The New Normal

Wow – where did the time go?  I haven’t updated this thing in over 2 months?  We’ve had Lacey for 3 months now?  Yikes – my age is showing, I guess!  Two days ago, Cindy and I were sitting around when the date hit us – October 16, which was the three-month mark.  It is really hard to believe all that has changed in our lives and in Lacey’s during that short amount of time.  I look at pictures from that first day together, and it all seems so far in the past now.  Sometimes it’s even hard to believe that we went half a world away to bring our girl home, but we have the proof with us 24/7!  I guess part of it is due to the fact that we were nutso busy once we got home.  We had our church’s week-long Vacation Bible School in mid-August, which Cindy and I typically run.  Thank goodness for folks (you all know who you are) that took over for us this year! 

So what has changed, you ask?  Well, pretty much everything.  It’s interesting going through these months in my mind and recalling those same months with Lexi & Ava when they were born.  Everybody is buzzing around you stating things like, “Oh, she’s so good!” or “She never cries!” or “She looks just like you!” or “Isn’t it just the most amazing thing ever in the history of ever…ever?”  Meanwhile, you’re in full-time zombie apocalypse mode because you aren’t sleeping well, there is this new human being taking over your life, and your other child(ren) slowly begin turning into full-blown jealousy advertisements.  Well, adoption is nothing like that!  Wait, that’s not right – it’s pretty much exactly like that.  In the beginning, everyone else sees Lacey when she’s trying to adjust to new people and, therefore, is relatively quiet.  We see her at home where she is completely adjusted…and, yeah, she cries!  And our other girls have been amazing, but there is that definite rivalry between all three of them for their parent’s attention.

We’ve been through so much already, and can look back at some incredible milestones we’ve passed.

1.  We took our first “pack up the car and drive forever” trip with Lacey over Labor Day weekend.  We went to the wedding of our dear friends Rob & Julia McMichael in Pennsauken , NJ , which is about a 570 mile drive each way.  So that was definitely interesting!  The trip up was pretty good, but the trip back was _____.  That _____ is brought to you by our good friends crazy, nuts, long, and frustrating.  There were several moments when Lacey just didn’t want to be in the car.  There is no other way to explain it!  It’s kind of hard to blame her, though, because I was pretty sick of being in the car at that point, too.  But the overall trip was great.  We stayed with our cousins Dave & Susie Curran and had a wonderful time with them.  The wedding was also wonderful, of course.  She needs to get used to traveling, though, since we have part ownership of I-77 between NC and Cleveland , OH .  We’ll be hitting that bad boy up in October, November, and December.    

2.  You may be wondering about the sleeping thing from that last blog.  When we got home from the wedding, we decided to rip off the Band-aid.  We had been (and by “we,” I mean Cindy) sitting in the room with Lacey until she went to sleep at nap time and night time.  It was pretty tiring, especially at night when all the girls are in bed, I’m sitting in the living room, and Cindy is sitting in Lacey’s room in the dark.  We even went so far as messaging each other on Facebook (she took an iPod Touch in with her to keep boredom at bay for 15-20 minutes) asking things like, “Does it look like she’s asleep yet?”  Such exciting evenings!  And then, of course, you have to get out of the room without her waking up – because, if she did, Conniption Central dropped by for an extended stay.  Predictably, those were the times that the floorboards decided, “You know what?  I haven’t creaked really loud in a while – I think I’ll give that a shot right now.”  So, basically, we said “Enough.”  We started putting her down to sleep and leaving.  The first time, it was pretty trying.  She cried for about 5 minutes, and Cindy went in and put her back down.  She cried for about 10 minutes, and Cindy went in and put her back down.  Eventually, she got tired of crying and went to sleep.  That was at nap time.  That night, we did the same thing.  However, she cried for about two minutes and then gave up and went to sleep.  Within 2-3 days, she had stopped crying altogether.  This, of course, led us to say, “WHY DIDN’T WE DO THIS EARLIER?????”  So this has been a tremendously wonderfully awesome thing.

