Hospital Update~

Jet lag is in full force. Calla and I are sleeping from like 4-1:30 and then playtime ensues. The nurse brought her Mr. Potato Head and she loved it~

It was the sweetest thing to watch when her daddy walked in. Some of her cute sass came back~

It was wonderful to have him here for the day and feel his love!!! This afternoon they put in an IV to get ready for MRI tomorrow morning. So very hard to watch such terror since we can't help her understand anything going on. Hoping for answers tomorrow and thankful for such amazing care. Calla is very loved!!!

Home~

We arrived at the airport to Savannah and Amelia waiting for us. There were no words to describe how it felt to come home to your grown children. God has blessed us big with them! We had about 2 hours to home and when we arrived about midnight everyone was done. Loved that Rosie, EK, and SJ had waited up on us. 

Calla was SO scared in our house. Late at night. Over tired and sick. We finally coaxed her through a bath and into the middle of our bed. We slept from 1-4 and rested until 5 then the travelers were up for a toast party. 

Morning brought some courage and she was down playing in no time~

The kids were sitting around her and I asked Scott to take a photo. They all were excited because it would be in her China book ~

So very sweet for them to finally be together!

Because call had been running a fever for two weeks with us, we felt sure we needed to have her seen right away. We took her to Scottish Rite emergency care and through some testing found she needed hospital care~

We took her toEgleston and she was admitted. Scott and the kids stayed for a little while and then they needed to get home before jetlag kicked in. 

I've been here before about 6 years ago with SJ so I knew the drill. It is so very traumatic on Calla but the best bonding as I lie with her in bed and hold her through all the sticks and vitals~

 When I have moments when I want to be sad we are here away from our family, I stop and give thanks we are home in the States getting the very best care possible. Thank You Jesus for getting is here and hearing our baby!!!

Our Last Day~

We had a free day waiting for our visa so we spent it listening to music~

 

Playing in the hotel~

Another 100 degree walk through the park. Yes, EK that is a duck on the man's foot~

The lotus flowers were blooming beautifully~

we even found a Callalily to take photos with. We have loved China but so glad to be headed home. 

During the day we learned our visa would not be ready until tomorrow right before we leave because of a misprint on Calla'a abandonment decree. Trusting the One Who has gone before this whole time. 

Homeward Bound!!!

PGot Calla's visa and Leaving here~

Made it to airport and was super emotional walking away from Elvin~

He is the best guide and friend!

The girls were such troopers through the whole journey~

We're so thankful to land in LA with our newest American citizen. 

Our last leg was a doozy. Calla cried a lot and everyone was surely glad when we landed. Thank you Jesus for bringing us home!!!!!

Consulate Appointment~

One photo today. Our consulate appointment went well today~

And then we spent a couple of hours on Shamian Island shopping with Jenny and Michael then lunch at Lucy's. The heat is so heavy and air so humid we really didn't walk around much snapping photos. Hopped back in the van and came back to our condo (as Evie calls it). Tomorrow we hope to receive Calla's visa  and head on Friday!!!! Thankful for a good day!!!

Free Day~

This morning Calla woke up mad as a hornet. Not even exaggerating she screamed for 30 minutes. We were able to get her dressed and left for breakfast where she ate and ate and ate. Like her outfit? She made me put her pjs back on over her dress. Whatever works. We came back to the room to play and she was fine~

Don't know what the big deal was mom~

With a free day, we had to find things to do like walking around the hotel learning to be sisters~

Calla would not lie down for a nap and had another little screaming fit. The only thing that brought her out was Scott's reading glasses~

We went for a short walk in the park and got everyone an ice cream. Calla's first and she was quite taken back with the cold! Didn't even finish before she wanted in the tub~

Seriously when in China, the bathtub is your best friend!!!!! Now we're playing again waiting for dinner time. Tomorrow is our consulate apportionment. Whoo Hoo!!!

A Wonderful Day!

Today was a holding day while all families waiting to NOT be called for TB result. No news was good news. 

My first thought was to compare Calla after a week with us. I think her eyes tell the story! Forever Love looks beautiful on this baby~

Big sister Evie on the job again and look at Scott's best friend for the past week~

Our very favorite thing to do in China is walk in the park where the locals are doing life. Such beautiful scenery~

Beautiful people~

Beautiful activities~

Everyone enjoying each other even though the humidity is so high we were soaked and wet~

I asked Scott to hold Calla for a minute while I shot a few pics. Here she is in full meltdown mode~

We returned to the room for our daily play bath and picnic. Right about the time we were going down for nap... We got the Call. Calla's blood work was positive and we had to go back to medical clinic for chest X-ray. Not going to lie~ I was shaken but felt sure God knew this and had it all in His control. As we prayed the name of Jesus out loud in that clinic, He was there taking care of our girl. X-ray was clear, they gave us medicine for her fever, and sent us to the pharmacy~

Successful trip and we went back to hotel. The medicine administration was not pleasant. She fought us and remained mad for for over an hour. Finally she got over it and returned to her adorable self. 

