New jacket!

It's a special day. We got home and found a surprise in the mailbox!
Thanks Braces for outfitting the southerners and preparing us for cool weather!!
Ruth is wearing the jacket in the house today. It's a perfect fit.

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Appt at Chapel Hill

We survived! Truthfully it was once again obvious people were praying. Of course while taking her vitals Ruth got upset. But... While were we speaking with the plastic surgeon she SAT in my lap! If you have met Ruth, you'll understand that "ruth" and "sitting" don't go together. She's fine while I stand with her. So thanks for the prayers of calmness! Even I only started prespiring and didn't break out with great sweat!!
Doc says she's looking good. Since she can eat and drink ok, the doc wants us to bond and get adjusted first. So.. No surgeries until March! Yipee! She has several surgeries in her future, but I do pray she continues to grow physically, emotionally, and that her heart will be opened to knowing Him!
It will also be awhile until we see UNC's speech pathologist. I'm hoping she will keep making sounds and progress with words before that visit.
All in all- it was a good visit. I'm thankful Scott went too.
(Considering she just screamed for 25 min straight due to the car seat, I couldn't have focused on driving. )

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Toenails

Well, in trying to divert her frustrated attitude into happiness I decided to try and paint her toenails for the first time. She couldn't grasp the concept in the beginning. Once they were dry she kept pointing to them. It was cute.
I will gladly change the color as often as needed if painted nails help draw the attention off of food or what ever the problem is.
On another note, we go to UNC children's hospital tomorrow for Ruth's first appointment with the plastic surgeon. Please pray for calmness for Ruth, me and Scott. I do dread the drive because she doesn't like the car seat, and that's a small request for Him. However I really pray that she is comfortable around the UNC staff and that they can see clearly her palate situation and determine the next steps in the repair process. I know it can be tramatic to go back to a hospital for her, but it is for her good. I'm anxious to hear her speak words!!!
I'll update our visit tomorrow. The appt is 11:30. Thanks!

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IMG00276.jpg

Got a rice cooker! Timon helped unpack it because he wanted to see how it worked.
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Ruth Is Starting Early!

Some people might call it child labor, we call it developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Pajamas and rain boots

Make for a very happy little girl!

Still working

Then ruth handed the jar to Papa so he could tighten the lid and put into the box. She continued until I made her leave. It was so cute!!

Ruth working

I took her work today. I couldn't get over her work ethic! Nana showed her how to put the lid on the pellet jar.

First bike ride in US

Today we put together the pull behind bike stroller. Chloe and timon were big helpers. When the time came to strap Ruth in, she was not happy. Needless to say I pedaled on.... And within a few minutes, this is what I saw behind me.
Maybe next time she will sit up and look around!

Dirty nose...

Or just plain fun seeing another tissue pop up for her to pull out.

There's something Ruth won't eat

I gave her a bowl of freeze dried bananas and strawberries. She ate the bananas... And tried to hide the strawberries.
No wonder she threw the fresh strawberries off her plate today at lunch.
She's so funny!

These are several more pics from China.

This was a section of the original wall around Beijing left standing. The other part of the wall was torn down and the subway system was built beneath the wall.

This is atop of Changling (one of the Ming Tombs).

The was at a section of the Great Wall.

Many times we felt like we were running the Amazing Race..... so I can say I saw the Bird's Nest!

We participated in a Tea Ceremony and EVERYONE tried several types of tea.

Traffic was CRAZY.

This was Gotcha Day. Our official family picture taken before we left the adoption office with Ruth.

This was the leftovers from our first family meal - Chinese style.  It was delicious.

Chloe is a great big sis. And Ruth lets her tote her around good too. They are going to be a great pair.

She thinks sunglasses are cool, she just doesn't have much there to hold the pair up.

Regular Daily life....

This was our wonderful guide, Ann. We will not ever do China without her. She was on top of all the paperwork details and so helpful for us with  finding places to eat, shop and sightseeing!

Timon fed a baby White Tiger at the Safari Park.

It amazed us what the people carried on their bikes.. It would be 6 to 8 propane tanks, or 6 to 8 5 gallon jugs of water, but this?.. a bed frame and filing cabinet?

The menu said.. "Cheese Roll". Scott enjoyed it anyway.

I enjoyed a chicken quesadilla.

Our view out the hotel window.

Our Travel Group!  So much fun..... This is us at the Chen Clan Academy.

Pearl River Cruise Fun....

The hotel flowers were always beautiful and fresh!

It might have been while departing from the airport, but atleast Timon got to see an exhibition from the Terracotta Warriors. Maybe next time we can see more.

This was our surprise at the Airport! All the cousins!!

Finding a Routine....

Is that possible?  Actually, Chloe and Timon seem to be adjusting finally to the right time zone. Chloe started 3rd grade and Timon started 2nd grade. Each day they come home excited about school and willing to do homework right away. Of course, they can't get buckled in the car without kissing Ruth.
Ruth is hanging in there. She's becoming attached to me now I guess because we spend all day together. I was hoping to work in the evenings, but Ruth isn't happy to see me near the door. So, I'm working completely from home at all hours.
The one thing Ruth is doing nicely this week - napping! That's right. A TWO hour nap! It's time for lunch now before she naps in about 30 min.
Please pray that we haven't overwhelmed her lately with so many new faces around. She is having a hard time sleeping at night. She wakes about every hour hollering and flinging around. I guess she's dreaming? It is such a HUGE adjustment for her. Her precious smile makes me often forget that her world has changed drastically, while we just returned to our normal world.