   

3.  Cindy and I went on our first date since the adoption!  We were pretty nervous about the whole thing, of course.  We hadn’t left Lacey yet, so we really didn’t know what to expect.  So our incredible friends Kelly McMichael and Beth Skates came over a little early to help her adjust.  It turns out she’s just like Lexi and Ava – when Kelly & Beth show up, Cindy and I might as well not even be there anyway!  We immediately lose status.  So we went to Dressler’s using the gift card my kind co-workers gave us when we got home from China and had a great night out.  With that behind us, we left the girls with my parents for a Friday night’s Teen Bible Study that we help lead.  And she did great there, too.  So this is just another milestone behind us that makes us understand how the new normal has pretty much arrived! 

I guess the best way to encapsulate it all is that life really has gotten into a new, comfortable groove.  We all have adjusted to being a family of five.  She’s learned so much so quickly, and has nestled herself right into our family.  When I get home from work, Lacey is right there at the door to greet me with her little lips puckered up for a kiss.  When I give Lexi or Ava a hug, she gets in line for her own.  She’s learned to hug and kiss, which she probably didn’t do much of in China .  Her vocabulary continues to expand – she can say words like no, Mommy/Mom, Daddy, Lexi, Ava, please, her version of ‘thank you,’ her version of ‘love you,’ salvation (from a Sunday School song), among a few others.  She clearly understands almost 100% of what we say to her – simply amazing!  She loves family time.  She adores her sisters, and really does try to be like them all the time.  Watching them all play or dance together is a joy beyond explanation.  She loves bath time.  She loves going to church, especially walking around after meeting and playing with all the other kids.  She loves singing Sunday School songs.  She obviously loves the young folks from church that come over on Monday nights – just like her sisters, that’s the night (more than the rest) that she hates to be put in bed.  She loves my family.  She loves Cindy’s family – even though she hasn’t seen them face-to-face since early September, you should see her FaceTime with them!  And, as parents, it brings us great joy to realize – she loves us.  She still loves junk food.  She laughs when she farts (don’t all kids?).  And, apparently, she loves germs.  I guess I didn’t mention that?  She hasn’t met one yet that she hasn’t given a happy home in bloodstream!  I’m sure it’s a product of getting introduced to American viruses.  But I’m equally sure we are single-handedly keeping pharmacies and Soutlake Pediatrics in business these days! 

So it’s been a whirlwind for the past few months, but life is always a whirlwind.  Every day hasn’t perfect, but every day before that wasn’t, either.  This is our family.  We brought home our baby, and we love her beyond words.  We’re so thankful that God brought her into our lives and us into hers.  She has enriched us.  And, man, is she cute.  Getting a squeezy hug from her is…well…uh….  OK, here is the best way I can put it – she is completely, totally, entirely 100% squishably smushable.

Thanks for reading,

Daniel         

 Our cousin, Heidi, took beautiful pictures of the girls!!!

 Such a beauty:)

 Our family is much more complete!

 Our three Chinese princesses before Lacey's welcome home party!

 Our three girls matching before church one Sunday

 Enjoying a warm, sunny day playing with her new water table from my aunts, and cousin!

 What a face!

 Lexi's first day of first grade!

 Lacey thought she was ready for school too!

 Looking cute before Lexi's gymnastics birthday party

 Making pumpkin pie with Daddy!

 Playing with shaving cream one night!

 Lacey was completely unimpressed!

A sweet moment:)

Settling In

So I guess it’s high time for a little update.  Our little Lacey has been home for almost a week now, and we are all thick into the adjustment phase.  We still aren’t at the “normal” stage, as Cindy’s parents are still with us (thankfully). 

The few days following the arrival back in the states were very difficult for me.  The jet lag honestly got the absolute best of me.  Thursday night, I slept maybe 3-4 hours.  Saturday night, I was down to about 1-2 hours.  Sunday night, I slept about 45 minutes.  I was able to get a couple of naps during the day, but things were starting to get pretty serious.  I definitely wasn’t myself, struggling with nausea, anxiety, headaches, etc.  If not for my wonderful, incredible wife and family, I don’t want to know how bad things would have gotten.  My first day back at work (Monday) was a mix of awesome and awful.  The awesome part was my co-workers.  They welcomed me with bagels, donuts, Starbucks, and gifts.  They are such kind people!  It was nice to see everyone again and to take that familiar walk to Starbucks with my good friend Mike.  The awful part was my generally feeling like a pile of cooked spaghetti.    

