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
