Happy One Month To Us!

HAPPY ONE MONTH TO US!
HAPPY ONE MONTH TO US!
HAPPY ONE MONTH, ALL TOGETHER!
HAPPY ONE MONTH TO US!

It has been absolutely fantastic. Today we are celebrating one month from GOTCHA DAY! Everything I read and everything I studied had me a bit freaked out about what to expect, but Tian has been nothing but cake. She is probably adjusting better to us than we are to her. She sleeps through the night and is eating everything in front of her. A happy baby that loves playing with her big brother, climbing on and off the couch in his room; and annoying him. (It only gets worse from here Hunt).

Our first visitors where the Angie, Louis, Brook, Bella and Brandon. Oh, did Tian love Brook and Bella! The girls were so good with Tian. They played on the swingset, ran around the yard and played in her room. We've got to do that again.

 

 

 

 

 

Grandpa with a Cheerio peace offering.

Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Tracy came over on Monday. Again, smiles all around. Tian has seen her Aunt Janine and Uncle Greg a few times this month too. It's fun to watch how Greg and Louis act around her.

Our First Thanksgiving together was only days after we got home. Dinner was at my parent’s place with Uncle Tracy, our Aunt Barbara and Uncle Jerry. Barbara and Jerry, thank you for the doll. It means more to me than you will ever know. Tracy set up a nice holiday gift by having his friend, Jolie, take some family photos. She took photos of Tian and Hunter, then with Kerry and I; then the whole group outside, then inside by the Christmas tree. It only took a little toss in the air to get Tian smiling. There were some photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Uncle Tracy and Hunter being silly, ugly Christmas sweaters and my favorite, a “Members Only” moment that will be a Phillips Classic. Thank you so much Tracy! Jolie Loren, you were awesome! Can't wait to see them. https://www.facebook.com/#!/jolielorenphotography  

 

I've had it! No more cute bow!

I was only home for a week, then off to Louisville for a tradeshow. UGH! I was worried she would forget me. Good old Skype keep me in sight almost every morning and night. Friday came quickly and I was back home again. Should be for quite some time now. This was the only thing I loved about Louisville. Skyline Chili.

Two Skyliners all the way!

Among the baby babble, we’ve heard a Dadda, a Momma and NiteNite. She waves like a princess in a parade. She has great table manners. The dogs have become big fans with the flavorful morsels accidentally falling to the floor. She blows kisses and raspberries, gives hugs, puts the phone (and TV remotes) to her ear and chats away. She is a big time giggler. Loves hide-n-seek with Hunter. He can really make her laugh. And she seems to like the Wiggles over the other videos! I thought I was done with Capt. Feathersword and Fruit Salad! Yummy. Yummy.

Fuss Issues…. Ummm?  Well, she has cried a couple times.
1. I had to take the remote from her during the FSU game. She’ll learn.
2. She was cranky a few times before we put her to bed. Maybe she was tired?
3. When daddy left to run errands. (These tears actually made me happy.)

She had her first doctor visit on  this past Monday. They checked her out, drew some blood (heard there were no tears until after the needle was removed) and they said her skills are "spot on" for 19 months old. Test results will be back soon and we still need to see another doctor about her heart.

So after one month, we are all doing very well. Tian is a very happy, loving baby. She’s a big hit with everyone at Hunter’s school. Kerry is beaming and enjoying every minute. Hunter has been a kind and sweet big brother. He may not admit it (doesn’t want to tarnish his swag, ya know), but actions speak louder than words. There is a lot to look forward to. Christmas is right around the corner and her Baptism in late January.

Be Good Humans. – A.A.Hooper

And I promised I wouldn't post another photo of the garage until it was done. It's done!

Regal Cinema opened a theater in my garage!

 

 

Her Minnie Mouse Outfit.

No. The beret didn't stay there long.

Breakfast at Bernie's Bagels!

 

 

HOME! We made it home!

All of us slept in our own beds last night! Now I back track a slight bit. On Thursday we escaped to Lucy's Bar for some American food. Another swing and miss, but the draft beer and outdoor seating was nice.

Later that afternoon at 4:30, we received Tian’s Visa! The last piece of the puzzle and now we can go home. Some families left for the 3 hour drive to Hong Kong immediately afterwards. We said our goodbyes, promised to stay in touch and watched them start their different, but similar journey home. We then packed for our 10am flight in the morning. Hunter and I met the Smiths down at the pool at 9pm. Hanna and Hunter swam until a little after 10, then we headed back to the room.