Lexi and Ava have been absolute gems since we got home.  We knew Lexi would be very helpful in this whole process, but our almost 7-year old girl has amazed me.  Her love for Lacey is so obvious and contagious.  She always wants to help her or teach her something new.  She wants to read books to her or show her pictures.  Honestly, she is acting like the ideal “big sister!”  And little Ava sure hasn’t changed – the bundle of energy she’s always been.  It’s been so great to be back home and enjoying the presence of THREE daughters now!  Lexi and Ava have been guiding Lacey in the finer arts of “riding on Dad like a horse.”  I’m more than happy to oblige.  We knew we missed them, but I think coming back home made us realize just how much. 

Cindy’s family has been with us in some shape or form since we got home.  Her parents have been with us since 7/11.  Sara (her sister) came on 7/26.  Jeff and Sarah (her brother and sister-in-law) came on 7/27.  They’ve slowly been trickling back to Ohio – Sara & Sarah (yes, two different people!) left this past Sunday, and Jeff left on Monday.  Her parents leave us this Sunday.  It’s kind of like the new elephant in the room we don’t want to approach or discuss.  They’ve all been so helpful and wonderful (more on that in a minute), and we’re very apprehensive about saying goodbye.  It won’t be easy for any of us.

There have obviously been challenges since we got home.  No problems with Lacey eating, though!  She’s completely OK with American food.  I must say, though, that I have a very expensive diet plan for anyone interested.  Fly to China and eat everything you can, which will result in a vicious stomach beating.  Trust me, you’ll lose weight.  Then, just as you start to get acclimated to Chinese cuisine, fly back to the US and eat everything you can, which will result in another vicious stomach beating.  You’re welcome!  By far, the most significant challenge has been sleep for Lacey.  One thinks they are prepared for such things, but one isn’t.  This is different from an infant’s cry in the middle of the night that makes you kind of go, “Aww, she’s hungry!”  This is more of the type that makes you kind of go, “WHY AREN’T YOU SLEEPING?????”  First off, she’s not a big crib fan.  Wait, that doesn’t sound right.  This is better – she went full-on Spiderman the first time we put her down for a nap, and ninja-climbed out of the crib and thudded to the floor.  WHAT???  We were shocked, and couldn’t believe what had happened.  She did it one other time in the middle of the night before Cindy’s mother came up with the idea that is currently preventing that from happening again.  We turned the crib around, which is higher in the back.  So that worked!  But she still isn’t regularly sleeping through the night.  She did on Tuesday night, and we thought maybe we had arrived.   But last night, same old thing – she was up at 2:30, 4:00, 5:00, and 6:00 looking around for anybody in the room.  If nobody’s there, she cries.  That’s been her norm.  This is where Cindy’s family has been such a tremendous help to us.  Knowing we’re a few days away from having this be our normal night, they have taken turns staying up with her and letting Cindy and I sleep the last three nights.  How awesome is that?  I feel completely renewed! 

Lacey has had some good firsts, though.  She had her first trip to Bojangles, and loved the macaroni & cheese.  That’s my girl!  She swam in the old deck pool…well, she stood in it while Lexi and Ava swam, but, you know.  She went to church for the first (and second) time on Sunday and Wednesday and did really well.  She was fairly apprehensive about folks at first, but warmed up by Sunday night.  She did better on Wednesday, seeing the same people again.  She ate corn-on-the-cob for the first time.  My pre-eating words to Cindy: “Haha, with that tiny mouth?  There’s no way she gets anything in her mouth!”  Cindy’s response: “We might as well try.”  Lacey’s reaction:  like a ravening wolf, she descended upon the hapless vegetable.  Verdict:  Cindy 1, Daniel 0.  She’s been to the mall and Chick Fil-A.  Slowly but surely, she’s becoming more and more at home.    

