Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Home Stretch!!













Today was our last full day in Guangzhou. I can't even believe it's time to come home! Today was another great day. I took over 300 pictures today so it was hard to narrow them down. I think Diana will be happy for me to get home so she doesn't have to upload all these pics anymore!! The adorable dress Miss Wesleigh is wearing today was a special gift from my self proclaimed "scribe", Diana. I thought it fitting since Diana has been such a huge support to me as we were trying to get here and such a huge blessing in posting for me that Miss W should wear this special gift for our swearing in at the consulate's office. Doesn't she look adorable in it?

We started the day going to a local market outside of the city. It was amazing and these pictures are only a few of the awesome pictures we have. It is so humbling to see these people here and how they make their money. I felt overly extravagent as I strolled Wesleigh through with her matching bow and squeeky shoes. I wonder what they think of Americans and America.

We then went to a kindergarten close by. The children danced to some music for us and were absolutely adorable. We all had a great time here. Richard took Wesleigh to play on the playground and she enjoyed that. He has been able to hold her a number of times today. She still isn't asking to go to him, but she's not protesting quite so much when I hand her over. Progress...a little each day!!

I think her favorite activity is walking with the boys up and down the hall. They hold her hand and then fall to the ground. She thinks this is hysterical and laughs out load at them. When we get home and they're all at school, I think she's going to be sorely disappointed. There is no way I'm as entertaining as all that.

We leave for Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon about 4:30. They say it takes about 3 hours to get there, but we'll see. We spend the night there and then catch a flight at about 11:30 Thursday to head home. Since we gain our 1/2 day back, we land in New Orleans at about 4:30pm. You can't even imagine how much I'm dreading that flight home. Today, Wesleigh turned into a complete monkey. She is digging in everything and just spins on my lap. Please, Lord, let there be empty seats on this flight!!!!!!!! At least there are 5 of us. We can take turns walking her up and down the aisles if we need to. Yay! Regardless, we'll survive and then the reward will be great. We'll be home!!

Tomorrow morning we're going to an arts and craft museum...whatever that is. Actually every "museum" we've gone to has been more of a store. I still have a couple of souveniers to buy, so I'm hoping they have some neat stuff.. The afternoon will be spent packing. I don't even know where to begin. We bought a new suitcase, so we should be able to just throw everything in. I hope so. I will be happy to put these suitcases away at home and not see them for a while! I don't see us packing to go anywhere for quite a while!!!

I'm sure I'll be able to post tomorrow afternoon before we leave for Hong Kong, but that will be my final post from China...I can't even believe it. I can't wait to be able to look at all my posts and read all the wonderful comments again. What a blessing!

24 comments:

Kim said...

LOVE the photos.. can't wait to see all the amazing photos you have taken on your trip.. I feel like I am right there with you ..
Wesleigh sounds like she is opening up and things are going well.. LOVE her cute little dress... You all look sooo wonderful..
what an amazing experiance..
I am OVER THE MOON THRILLED..
Safe travels my dear friend.. and have a wonderful last day..
Love ya..

Linda said...

I'm addicted to these posts. I look at them MANY times a day. But the real deal will be better!!!! Can't wait to see you all.

Anonymous said...

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HER!!!!!!!!!!!


LOVE MADELYN

Anonymous said...

I'm glad she is going with Richard more and more each day. She looks very comfortable with Richard in the pictures.... and Richard looks really comfortable also. I am so glad y'all decided to bring the boys with you and it seems like they have really been a big help... way to go BOYS!!!!

I can't hardly wait for all of you to be home!!!

Love,
Pawpaw

DiJo said...