For yvonne....

Well, Ruth is wearing the dress for her first Sunday at Calvary Baptist.
Atleast our plan is to go.... We've been up for over 5 hours and truthfully it uis nap time.
Ugh- I'm ready to be back on NC time with our bodies. Timon got up at 2:30, dressed, made his bed and was ready. I did get him back to bed before Ruth and Chloe got up for good.... How will we make it to school tomorrow?

Wahoo!

She woke up happy!
Chloe got her out of the crib and Ruth walked down our hallway like she'd been here for 2 years! Scott had just fixed Chloe and Timon's breakfast and she went and sat at the table too. Our kid's table is very similar to what she was use to in orphanage. So she joined the breakfast routine this morning! She's enjoying bananas, Cheerios, and pumpkin muffin!
Timon's glad to get gala apples.
Chloe was thrilled to eat peaches and pumpkin muffin.
Oh boy! To now get unpacked.
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Home sweet home

We made it. Just that none of us could comprehend how to communicate due to exhaustion last night.
As you can see Ruth was EASY to put to bed last night at 7:30 and 12 hours later she is still sleeping! Yahoo!

When we arrived at RDU yesterday, Granddaddy was there to pick us up. It is amazing how well Ruth adjusts to our family. She let Granddaddy give her a hug. I guess he looks the same in person as he did on Skype.
Then when we were putting luggage in the van, another van arrived! Juli, Kelcey and all the cousins had checked out of school and came to welcome us home. Oh my! Ruth just stood there as all the crew filed out of the van full of excitement! Heidi's counterpart had hit the USA soil! They are going to have a good time growing up together. It was amazing how all the cousins looked like they had grown in 3 weeks! (Or maybe it was us adjusting from the shorter people were we accustomed to being around)
Anyway, we survived the car seat ride (I just fed her all the way to Spring Hope before she fell asleep). Then we were WARMLY welcomed home. I don't know who all had a part, but THANKS to everyone known and unknown!!
(Grass cut and yard edged, food in fridge, Ruth's favorites waiting, precious notes and food at the door,welcome home signs hanging and written on driveway, balloons, pink bow and probably stuff done we overlooked!) That excitement helped us to have the energy to get bathed, start a load of stinky laundry, and stay awake until 6-7pm. So again we thank all our neighbors, famiy and friends who took care of thins back home so we had once less worry while away!!
We love everyone and can't wait for everyone to meet Ruth! She's a precious, chosen one, who has already been a blessing to our family!

As Timon said we should sing when we landed in Chicago... "I'm proud to be an American!"

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Back in the USA

Don't know how lucky you are boy! Back in the US... Back in the US... Back in the USA. One more flight and we are back in NC.
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Well, Meme, chloe, timon, and ruth have been walking the airport floors and playing at McD's all nite. Scott and I tried to catch some sleep with our bags in case it is wild on the plane.
Anyway, we are gathering our things to check in with American Airlines! It is too good to be true!
I feel like Ruth has always been a part of our family.
See everyone soon!
(Special thanks for all of you ewho have taken care of things for us in Rocky Mount!!)
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Ready for 1st flight

She has all she needs
Cheerios
Baby
Blanket

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Pay-In Lounge was full

So much for a bed and shower. We were able to find a few benches that looked inviting. I am so looking forward to my bird bath in the public restroom in the morning.
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Asleep on plane

Ruth still asleep at terminal. Good night.
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Landed in Beijing

Taxiing to the terminal. Ruth did GREAT! She was only a little fussy but over all, she could not have done any better. Now to get our bags, spend the night in airport and catch 6:55 flight in morning. Almost home!
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Ready for 1st flight

She has all she needs
Cheerios
Baby
Blanket

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We r boarding! Yahoo

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Please pray!

Our flight to beijing is being delayed due to weather. We must get there tonight so we can make our flights home in the morning to US.

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Leaving Guangzhou in the rain

Rainy and dreary as we leave and a little said but I can not wait to get back to Rocky Mount and the excitement that awaits. It is very similar to bringing Chloe and Timon home from the hospital.
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Thumbs up!

Timon taught Ruth last night about clapping happily and then putting both thumbs up. She just did it again in our van ride to the airport!

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Visa package!

We got it! Checking out now!!

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New videos

Chloe and Timon are watching the new DVDs we bought here. They tried to go swimming one last time, but the rain brought that fun to an end.

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Packing up!

Ruth enjoys Cheerios while we pack suitcases. One hour and we head to the Guangzhou airport and fly to Beijing.
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Last Day

It is sad to leave this adventurful place when we are finally figuring transportation out. However we are happy to be packing and starting our LONG journey home.
Ruth has discovered her voice and makes all kinds of sounds. But she will actually say: Mama, yeah, and uh oh. We owe her talking to Meme for working with Ruth.

We are letting kids sleep as long as possible this morning and then the packing challenge begins. (44 lbs per suitcase again).
Oh I can't wait to get home and introduce Ruth in person to everyone!

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Sworn in!

Cool. All done! Visa approved. Now we wait for visa package to be prepared by 3 tomorrow.
It has been great!

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