It’s just so good to be back in the USA .  Besides the obvious things (family, friends, and church), it’s nice to get back to some things we missed.  The Wal-Mart smells right!  I have my hair gel again (yeah, you read that right)!  Beef = beef!  We can have ice in our drink again!  Diet Pepsi and Diet Cheerwine!  There are actual TV programs on!  I don’t have to use VPN Express to access Facebook!  Normal driving!  Real, non-China Chinese food!  Car seats (no such thing in China )!  Staring is considered rude again!  Nobody spits in Wal-Mart!  No more dividing by 6.3 to find out how much something costs!  I could go on.

So now you’re pretty much up-to-date.  Saturday is shaping up to be nice.  My sisters have planned a welcoming party for Lacey at our church, and have put so much work into it.  We’re looking forward to a great time with family and friends.  We intend to enjoy this weekend!  But please keep us in your prayers.  The real transition is right around the corner when nobody is there to bail us out at 2:30am, 4:00, 5:00, and 6:00 when Lacey feels alone.  It’s something we’ve never had to deal with before.  Our other girls were both excellent sleepers at about 6 weeks!  But you all have been so kind to us since we returned home – so much positivity!  We know you’re praying for us because we can feel it.  In Galatians 6:2, Paul said, “Bear one another’s burdens.”  We feel the load being lightened by all of you and trust you’ll continue to do so.

Thanks for reading,

Daniel        

Day 13 (Going Home)

I don't know exactly how many times we said it during the day, but the theme was certainly "Can you believe we're finally going home?" It was the day we most looked forward to, but certainly dreaded as well. I remember wishing we had that remote in "Click" with Adam Sandler to skip the flights!

The day was unbelievably hectic and exhausting. The hotel adjoins the airport, which was nice. That was the last thing has was enjoyable for a solid hour and a half. The exit row we had paid extra to get was no longer available to us because of Lacey (on infants in the exit row). The seats were seriously the one thread we were hanging on for a sane trip. We knew they would allow Lacey to get down and walk around, and even sleep on he floor. We were both legitimately on the verge of tears. Add to that a long line at exit customs (really dumb line), an even longer security line, 4 more escalators, a run by a crazy crowded McDonalds, a train ride, and another walk to the gate, the trip wasn't starting well. And then, things began to brighten. Anne Wu from United seriously worked for 30 minutes to improve our seating. She got us two bulkhead seats, which were even better than the exit row! Our spirits perked up. The kind folks tried to pry it away, as we had to go through security plane-side, and throw out the water and Starbucks we just bought. What?? And they also pulled some king of ninja move whereby they managed to steal our stroller. I hope they enjoy it!

So we got in our seats, thought about the poor guy sitting with us, and settled in for the next 15.5 hours. The guy sitting with us was awesome. He played peek-a-boo with Lacey on command. He talked to her, smiled at her, laughed with her. Better than the awkward, Skill Level: Expert staring we had become accustomed to.

76 years later, we landed. And those years can only be explained this way - God most definitely answers prayer. You may not believe that, but this trip is proof in my mind. The girl that wigged out and couldn't sit still was really good for the most part. Aside from a few small incidents, she was no problem. It was a lot of work, but we kept her occupied. She slept about 4-5 hours of the trip, which was pure gold. The great fear was relieved; the burden past. Thanks be to the Lord!!

I can't begin to say how great it was to see "Welcome to the USA!" We went through the Newark airport and hit customs. And, just like that, Lacey was a US citizen! We claimed our bags (where we came to realize the ninja-theft of the stroller) and rechecked them. Then, it was off to our last leg of the trip.

I'm not comfortable sharing what I wanted to do when I saw a sign that said, regarding our flight, "Scheduled-5:20; Delayed-8:45." It involved breaking things. I wanted to keep it from Cindy, but I couldn't. In it together, right? The look on her face broke my heart. So I went to a gate to see what I could do. And another incredible airline employee saved the day. A flight was leaving at 5:35 (delayed from 3). But there was a long standby list already. I told her our plight, and I could literally see the compassion in her face. She found two seats from somewhere, and gave us the LAST TWO SEATS on the flight! Nothing but another miracle and answer to prayer.

