Baby questions......???

I always knew this day would come....I should have been prepared....but of course, I was not!! Emma Grace and I were headed to church last Wednesday night (which is a good 30 minute drive) when it all went down. :)

Here is the dialogue that commenced:

Emma Grace: "Mommy, babies grow in their mommies bellies."

Me: "Who told you that?"

Emma Grace: "No one...I just knew it. Mrs. Rowena (her teacher) told me that baby seahorses grow in their daddies belly, so I just thought, hmm...babies grow in their mommies belly"

Me: (completely stunned and speechless) "uh-huh"

Emma Grace: "Mommy, I didn't grow in your belly, did I?"

Me: "No, baby, you didn't"

Emma Grace: (not missing a beat) "I was in China, wasn't I?

Me: "yes, ma'am"

Emma Grace: "Mommy, did I grow in someone else's belly or did God just make me in China?"

Me: (starting to sweat now) "well, Mommy couldn't grow a baby in my belly, so a really nice lady in China grew you in her belly and then she gave you to mommy and daddy." (thinking surely this would end this discussion)

Emma Grace: "Mommy, how do the babies get out of their mommies belly?"

Me: (always smooth under pressure) "Uh....let me call daddy and ask him"

After a quick phone call, I informed her that after the baby grows all it can, the mommy goes to the hospital and the doctor takes the baby out. Emma Grace said he probably took it out of the belly button. She seemed satisfied....for now!

Like I said...I always knew it was coming, but didnt expect it so soon!! We will be good until.....she starts asking how the baby gets in the belly!! Oh, my!!!! I am not ready for this!!

Finally.....catching up!!

Well....after several months of procrastinating and people asking me..."where are you?"....I am finally blogging again. And boy, has lots happened since October 1. Here is a quick recap.

• Emma Grace was in a wedding (on her birthday....she seemed to think all the celebration was in her honor) :)





• We celebrated her 4th birthday with huge Mickey/Minnie Mouse birthday party at the indoor playground at Cornerstone Church. It was great....however, since I am a mom who tends to go way overboard...by the time we included family, church friends and school friends we had almost 60 people there....but the kids had a blast. And my mom did a fabulous job on the cake!!
  
  
  
• We had dinner at Puleo's Grille in Murfreesboro on EG's b-day (after the wedding)
  
  


• Emma Grace dressed up as Minnie Mouse for Halloween. We had lunch with my mom and my brother and his family. We did the Trail of Treats at Moss-Wright park and then took EG to trick or treat in my old neighborhood. Very emotional and nostalgic for me as we visited homes of childhood friends and homes that I always trick or treated at.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at my home with Jason's parents and my mom and grandma. Of course, mom and I spent Black Friday shopping!!!


• December, of course, was busy with church choir programs, banquets, parties, cookie/candy making and shopping. We had a Christmas party with our adoption play group...always so much fun to get together with them! We also had a get together w/several of the families we traveled to China with. So neat to see the girls together!! Nana came up a few days before Christmas and we made lots of candy and she and Emma Grace did a Christmas "make it and bake it" craft....just like when I was a kid. Christmas day was a flurry of activity at our house. We got up early and opened gifts. Emma Grace got a "big dollhouse" which has provided hours and hours of entertainment....best $60 I have ever spent. Thanks to Doug-Doug and Lori and Nanny and Pops who furnished the place!! I cooked a breakfast casserole and then my brother, sis-in-law, niece and grandma came up (mom had been there for a few days already). We had a wonderful lunch (if I say so myself) ;). Then we opened gifts and enjoyed the day together. EG and I always make a red velvet cake for Jesus' birthday...complete with candles and a song. We had a great day. I wish we had spent more time really soaking in the day with grandma....if we had only known it would've been her last one...(more on that in another post).

