I do may best to post when we got home and let you know how the flights and the GRAND REUNION goes.
Thank you Lord for directing the path for us to the precious little girls!! I will forever be greatful!
tammy
ps. Thank you Tori for your email and prayers - see you Sat!!!
After that we did our final stops and goodbyes to people who have been so kind and patient with the girls. The resturants where we eat, the stores we stopped by all have been so sweet with the girls that they call them their friends (in Chinese of course) While leaving one store it is so funny to watch Isabella because for some reason she thinks she must hail the cab!! Sticks her little arm out and waves for one like a pro. Both girls got afraid of men asking for $$ 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!!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
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!!!
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!!!
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