Maybe you wonder why I named this post A Wonderful Day. I believe God is good all the time and claiming wonderful over worry!!! I praise Him for this day and continue to pray healing for our baby. Blessings and love to all!!!

Chen Academy and Pedestrian Street~

Our BAAS group is really enjoying each other and becoming lifelong friends! There is something about being each other's lifeline while getting to know our children! Here we are in our first photo together when we went to tour the Chen Academy~

Our guide for the week is Elvin and he is so wonderful! He and Scott hugged at the airport like long lost brothers. He is so good with the kids and they adore him~

There was a group of ladies ball balance dancing. The buildings at the academy are quite gorgeous~

We got Calla's Chinese and English name painted on a scroll hanging as well as a traditional name chop. This man has painted for us at least two times before this one. Beautiful~

Once we left there we went to Pedestrian Street to the Pearl and jade market to get gifts for special people~

it was a great morning even with the super hot temps and humidity. So great to come back to hotel for bath and picnic lunch. It's naptime now and I have time to get this on the blog. 

EK~ I smelled the most wonderful magnolia tree today and I was immediately taken home to our kitchen where you've just brought me a blossom from our tree. I love and miss you and can't wait to be home with all of you!!! 

Travel to Guangzhou and Medical Exam~

Calla took her first flight last night and did amazilngly well. It was only an hour but with arriving early and getting to hotel, it was trying for all three kiddos. Calla made the ride to the airport super fun~

First flight~

Today we had Calla's medical exam. She did very well considering the stress of it all. We went through all three stations and then she had her TB blood draw. That was traumatic but a lollipop from Elvin surely did the trick~

We had several moments like the one below but a little bumblebee fun turned that frown upside down~

WE stopped by a local supermarket for a few things we needed and experienced our MAJOR meltdown! I saw a very strong willed side of our girl. I stood outside in the rain while she screamed at the top of her lungs (everyone staring) but knew it was just too much in one day! We came back to the hotel and she immediately settled down.

We sure love our beautiful large room~

Everyone has lots of room to spread out and play! It will be a great place to spend the week and can't WAIT to head home to our sweet family!!! 

City Park and Travel~

Today we had a free day until we leave the hotel headed to Guangzhou. We hadn't taken a walk in the local park so made our way there. The sidewalks are completely torn up with all the construction going on. The lady you see with us walked up to me and walked beside shielding me with her umbrella from the sun. We were about to die from the heat! SO hot and humid but good to be outside~

We are staying at the Nanning Marriott hotel and the park is close by. Our guide told us the people love the park because no one really has yards here. The people come here to walk, play, exercise, and enjoy nature~

Evie spotted a duck to show EK as well as beautiful trees blooming~

Our favorite thing about China is watching the people sing, play traditional instruments, and dance. These people were enjoying their morning under this beautiful pagoda~

We were drenched when we returned to the hotel so the bitties had a bath party then we enjoyed Subway for lunch~

Our baby LOVES to eat and knows the word eat now too. Smiles SO big and gives me a hundred kisses when we bring out the food!!! Everyone is down for a nap now as I blog. We leave the hotel at 3, go by police station for Calla's passport, and flight to Guangzhou @ 7:30. Looking forward to spending the week with Elvin, our guide we've had two other trips as well. 

Always bitter sweet to leave the province of our child's home but so thankful to be this far on our journey and just that much closer to being home again with our family.

We have facetimed with our kids almost everyday and they are all doing great! Thankful to everyone home helping and loving!!! We will be together very soon!!! ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!!!

Guangxi Provincial Museum~

Today was another touring day. We had breakfast and lots of time to play in our room. CA is really doing well with attaching and bonding. We are seeing signs of grieving especially when sleep is involved but so expected and positive. She wore her adorable bloomers monogrammed by my friend Sheila~

Evie and Holly are being the BEST big sisters to Calla. Evie is taking it especially serious and picks her up anytime she needs to feel helpful. I think you can see how Calla feels about it~

We had a short drive to the museum so Calla enjoyed a lollipop and I enjoyed snapping a few face photos~

The tour of museum was interesting and a relaxing way to spend the morning with our three bitties. Glenn our guide has been especially kind to the girls. He told them all kinds of cool facts~

I know the four kids back home will love this huge dragon hanging from the ceiling! Calla finally gave it up and napped for over half of the tour!!!~

NO hating but we went by for McDonald's again and came back for a lunch picnic~

The perfect time to snap a few more adorable photos of our beautiful baby!!! Tomorrow we leave the lush, tropical city of Nanning to fly east to Guangzhou~ more of the same. And one week from then, we fly home! Glory to God for all the goodness He is lavishing on us with CallaAnne. We are SO in love!!!