• January was filled with a lot of sickness at our house. I got a really bad case of strep throat and then my grandmother was put in the hospital. Then the next week EG and Jason both got strep throat. I spent a lot of time at the hospital with Grandma. One positive note....I was awarded "Teacher of the Year" at church. From the church I received a $50 Visa Gift card and from The Kings Kids (my children's choir) I received a $100 gift card to The Melting Pot (my absolute favorite)!! I was surprised and very appreciative of the award and the gifts.


• Which brings us to February....my grandmother passed away and I spent most of the month trying to get things back to normal and just put one foot in front of the other. Another positive note....every year our pastor selects a "couple of the year". This year, Jason and I were selected. Again, we were very honored and appreciative of this award. Although, there were numerous other couples who are very deserving. We received a $50 gift card to PF Changs....which we have yet to used.....waiting on a babysitter for date night....anyone interested? :)
  
• Now we are in March and I am so glad to see some springlike warm weather....a beautiful 80 degrees today!! Of course, tomorrow is only supposed to be 45...so we will all be sick. Consignment sales have started and I got a great deal at Encores and More North. I found a brand new/with tags dress for EG. It retailed for $104, was priced at $32....great enough deal, huh?? But wait, there's more. I was waiting to check out and noticed a couple of spots on it....and i really debated putting it back. $32 for a brand new, never before worn dress and it already had spots.....anyway....the dress was actually an item of the owner....and she gave it to me for $16!!! Half-price!!! So, I am thinking it will be EG's Easter dress....but if I find something I like more, I won't feel so guilty, b/c I got such a great deal!!

Well.....I think that about catches me up for now.....I do have something to share about my grandmother, but I will save that for later.

Headed Home!!

Originally posted September 29, 2005

Our last few hours in China...we got up early this morning to head out. Our luggage had to be ready at 5:00 am and we left the hotel at 5:45 am. We headed to the Guangzhou airport and took a short 30 minute flight to Hong Kong. After an hour layover, we then boarded the big 747 and headed home. Emma Grace's 3rd flight in 1 week. We had a long flight to Chicago. She did pretty well, even though she didn't sleep much. We had purchased a seat for her and it was so worth the money. It gave her a place to sit and play and when she did sleep, we could lay her there and we could rest. I couldn't imagine a 13 hour flight having to hold her.

We arrived in Chicago at 1:30 pm and had a few hours to kill waiting for our flight home. It was so wonderful to be back on American soil. The minute Emma Grace got her passport stamped in Chicago, she became a United States citizen. Although she wasn't aware of what was taking place, we were and we were so happy.

Our flight from Chicago was so quick (an hour long) and she took a bottle and slept the whole way to Nashville.

We woke her up when we landed and changed her into a red, white and blue outfit. The walk from the gate to the waiting area seemed endless. It was so wonderful when we turned the corner and we had 52 friends and loved ones waiting to greet us....more like greet Emma Grace...we are secondary now. HaHa!!

We're Home

Emma Grace and Nana

Emma Grace and Nannie

She did amazingly well. She let everyone hold her and she never cried. Of course, she wouldn't stay with one person long and she always kept a close watch on Mommy and Daddy. She really loved the kids. Several of our Sunday School kids and Children's choir were there. They were all so sweet. We missed them so much. They have been so anxious for Emma Grace to come home.

Part of the Welcoming Party

Emma Grace and one of her new friends, Maya

The ride home was not so calm. Having never ridden in a car seat, she screamed all the way home. But quickly settled down once we got home. We had such a nice surprise when we got home. Jason's mom and dad had placed a Welcome Home sign in the front yard. And when we entered the kitchen, we had a welcome sign and a table full of necessities. Thanks Misti and Extreme Youth!!

Our house had been deep cleaned and the carpets were cleaned....and we had fresh Subway sandwiches in the fridge....yum!!!

Thanks Amanda and All Pro Cleaning!!

