Tuesday, December 11, 2012
FROM NEW JERSEY -
DAY 15 WITH OUR DAUGHTER

Sorry to leave everyone hanging -- it's been a little crazy since we arrived in New Jersey as we begin to try to adjust Mei-Li sleep schedule to EST and also begin preparations for Fel's Uncle Funeral events.

Before we left Guangzhou, we had breakfast with Naomi’s family. What a blessed morning. Check out the last picture we got of Naomi. She is sitting up in her high chair, eating breakfast and looking around to what’s going on. She did not have a negative response to us! The addition of the sunglasses was exactly what she needed to be able to see things around her with minimal irritation to her eyes. We exchanged information and prayed for safe travels prior to saying “goodbye”.

After breakfast, Michael took us the airport. We had no problems with traffic getting to the airport nor did we have any issues getting through security or immigration and to the gate. Once at the gate, we had about an hour before boarding. So, we feed Mei-Li and walked her around the airport gate area. She rode on the conveyer belt over and over again. She loved it.

After all the exercise, food and medicine (nose drops) we thought for sure Mei-Li would take a nap on the flight to Seoul – think again. She did not nap. She was cranky – The four hour flight took 5.5 hours as we circled the airport waiting for a landing slot. We could not seem to keep her occupied or entertained. This was a very long miserable flight for us --first time parents. We looked at each other and knew what each on was thinking without saying any words. What are we going to do for the next 14 hour flight?

We landed in Korea about the time our flight to New York was scheduled to board. We found ourselves running through the airport (like the scene in home alone) with lots of carry-on baggage and our daughter. What a new experience! I hope we never have that feeling again. We made it to gate in time to board our flight to USA! After boarding, we wound up sitting at the gate two hours waiting for a takeoff time. Apparently, airport congestion was the problem. Despite the first flight to Korea and the extra two hours, Mei-Li did an outstanding flyer! She played the entire two hours at the gate with the remote control, two plastic cups and stir sticks. Mei-Li only called the stewardess about five times :). Mei-Li slept about 8-9 hours and the rest of the time; we played and/or walked around the cabin. Mei-Li did not cry at all! Wow, what a difference from the first flight! Thank God! She did fine with her ears which was a big scare to us both was considering the cleft.

We finally landed in New York about 2100 (9pm) on 06 December and got through US immigration without any problems. Yes, we can confirm that Mei-Li is now a US citizen. :)

Nonna, Aunts Debbie and Cynthia, Uncles Dan and Nick, Cousins: Gabriella, Nicholas, Lexi, Brianna, and Arianna were there to meet us! What a welcome into the family. The cousins love their new cousin and spend over an hour playing together in the airport. What a beautiful time the kids had a getting to know each other. Mei-Li played with the kids, got a little scared, ran to Mommy then after regaining her confidence and resumed playing. Cousin Gabriella got a picture of Mei-Li first time seeing balloons (check out the picture). Unfortunately we did not get any pictures, as I missed placed the camera :( Thank God, for camera within the phones!

We got back to Mom’s house about 2am 07 December 2012. Sounds late, but keep in mind Mei-Li just slept 9.0 hours and it’s daytime in China. So, Mei-Li did not go to sleep until 0700.

The last three days have been a whirlwind of confusion and demanding schedules as we dealt with funeral arrangements, family get togethers, and sleep deprivation. So, over the past three days we have been unsuccessful in adjusting Mei-Li’s sleep schedule to EST. Up at 0200….ahhh!

Mei-Li is clingier now and we are concerned about a little twitch we started to notice the last couple of days. We have a pediatrician’s appointment for Wednesday and pray all is ok. Please keep her in prayer too.

We will post again on Wednesday after the doctor’s appointment.

“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the prosperity of your children.” ~Isaiah 54.13 NASB