Lacey was, um, wired. Too little sleep, too much travel, and she was like a Tasmanian devil. So, yeah, not too excited about a 2 hour flight with tight seats! But, again, another unbelievable thing happened. We gave Lacey a snack after takeoff, and she actually fell asleep while eating them. Too cute! She slept until we were about 5 minutes out. Amazing! When we touched down and heard, "Welcome to Charlotte," I could tell what was coming. I was already emotional. I whispered in Lacey's ear, "No more planes, trains, busses, and hotels. You're home, sweetie." We walked off the plane, quickly stopped by the bathroom to freshen up, and walked to the baggage claim.

The next several minutes were a blur. I don't think I'll be able to talk about it for a long time without tearing up. With Lacey in my arm and my rock by my side, we hit the escalator. First, I saw my nephew Andrew. Then, I saw our friend Beth Skates. Then, everyone saw us and erupted in cheers. Then, I saw Lexi - and it was over. I'm actually crying while I type this! All the stress and drama seemed to rush out to be replaced by pure joy. She ran over to us, followed by Ava. I cried like a baby. It was such a great moment. Seeing our parents, my sister, my sisters-in-law, my brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, and great friends was more than I could emotionally cope with. I'll never forget it.

Lacey didn't cry. She looked around at everyone, and was a little unsure, but she did fine. After hugs, kisses, and handshakes, (and one lost bag form), we walked out to the car to head home. Home!!! Lacey was put into a car seat for the first time and pacified with a snack. I drove for the first time in two weeks, and had to make sure I didn't drive like the Chinese! We pulled up, walked in, and our trip was finally over.

What a journey! One that has ended, only to be replaced by the daily challenges that await our family. I've already enjoyed seeing Lexi and Ava be so sweet to their little sister. The kindness of children is a treasure. I've said this before, but it will be said again. Cindy and I are so overwhelmed and thankful for all the support and encouragement we have received these last 16+ months. You all are so wonderful, and we cannot thank you enough. The body of Christ is a wonderful concept!! We rejoice in the faithfulness of God and the kindness of His people. Please continue to pray for us, and we hope to show off this family of 5 in the near future!! We love you all.

For the last time: Thanks for reading,
Daniel, Cindy, Lexi, Ava, and Lacey

Day 12 (Leaving China)

Our bags were packed, we were sitting in the hotel. Lacey had been clingy all day, maybe sensing a little bit of what was coming. We were leaving her homeland; ending one journey, beginning a new one.

The day was all about wrapping things up. Our last breakfast in China. Afterwards, I had to attend a wrap up meeting with the other families. We were given directions for the next day or so. Suffice it to say, my nervousness increased 100-fold! It seemed like the direction for Hong Kong had subsections, sub chapters, nested parenthesis, etc. So when I returned to our room, I didn't exactly do what my room card said, "Walk in the room like you own it." But I did offer to get McDonalds, so that has to mean something.

Then, we put Lacey down - she wasn't very interested in a nap! She was quite nervous, it seemed. Then, Cindy and I finished up packing, and she ran off to get Starbucks. We approached the elephant in the room, "So, how are we going to handle a 15.5 hour flight??" It was like a knot in our stomachs.

But that was before the first mini-trip. We got the final document at 4:30, Lacey's visa to enter the US. And, with that, we said goodbye to our new friends. It was more emotional than we expected. We walked out, got into the bus, and went to the train station.

The train station consisted of the following: escalators, escalators, waiting, lines, more waiting, more escalators, more escalators, and then boarding. We sat in our seats for a few minutes, and then we said goodbye to China. The train ride itself gave us more of an opportunity to see China, the not-so-fancy parts. As in every part of the world, it seems surreal to leave a 5-star hotel and then see utter poverty. The ride went well until about 30 minutes remained, and Lacey went full-on ballistic. It was "challenging." Thankfully, there wasn't a Daniel-shaped hole in the train, or I might have used it!

