Blessings Beyond: LOVE4USA!!!!!

It's the day after Thanksgiving and all is well! I'm sitting at our kitchen table and just across from me is our new little man at his laptop and with his coffee mimicking me. So stinking cute!

We'll back up to where we left off....

Three kids asleep on the floor at the airport and calls to board our plane for NC. Ellen was no problem, but the other two didn't go so well. Just one more (hopefully last) time of cussing Steve! Quite a nightmare getting on the plane....sweating, crying, runny noses, gagging from too much crying, lots of bags.. but we did it. For 2 hours all four of us slept. Once touched down in Charlotte, I told Ashley just a little bit longer I need you, and then we'll be with Daddy....so suck it up and let's make it to the baggage claim. Steve was stuck in traffic, so he wasn't able to get there before us. Once got our bags I noticed our largest suitcase had tape wrapped all around it. Our stinking zipper had been ripped during the handling and was unable to be zipped so just taped up. I had to go to the office to file a claim and while I was in there, Steve walked in. I totally missed capturing the moment with my camera, but luckily was able to see from where I was standing. Luke was in his stroller and Steve came running toward the girls and Luke with open arms. I'm sure Luke studied him for awhile but then I saw him open his arms too and they hugged. I knew then everything would be alright! Bond from first sight! Lots of hugs and kisses for the girls and me, and we were off (with the help of Daddy...whew!) to the car. Happy, happy, happy! Such a relief to be home and to be back with Daddy!

We weren't sure how he would react to the car, but he jumped right in and loved the ride home. He's loved riding in the car ever since! If he sees you put your clothes on, he instantly wants his own, then his shoes, backpack, hearing aids and he's ready to go.

Once home, John and Alex were there. They had had a basketball game so were unable to go with Steve to the airport. We were greeted to signs on the door from Daddy and sights of the dogs through the storm door. No barking from Major and excitement from Luke, so all was good from the beginning with the dogs. Luke loves the dogs! He's having to learn that dogs are not people. He tried to put his straw in Major's mouth and share his drink. Lol!

As soon as we walked in the house, Luke was taking it all in running around, opening drawers, closets, running from room to room. It was like Christmas morning for us all! We were all so excited to see him so happy with his new home and all of us! John and Alex's friends and neighbors, Will and Graham, showed up to meet Luke and he instantly made fast friends with two cool big guys! Four big boys to lift you up and do airplane through the house...what little boy would not be in hog heaven!?! After lots of playing and running around the house we all finally got to bed around 11pm.

The next day the girls went to school. Steve was off from work...Thank God! And the boys went to school, so it was just the three of us. It was a good day! I was just so happy to be home, despite the jet lag and endless amount of laundry and unpacking of suitcases. Shortly into the day, Steve's wallet went missing. After a full day of searching and tearing apart the house, Ashley found late in the day in a ceramic pumpkin. Once found, Luke grabbed it and ran to Steve with it, so proud that it had been found.

Since home, Steve has gained a shadow! Luke follows Steve around everywhere and wants to do everything he does. Blowing the leaves, Luke found a broom and immediately ran out and began helping him. So happy to see that Daddy and Luke have bonded! I think it really helped for Luke to see Steve, John and Alex so much through FaceTime. We would FaceTime mornings and evenings and I would definitely recommend that for anyone traveling to adopt without the other spouse.

John and Alex have been so busy with school, basketball, and work that they have not been home much, but with the Thanksgiving break I know Luke will enjoy them being home and spending time with them. Last night he slept in their room and seemed very happy!

Meeting his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins went great also. He and Dylan became fast friends and were out to defend the enemy with their guns and imaginary play. Amazing how the language barrier is not an issue when it comes to playing.

As for the language barrier, hand signals are becoming more common for us. We can also see Luke understanding more English words. We still speak Chinese to him....well, the words we know...but I think the frustrations are becoming less and less.

I couldn't be happier with how Luke and all of us are adapting to the change in our family! He is a pleasant addition! It warms my heart to see how happy he is with BaBa (Daddy in Chinese), his

siblings, and our dogs. GOD IS GOOD! Thank you to all of our friends and family who have been the hands, feet, and voices for God to us. It's wonderful to know that you have so many loved ones rallying behind you. You know, I remember having a friend ask "Why do you want to do this?" While that is a legitimate question, the tone of the question really bothered me. I found myself in China thinking that maybe that friend was right and this was not the right thing .....but thankfully I made it through and I thank all those that stood behind me and encouraged me through those rough days. I see now that this is exactly where we should be. This little boy is such a joy and I thank God for leading us to him!

Besides my family, Sarah Busby was the first friend that I confided in about our plans to adopt and I will never forget her reaction, her excitement, her encouragement, her support! While in China, I facetimed her at a really low point. Bless her....even though she was on vacation, she took the time to talk me through my breakdown and once again, was that person who saw me through it. I thank her and every family member and friend who has supported us through this journey. And to all those that ever doubted this adoption, hopefully you have had a change of heart through our story.

I have so many reflections of our trip.....but will post at a later date. Just mainly wanted everyone to know that we are doing GREAT! AND GOD IS GOOD! Best Thanksgiving yet!!!!