I am touched Jen!
It has been such a blessing to be a part of your journey. From the day we talked about SN, to the day your shared your hearts desire to adopt "The Precious Tea Cup!" I loved sharing each milestone with you. The ups and the downs! And, then what a joy to be your "scribe" and to finally see WJ in your family! God has been so faithful every step of the way! Now you prepare to bring your gift home. And, I know that it will be an amazing walk down that concourse into the arms of your family and friends. The journey has truly just begun! I look forward to seeing what God has planned for "The Tea Cup" as you love her, encourage her, and help her to discover whom God has created her to be! I am so thankful that you too now understand what a miracle adoption is. And, what a blessing it is to be called to this awesome responsibility! Enjoy the rest of your trip. And, I look forward to talking to you soon!
Love,
Diana
P.S: She looks absolutely adorable in that outfit! Thanks for including it in the collection of Ziplocks! I will miss my daily dose of your stylish daughter with my coffee each morning!

Erin said...

Jennifer... these photos are so beautiful. Perfect! I pray that you will have a peaceful journey home. It is daunting, I know! But soon, you'll be in your own home! Good Luck, and enjoy these last few hours in China.

3 Peanuts said...

Jennifer,

What a beautiful dress that Di sent you and how special for Wesleigh to wear in for the swearing in ceremony. It is perfect. I am so excited for you to come home for I think that is where the true journey begins of assimilating into your family routines and dynamics (although obviously I don't know).

I would LOVE to be at the airport and I have been trying to figure a way to make that trip but unfortunately Dave injured his foot pretty badly at Judo and is pretty helpless right now. He hobbles from place to place and I could not leave the kiddos with him for that long.

I WILL be thinking of you and praying for you as your make your way home. I have loved every minute of the journey with you.

Blessings,
Kim

Anonymous said...

I could just sit here all day and look at your beautiful pictures!! It's amazing all the "aspects" you have captured from "the skinned chicken, the "wish tree", the veggies on the ground right up to the little boy squatting barebottom!! I love it!!! It's almost like opening a NEW GIFT each morning for me!!! I can't wait for you to get back to Louisiana and settle in and get Miss Wesleigh Jane accustomed to the SOUTHERN way of living! Sending traveling graces to your family!!!!

BTW That dress is gorgeous! Nothing like "patent leather SQUEEKY shoes" to compliment it even more! Diana is just wonderful!!!! I can't wait to journey w/her family!!!

Snekcip

Anonymous said...

Now for something really important, let us know what your dinner request is when you get back home Thursday night. Maybe a good ole fashion hamburger and french fries or some crawfish etoufee and fried catfish. Let us know and we will have it waiting for you all when you get home. There is this great new Chinese restaurant that does take out we could stop by if you would like... Just joking, have a great trip home and we can't wait to see you all. Rylan and Auden are looking forward to meeting their new cousin, Wesleigh.

Joel

Christy said...

I cant belive you are at the end of the road. It does not seem possible. I have so enjoyed your journey and am just in love with your little girl. WEsleigh is precious and seems to be a perfect match for your family. Soon, you will not remember what it was like to not have your little girl with you. HAve fun and looking forward to the updates.

christy

Anonymous said...

i dont "know" you but i feel like i do after following your blog for last few months...im so excited for you! WJ just seems to blend in to the rest of your family, its amazing for me to watch! You have been an inspiration to me (Im waiting on the "phone call" any day now to have my little girl/boy through adoption. Thank you sooo much for sharing your story, you will never know how much you have helped. Deborah Dumfries Scotland UK

Anonymous said...

There are no words to describe this journey that you've let us all experience with your family. The photos say it all. You are now a family of 6. Wow! God is so Good!!! Lauren M

Denise said...

It has been such a joy to follow your trip Jennifer. Not only because of th joy of seeing you finally united with your daughter, but because it kindles that reminder of my own journey almost 2 years ago. Thank you for sharing with all of us your struggles as well as your mountain top moments. And of course, I have tuned in each day to see the bow of the day!
Enjoy what is left of your trip as you travel home to create your new normal as a family of 6. Love to all of you~

BA said...

