First Playdate

Last week was a busy week. We had many doctors appointments, most of which we still have no results from. We do know through the echocardiogram that her heart is normal, the murmur is not going to be a problem. We are still waiting on most of the blood testing results. Aubrey's specialist from Riley Hospital in Indy is going to phone conference us when she has all the results. She did suggest that since Aubrey's Bun/ Creatinine are elevated, and her orphanage was listed as one that used the Sandu milk products, she will need a renal ultrasound. That should help see if the melamine has caused any kidney stones or other problems.

Her ears continue to be a problem, she is on antibiotics now. We see the ENT tomorrow. Hopefully they will set up a plan, tubes in the ears possibly, to get her turned around.

We did take some time off from all the poking and prodding to play. Aubrey had her first playdate with Hannah and Mackenzie. She loved the merry-go-round and of course the slide.
She didn't do alot of play with the girls, but played beside them. It was great to see her run and laugh without needing me to hold her. Each day she is opening up a little bit more and becoming more self confident.

Last night as Aubrey was laying down to go to sleep, she reached for my hand. I thought to myself she needs reassurance that mama's not going to disappear. I layed beside her content to hold her hand. I needed the reassurance that she is really here now, physically here. No longer the dreams in my minds eye, a vanishing glimpse in the ethers, solidly totally Aubrey. My little girl.

Pictures for Ferne

There's No Place Like Home

We are all so thankful to be home. Our first night back in our own beds, complete with pillowtop mattresses, down comforters and soft pillows, felt like heaven compared to the cement slab twin beds at the White Swan Hotel (I'm still puzzeled by their 5 star ranking). Aubrey has been adjusting very well to her new surrounding and addition of 2 more brothers. She smiles most of the time, is playful and mischievious. She is still not a fan of Daisy and has recently caused me to have back spasms with the constant holding and picking her up. She now has to cope with the dog because I am in too much pain to continue toting her around. Dave, Chris and Nate have been wonderful with helping me.

In the last week she has learned over 60 words in English and is using phrases correctly. Her favorites are "find shoes", "brush your teeth", "find ge ge", and "I love you". She is no longer afraid of the grass and is running all over the place. She loves being outside with the boys and has proved to be fearless. She loves going down the slides on Nate and Chris' laps and will blow me kisses as she runs to follow them for another ride.

She will scream "Ma" if I'm not giving her my undivided attention just as any 3 year old would. Her smiles of discovery and joy have made the entire 2 and a half year wait and 14 days in Guangzhou worth every second. China may have some distressing customs, but without them we would not have our little girl.

Just a Few More Signs

After 17 hours on airplanes and another 2 standing in lines at security check points and immigrations we finally got to our van. We braced ourselves for Aubrey's displeasure at being buckled into a carseat for the first time. She did not dissapoint. She cried on and off for the entire 3 hour drive from Detroit to our house. As Dave and I thought we would not be able to stay awake in the last 30 minutes it began to rain. As we approached the final few miles the sun came out and we were blessed with a brilliant rainbow for the final leg of our journey home.

A few days after being home I recieved an email from a stranger. A friend had shared our blog with her, as both had adopted from China in the past few years. This person, Connie, was very disappointed that the orphanage had denied us Aubrey's memory book. Connie has become involved with the Half the Sky charity since her return from China, and she made calls on our behalf to her contacts over there. Currently, Aubrey's memory book has left the orphanage and been sent to the Civil Affairs office. We are praying for GWCA to have our guide Kelley pick up the book and have it sent to us. GWCA representatives have stated they need to clear it through the CCAA. I don't know why the memory book would be important to the CCAA, but it would mean the world to Aubrey some day when she begins to ask questions about where she came from.

We're Coming to America

Yes!!! We have finally made it back home. The journey was long and trying but we made it. Aubrey only cried for a few minutes on the plane. She needed to go to the bathroom but the "lavatories" on the plane were too frightening. We passed immigrations with no problems, as soon as we stepped beyond their center Aubrey became a US citizen. It took along time to get through all the lines in Detroit but as we finally made our way to the exit, we all braced ourselves for the 58 degree weather.

Instead, we were still in the airport at a receiving area. I could not believe my eyes to see both of my sisters, and niece Emma, waiting there for us. At the sight of my sisters, my closest friends and confidants, I finally broke down and began to cry. Tears of happiness and relief to be back on American soil. All of the following photos are because they both took off work to greet their new niece, and welcome their family back home. I love you two more than words can express. ( Notice that Aubrey is 3 years old, Emma is 18 months).

Aubrey was thrilled to see our car, but did not approve of the car seat. We have since taken many short car trips that have gotten her used to "Aubrey's seat". She now points to the front door and the van, ready to go at any time.

We are adjusting to Daisy. Each day we hear new screams as Aubrey is completely terrified of the dog. Poor Daisy lopes off with her ears down and tail between her legs, I'm sure Daisy is thinking "I am not an animal". All of your prayers have worked in the past 3 weeks, how about a few more. I need for Aubrey to come to terms with Daisy, that great big dog is part of our family too. I can't return phone calls, get the luggage out of the dining room or pay bills as Aubrey needs me to hold her constantly. Of course I will not put her down, God knows I've waited 2 1/2 years for her. So be warned any visitors, my house is a mess! I'm a mess! But we are home safely and that is all that counts.