We Have Emily!

Getting here was nothing short of a pain in the butt.  Literally!  Our flight to Newark was canceled so we missed our connection to Beijing.  We sat in the airport from 6:35 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. for a flight to Los Angeles.  Arrived at the nightmare known as LAX and walked miles trying to find the right terminal for international flights.  Two big blessings: we got here safely and flew Air China instead of that bottom of the barrel company were originally flying with. 

 

Arrived in Beijing at 5:00 a.m., went to breakfast, and climbed the Great Wall.  Except for the whiny four-year-old, no problems.  Were dropped back off at the airport at 12:00...for a 6:05 flight.  A bit excessively early.  At that point everyone hit a wall.  The kids and Kenton went to sleep.   The sleep of the dead.  When it was finally time to check in (yeah, Beijing won't let you do it until two hours before your flight)  the kids could barely navigate.  Really, it was like herding cement cows.  It was a nightmare.  Through every checkpoint people kept asking why Davis was crying.  Come on!  One look at our sleep deprived, wrinkled clothes, bags-under-the-eyes appearance should have given it away.  Duh!   We finally arrived at our hotel at 9:30 p.m.  Math skills elude me...but it was a looooooong time to be without a bed. 

 

We get lots of attention everywhere we go.  Lots of smiles, lots of people counting heads (wait until tomorrow, people!  ), and a few countings heads and giving us a thumbs up.  Megan is a bit overwhelmed with all the attention.  A few people have violated our personal space but in a kind, encouraging way. 

 

We have Emily.  My goodness is she ever gorgeous.  (So sorry, I misplaced my computer/camera thingy!  Ugh!)  She came in soooo tired.  They kept trying to hand her off but she didn't want anything to do with me, naturally!  I really wanted to win her over but she was too tired so finally I wound up with a tired baby.  It was pitiful.  She had a soft little cry of protest that could break your heart.  It just about broke Jamison's.  He was just about in tears hearing her. 

 

After an interview (Missy and Heather, they loved your pictures!  Amy, our guide is working on translating your email for them.), we ditched our kids ALONE in a  hotel in a foreign country!  NOT doing that again!) and had Emily's passport pictures taken.  Emily fell asleep on the way back to the hotel, that alert, not relaxed, waiting for the next shoe to drop sleep.   After a bout of diarhea...everywhere...she cried that same pitiful cry.  I finally tried giving her some water in a bottle.  The SWI staff said she doesn't take one but she was thrilled to hang on to it. She was watchful.  Davis and Megan kept trying to interact with her.  It was when I offered her some food that things took a turn for the better.  I think she was hungry.  Like Kaitlyn, she LOVES cheerios! 

 

Davis got the first smile when he popped out from under the table at her.  A game of peek-a-boo and catch ensued.  She was all smiles and laughter.  Davis and Megan played and played with her, Kaitlyn took a nap, and Jamison popped in and out.  We've had a bit of a surprise.

 

Emily is not walking independently.  She is standing and walking only with support.  When she walks she wobbles side to side instead of heel-toe.   I'll admit I hit a bit of a panic button.  She can crawl but prefers to point and charm to get what she wants.  

 

Emily is darling.   We are already charmed by her. 

 

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. 

Holly