Friday morning came fast and we were gone. Flight went perfectly. Tian was a pro. No issues. Played on our lap, had a bottle, napped a bit. Great sign for the big trip home.

The Hotel in Beijing was just 2km from the airport. Shuttle picked us up. We checked in and headed to the Pizza bar for dinner. We tried all the western style food, but the Chinese just can’t seem to get it right. Hunter played some video games then back to the room. We have a 6:55am flight.

Saturday morning. Ok. This is the day we have been freaking out about. A 13 hour flight home. Kerry was up at 3:30am. I, shortly afterwards. We caught the 4:30 shuttle to Terminal 3. Had a coffee and muffin and to the gate for our 6:55 flight. Ohhhhh, but wait. I soon find out, it’s actually our 7:55 flight. Ugh. Kerry. J They went buy souvenirs and snacks; I chased Tian around for 30 minutes.

 
The flight could not have gone better, but let me get this out of the way. Hunter took a Benadryl and was useless. He slept 9 of the 12.5 hours. I got in about 2 hours early in trhe trip. Tian got her 1 hour nap in and Kerry, poor girl, no sleep at all. So basically Kerry and Tian were up the entire flight. We did luck out by having no one else in our 5 seat center row, but Hunter was laying down and occupying almost half of them.

We landed in Chicago at 6:30am. Made it through Immigration and Customs, rechecked our bags and found Chili’s. While the girls were freshening up, I ordered us a couple glasses of wine. (Yes, I know it was 7:30am. Don’t judge.) At this point, we had been up and traveling for 17 hours. We spent the 4 hour layover at Chili’s and charged our Apple products in Concourse H while waiting on the last flight. The 10:45am to West Palm Beach.

We are on the plane and over the intercom we hear, “Sorry folks, looks like we need to deplane. Both Autopilot systems are not working.” So we deplane, 1 hour delay. At this point we are all exhausted. Except Hunter of course. Kid was as fresh as a daisy. We were separated on the plane. Hunter and I in row 10 E / F and Kerry in 11A. It was my turn to care for Tia and I didn’t do so good.  Tian fell asleep about 20 minutes into the flight. About 1 hour into the flight I fell asleep also. This is where it gets fuzzy. I must have dozed off for a sec or 2 or maybe longer and Hunter taps me on the shoulder. In a very calm voice he says,“Dad, Tian’s on the floor.” Oops. I shake the cobwebs and there she is. On the floor, her head by my knees, moaning. How long she was there, no one can tell us. She slipped off my lap and onto the floor. Hunter was playing his iPad and not paying attention. Gator Lady next to me was crashed too. Sorry Tian. Bad daddy.

Got home last night around 5:30pm. My wonderful brother left us gifts to find and flowers for Kerry. Our neighbors, Yvette and Jackie, decorated our house with a banner and balloons. So sweet of them to make the effort. Now it’s been 27 hours from when we left the hotel. Got a pizza from Anthony’s, some Blue Moon and wine. Tian watched the FSU game with me for a bit and off to bed at 9ish.

 
(Sunday) Today, Kerry and Tian were up at 4:30am. Kerry was not terribly happy about that. I followed at 7:30, Hunt at 8. Angie, Louis and the girls showed up around noon and got to meet and play with Tia. Expecting Mom, Dad and Tracy around 5ish. It’s been a nice first day. Welcome home Tia!

 

 

Day 13 – US Consulate Visit and Pearl Shopping

The visit could not have gone smoother. The hardest part was knowing when they called Dang, Tian Ping’s name to come to the window. Everything was in order. CCAI is doing an amazing job with this group. We expect the Visa and additional paperwork tomorrow at 3:30.

We just finished breakfast and are heading out to the shopping center in search of a deal on pearls. Hoping to find something special there to remember this trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1:30pm) We are back from shopping! Kerry and Tian got some beautiful pearls. A set of earrings and two bracelets. I bought Hunter a Jade Circle Pendent. Perfect souvenirs for our trip to China. I still haven’t bought anything for myself, but will keep looking. Hunter’s catching up on homework, the girls are napping and I’m not far behind. There is a Group photo planned at 4:30, then we’ll probably catch an early dinner. Kerry was thinking the Japanese restaurant here in the hotel. Dare I question her?

At 4:30 the entire group met in the lobby for the individual and group photos. First us, then the group shot and finally the babies on the couch.  We are currently back in the room after a group ‘departure” meeting and talking about dinner. Also trying to find Hunter. Where is that kid?

 

 

 

And here are some additional pics from dinner.