We hit Hong Kong, and were immediately excited to enjoy a few annoying lines and unexpected forms to fill out for our lengthy, 10-hour stay in the country. We were further excited to discover we had about 50 minutes to get to the hotel - woot! I will say this, though, Hong Kong is seriously cool at night. The buildings looked awesome, the lighting very unique. We were in for further delight when we arrived at the hotel and were encountered by a crowd in the lobby roughly the size of a small country. But we made it through okay, put Lacey in bed, and spent our last evening outside of America. The elephant in the room had grown. We were genuinely afraid, and borderline freaking out. Cindy went downstairs to use the Internet (it cost money to use it in your room). She let some folks know about the elephant on Facebook, and we immediately were encouraged by the responses.

And, with that, we went to bed quite apprehensive, but incredibly excited to head home.

Thanks for reading,
Daniel

Day 11 (Visa Ceremony)

So today was the day - the big kahuna. This was the day we visited the US Consulate and gave all of the necessary paperwork for Lacey to become a US citizen! And, overall, it was just a great day.

Lots of twists and turns in the day. First of all, we had to wake up early (6:00) in order to get ready, eat breakfast, and hit the lobby at 7:40 for the bus trip to the Consulate. We went with two other Holt families and about 10 families from other agencies. First things first - this typhoon thing ain't playing. We had on and off torrential rains and hefty wind gusts. But it didn't dampen our spirits as we went to the Consulate. The waiting and lack of reliable A/C certainly gave a solid effort, though. What's the deal with all the waiting? But, anyway, it was really awesome to see the American flag for the first time in a while. They took us all in a room (no food, cameras, or strollers??? allowed) had us take an oath swearing to the accuracy of our documents, and then called families up one-by-one to process paperwork. After the waiting, the actual important stuff was very quick, and we were on our way back to the hotel by 9:30.

So, with the typhoon thing and all, we figured today would be the best day to venture off on our own to a crowded, 7-story market. In other words, seven stories of cheaply made, sure to break quickly rubbish. My sister Naomi would have been in Heaven! The taxi dropped us off at kind of an odd location, as we both got a nice dousing and buffeting from the rain and wind. We bought a few things, mostly toys for the dreaded plane ride home. We passed on the 2 foot high naked Buddha statues. The taxi ride home was fine; we did get jumped in line by a guy who then offered the taxi back to us. Nice and unexpected.

I walked over to McDonalds to get our lunch and ran into someone we've been looking for for several days. You see, this guy offered to give us a certain antihistamine for the trip home, but we haven't seen him in a few days. His father-in-law happened to be at McDonalds at the same time as me. Coincidence? I think not!! So he gave his daughter's room number. This led, somewhat predictably, to the Worst Moment of the Day. After much deliberation about who should go, we went together. Cindy knocked, all seemed unnervingly still, and then a half-asleep man opened the door. We offered to come back, but he sleepily brought the stuff, poured it into our little cup, then closed the door to our perfuse apologies. So, to sum up, we woke him (and maybe his wife and new daughter) up and sponged his Benadryl. Score!

During Lacey's nap, I hit up Starbucks. After nap time, we had one last local meal together. We were supposed to go on a Pearl River dinner cruise, but it was cancelled due to the weather - bummer:( But the meal was great! Spicy noodles, pork vermicelli, and fried rice to split three ways. It was all delicious, and Lacey did great. After dinner, we walked around, played in the now back in order Kiddy Land, and came back up for our last night in Guangzhou.

And we proceeded to have almost a dream night with little Lacey. After having seen her point at both of us and call us Mommy and Daddy today, she played so sweetly. She did great for her bath. She said please and thank you several times. She learned how to blow kisses. She gave us kisses. She ate her snack without whining. She was so sweet to Lexi during our Face Time chat. All-in-all, the best nighttime ritual. yet, easily.

It was great to surprise my mom and dad by calling them from the cell phone we had rented. I enjoyed talking to them and just hearing their voices! Can't believe how clear it sounded with no delay!