I just tried to comment and I'm not sure it got sent--What I said was I am loving following your trip!! Wesleigh is beautiful and I am LOVING the bows!!!! I had one suggestion since I see you have more shopping planned--BUY as MANY squeaky shoes as you can fit in the suitcases!!! Buy them in EVERY size they make--you will not be sorry!! Remember when she gets older you can take the squeak out!!!! Have fun in Hong Kong!! Our daughter did not sleep more than 45 min in the 36 hours and 4 plane rides it took us to get home and we survived!!! Have a safe trip home!!!! We are sooo happy for you!
Barbarann

Anonymous said...

ALMOST home!!! Can't believe that your trip is coming to a close.

What an absolutely precious dress, Diana does have great tastes - as her girls attest to:)

Praying you home safely, Ashley

Courtney said...

Wow, I can't believe you trip is almost over. Enjoy your last days in China.

Jodee said...

I also enjoyed following your journey and checking in for the bow of the day! Have a safe trip home!

Tiffinie Burychka said...

What an amazing journey your family has been on the last few weeks. God has really shown himself faithful in the big and small details of this entire process. I am so happy for you and the precious new princess in your family. Thanks so much for sharing your story with all of us. What a faith builder it has been! Can't wait to meet Wesleigh and see you as a sweet mommy and daddy of a little girl! I know she already feels so blessed to have all five of you in her life....continuing to pray for smooth transitions in every area and every situation. I am believing for a safe and speedy trip home.
Love you,
Tiffinie Burychka

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see her, neighbor. I feel like I'm coming to the end of one of my novels....what am I gonna read now? So happy for the boys, so happy for Richard, but mostly happy for you (biased) because you will now have a mother/daughter relationship. How lucky are you? See you soon in Greystone!!!!


Niki White

Mei Mei s and Mayhem said...

I have enjoyed following your journey!! Enjoy your train ride to HOng Kong, we should did!! And safe travels back home!! I try very hard to forget our plane ride home, it was horrible but worth it to get home!! Blessings.

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

Thank you for allowing me to follow along on your wonderful journey...enjoy the train ride to HK...the train was pretty nice that we took.

Love the dress : ) I take it that everything stayed in the diaper today : ) that is always a good day LOL She is adorable!!!!

Be prepared...by the time our suitcase (the one we bought in China...the Ralph phoney Lauren) arrived in Chicago...both wheels had fallen off and the zipper was broken...and their was no handle ROTFL but it made it home with all my treasures : )

The best meal I had was when we arrived at the HK airport and I ate a Big Mac!!! It was wonderful!!!! LOL

Safe travels...

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

I am so excited for you all! What a wonderful experience you have had. I know full well how scary that plane ride can be and I'll spare you our story!!! Your trip will be perfect I am sure! I am praying God will bless you all with safety and speed. May your head hit your pillow with complete peace in His complete love for you, your precious daughter, and your amazing family!!! Blessings to you this day!
Shay

Football and Fried Rice said...

I had similar thoughts walking dow the streets. we are truly blessed.

I love Wesleigh's outfit for swearing in - matching bow & all - she is darling in everything :)

I am sure by now you are in the US, or I'd tell you to have a safe & uneventful flight home! Mya slept for like 15/19 hours on the way home - woo-hoo - hope Wesleigh did the same!

can't wait for your welcome home post!

Pink Velvet Mommy said...

Have a safe and happy trip home. I am sure you will be surprised at how well she will do coming home.
Love the dress...we have the same one and get so many compliments each Hayden wears it.

What a wonderful journey you have had, and it is so crazy that you go through so much and wait so long and now you look at her and she is yours and you are coming home with her!! It really feels crazy!!

The first few weeks at home will be quite the transition, and the jet lag....well let's just say it is OVERWHELMING!! I felt 80 years old for the first 2 weeks, but after that everything seemed to hit a stride and we worked on our routine and schedule and a month in things were going really well!! So when you are so tired and in zombieland just remind yourself that this too shall pass:)

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