We just want to thank EVERYONE once again for everything!! Our journey to Emma Grace was wonderful, our experience in China was priceless and we are so blessed to have such a beautiful, precious girl. If you are considering adoption, I would tell you it is an amazing experience that we wouldn't trade for anything. God's hand has been in this since the beginning and we could never repay Him for all His wonderful blessings.

Love,

Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

So close to home...

Originally posted September 28, 2005

We are so close to home now, we can almost taste it. We have really enjoyed our journey in China and have valued the opportunity to experience Emma Grace's homeland, but we are ready to bring her home. It is not the easiest thing to do....living out of a suitcase. And eating out for every meal...as Emma Grace was throwing one of her fights last night at dinner, I told Jason I mow understand why people with children don't go out to eat much....too much work. Oh, to have an uninterrupted meal.

Today was a free day. She and I got up early this morning and went to Shamian Park to watch the locals do their morning Tai Chi. They are very into fitness and exercise here. I only had 1 Chinese grandma fuss at me for her arms not being covered up. They all want to love on her and give us the thumbs up. They really love their Chinese children and are so grateful for us to be adopting them. So many people tell us, "Lucky Baby".

New Friends

We had our group picture taken and the red couch pictures. I figured Emma Grace would scream, but she did beautifully. We had our visit at the US Consulate today. In a room with probably 75 new families, we took our oath to love and protect Emma Grace. It was very simple and informal. I didn't expect it to be so emotional, but it was. When they guy announced, "Congratulations, you are official", I started crying...big surprise, I know. They gave us her visa and passport and said that when she steps foot at the point of entry into the US (which for us will be Chicago), she will be a US citizen.

Red Couch Girls

It is so overwhelming.This has been an amazing journey we have been privileged to take. We are so amazed at how the 14 girls in our group have grown just in 2 weeks. 2 weeks ago, they were orphans and for the past 2 weeks, they have been living like princesses in 5 star hotels. We are so blessed that God had this plan for our life. The road hasn't always been easy, but it has been guided by God. It took us a long time to accept the plan that God had for us. But once we did, we never looked back and always had complete peace about it. I hope you have enjoyed reading our story. If you are considering adoption, I would tell you it is a wonderful experience. I didn't realize how much I could love this child until they placed her in my arms. We are absolutely in love with her. She is perfect for our family and an answer to many prayers.This will be the last posting until we return home. We leave in the morning.

Daddy and Emma Grace

Today has been a very bittersweet day. We are so ready to come home to our family and friends, but are very sad to be leaving the place of our daughter's birth. As we rode through town today, it was almost as if Emma Grace knew she was leaving. She sat on my lap and took everything in wide eyed. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers. I know the next few weeks are going to be a big time of adjustment for her.

Thanks to everyone who helped us in anyway during this process. The bake sales, the yard sale donations and purchases, the prayers, etc.....We love you all and can't wait to see you!!

Love and hugs from China,
Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

Medical and Visa Day

Originally Posted September 27, 2005

Today was fun. Emma Grace had her Visa photo taken....no smile....kind of a deer in the headlight look. Then we walked to the other end of the island and had her medical exam. Now that was great fun!! She weighs 17 lbs...she is not the smallest in the group..but she is so petite. She did not like the doctors poking and prodding. Very simple exam....they looked in her ears....with the naked eye. What are they looking for? Ear wax? They certainly couldn't tell if she had an ear infection. Then they shook some different rattles and played some notes on a toy piano to check her hearing.

Scientific Method???

By this time, of course, she was screaming. The nurse was like Nurse Cratchit. She said.."oh, stubborn girl, good lungs." We laughed...the nurse did not.

You can stop now...

Jason took Emma Grace back to the hotel and put her down for a nap and I went shopping some more. I can really get used to bargaining. Why don't we do that in the US? We are really enjoying our stay in Guangzhou, but are so homesick.