And now Lacey's in bed, and we're spending our last night here. Tomorrow, we start the journey home - first to Hong Kong for a night, then on to Newark/Charlotte. It's starting to feel real. We're heading home!! Our lives will be very different, but we just can't wait to start this new chapter.

To all of you that read these blogs, all that have prayed, all that support us, you mean so much. That so many would be so interested and involved has so moved and humbled us. We can't wait to get Lacey home and show her how much she is loved by so many.

From the bottom of my heart, thanks for reading...and caring,
Daniel

Day 10 (Free Day)

Another free day for us - seems like a lot of those lately! It wasn't for everyone, though. Those adopting children 2+ years had to go back to he medical clinic to see the results of a TB test.

We had decided to head to Shamian Island today, and booked a cab with Jim & Alberta and their girl Bella. So six of us plus the driver in a car! That's how you save money! Funny, though - our 15+ minute, 5 km drive set us back about $3. Yes, $3 each way - hilarious!

The island was different than we expected. Much more beautiful architecture than what we had seen before. It actually looked a lot like Charleston, SC. Much shopping was to be had, and had it was. I am now the proud owner of a genuine, authentic, fake Omega watch! It was the exact one I wanted before I even came to China, so that was nice. Cindy got a beautiful scarf for herself, and then we picked up some gifts to take home. Lots of walking, lots of haggling, and a nice time with new friends. Lacey had the opportunity of a lifetime, too. She could have had her picture taken at a fairly famous spot there, which you'll see below. It's kind of a thing that adopting parents do. Lacey wanted nothing to do with it. As another man posted on his blog, we could have a nice high school graduation collage picture on our hands!

Lunch ended up being its own story. We figured we might as well eat there, but kind of thought going to the Subway would be a wimp out. So we asked a shop owner (same guy that did our laundry a few days ago), and he "directed" us to a place called Lucy's. It has more American fare than other places (for example the restaurants we passed with pictures of entire cooked chickens, head and all). So, following his directions, we meandered around for about 20+ minutes. We asked people where it was, and apparently they thought we had two heads. FINALLY, we found it. It was at the exact spot we started looking!! We passed right by it. Crazy! So we had a nice lunch, dropped by 7-11 for some items, and took a cab back.

During Lacey's nap, I finished a book, watched Adam Scott blow the British Open, I intentionally acted obnoxious, and then made unintentionally strong coffee. We had leftover Papa Johns and some items pilfered from breakfast buffet for Lacey.

After dinner, we hit the pool for close to an hour. It was a really nice time! Lacey still isn't quite sure, but she did better. It was raining a little towards the end, but not bad. It was noticeably cooler today - real feel temp was "only" about 99. It's probably because Typhoon #8 is headed this way. Oh, did I not mention that? Typhoon #8 is supposed to hit shore in south China tonight into tomorrow. Our only affect is supposed to be 25 mph winds and a few inches of rain. As of now, it doesn't look like it should affect our train ride to Hong Kong or the flight out.

After the pool, it was bath time, play time, Face Time, then (abruptly) bed time. While Lacey has come a long way in one week, it is still a challenge from time-to-time. As always, Cindy and I lean on each other and press on. We are certainly beginning to appreciate and understand the enormity of the challenges ahead of us on Thursday. First, the flight. Oh, the flight! Then, she is certainly going to be fairly nervous with all the new faces. We pray everyone understands that if she cries when she sees you, don't take it personally - we didn't! If she doesn't want you to hold her, please know it takes time. Sometimes, she doesn't want one of US to hold her! It will just take time. To our families and friends - you are her family and friends, too! Just give her the time to figure that out.

Tomorrow, we will see the American flag as we visit the US Consulate to do something we aren't exactly clear on! Tomorrow is our last full day in Guangzhou! Then, off to Hong Kong, and then home. I miss everything about it. It has really brought me to respect my brother even more, who has to leave his home for weeks at a time to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And all of the comforts we miss have brought us to respect our brothers and sisters that have gone into the mission field. Their sacrifice is great, as will be their reward in Glory.

We love you all do much. Thanks for joining us on this journey!

Thanks, as always, for reading,
Daniel