We had a tough night last night with little Miss Temper Tantrum. Everyone has told us it gets better when you get home.She is doing wonderfully though overall. We just love to wake up everyday and look at her sleeping. She is so funny though....regular just like daddy. First thing every morning....poopy diaper. She is an eater too. Every time we go to Lucy's for lunch or dinner, we have to order 2 bowls of mashed potatoes for her. She loves them.

All better now

Someone asked what squeaky shoes were. They are so cute. They have little squeaky things in the heel. So when the child walks, they squeak. Granted, Emma Grace isn't walking yet, so we think they are cute. Ask me again in a few weeks.That's all for now....more shopping to finish up. See everyone in a few days. The countdown is beginning.

Love from China,Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

Shop, Shop, Shop!!

Originally posted September 25/26, 2005

Today we started out with a wonderful buffet breakfast. Breakfast has turned out to be the best meal of the day here. We love Chinese food, but are ready for the American version of Chinese.We went to church this morning at the Shamian Island Christ Church. It was such an experience. There was probably 200 people there.....and only about 50 were Americans. The rest was Chinese. They sang songs in English and Chinese. The had an English translator and they had a short sermon. It was really neat that even though our language is so different, we can still come together to worship God. Emma Grace slept through most of the service and ate Cheerios for the last part. Her first and last church service in China.

It started raining, so I took her and put her down for a nap...not as easy as it sounds. She took a bottle and then screamed and cried. We rocked, we patted, we sang....she was not going down. Finally, I put her in the stroller and we made about 15 laps around the 6th floor and she was out....slept for 2 hours...in the stroller.

Jason stayed with her and I went shopping. Got some really cute dresses and several Chinese outfits. We got about 5 pairs of squeaky shoes. Her foot is so small and narrow that they don't have a small enough size for her right now...but maybe by spring.

We went to eat at the Riverview Restaurant for dinner. We were told they had American food...I don't know what part of America they are thinking. The had chicken feet, pig intestines....etc....We ordered spring rolls...pretty safe.....they said they were out of them. So....after we had gotten Emma Grace in the highchair....all settled and started feeding her...we had to repack everything and we left. Headed to Lucy's for dinner then and had quesadillas and a cheeseburger...much better.I can not wait to get home....I want a Subway sandwich and a big ole fat salad. Oh the comforts of home.

One more thing..Emma Grace is really attached to us now...today different people would try to take her and she would just cry and reach for us. So sweet and so amazing how much she has changed in just one week.....seems like she has been with us forever. She is really starting to show her temper though. If she wants it, you better give it to her right then....oh...Lord....a "mini-me".

Love and miss everyone.....Jason, Denise and Emma Grace

Hallelujah, Hallelujah!!

Originally posted September 24, 2005

Hallelujah, Hallelujah......Can you hear the angels singing??? Emma Grace slept 10 hours last night and didn't wake up during the night. We had to wake her for breakfast. Lets hope she keeps that up. This morning we left Nanchang headed to Guangzhou. Emma Grace did wonderful on the flight. She played and ate and of course...nothing like changing a diaper mid-air...in our laps. We are so close to home now. Guangzhou is beautiful and so Americanized. Everyone who adopts a baby in China has to come to Guangzhou. We have to take our adoption oath at the American Consulate. We will also get Emma Grace's visa and medical appointment. Then head to Tennessee.

1st plane ride

Brand New Carry On

We are staying at The White Swan Hotel. Talk about 5 star....tonight a lady came to the door and asked if she could turn down our bed. Then she put chocolate on the pillows. We are receiving the royal treatment here. Tonight, Jason went to the 7-11 to get some drinks and baby food. While he was in there, he was propositioned by a Chinese woman....lets just say, she was very interested in tall American man. He was so flustered when he got back...he forgot the baby food.

Sunset in Guangzhou

Tomorrow is a free day and we plan on doing some serious shopping. Guangzhou caters to adoptive families and there is so much here to buy. Emma Grace isn't walking yet, but we are getting some squeaky shoes for when she starts.

Love,

Jason, Denise & Emma Grace