Monday, December 31, 2012
BLESSINGS FROM NEW JERSEY -
DAYS 25-35 WITH OUR DAUGHTER

It’s been 11 days since we posted last. Where has the time gone? It is even hard to remember all the events over the last 11 days. I can say that we spent one day in NY with Nonna at the doctors, one day with Nonna at the hospital, one day with Mei-Li at the doctors, three days preparing for Christmas, and two holiday parties. The last two days we spend in bed as Nonna, Fel and Mei-Li have come down with cold/flu like symptoms. We were scheduled to fly back to Germany on the 29th but changed the tickets that morning as everyone (but mommy) was sick and unable to fly. The only option with a direct fly was on the 2nd of January, so we took it. Thank God we were able to change the tickets with no additional charges. Nonna is extremely happy that we are staying through the New Year.

Below outlines some the highlights over the last 11 days

Thursday, 20th December Mei-Li stayed with Daddy at Aunt Cynthia’s house and played all day, while Mommy and Nona when into NY for her doctor’s appointment. Nonna got a brace for her back but appear to injury herself during the fitting. Mommy did find it interesting to note things in her coat pocket have changed since Mei-Li came. I had extra pair of Mei-Li’s socks, two hair bows, cheerios and Gerber Puffs (that all had been on the ground) and small toy. Pockets of a mommy with a two year old is very interesting and different, then what I’m used to. :)

Friday, 21st December 29, 2012 – Christmas preparation day.

Saturday 22nd December 2012 – Mei-Li US passport arrived in the mail! Hurrah, its official –Mei-Li Xiurong Procaccio is our daughter’s name.

Sunday 23rd December 2012 – The family all went to church together. After church, Daddy and Uncle Nick and Nick, Jr. when food shopping for items needed for Christmas eve dinner, while Aunt Deb and Wendy when Christmas shopping and Nonna, Mommy, Mei-Li, Lexi and Caitlin had lunch and went to Nonno grave site.

Monday 24th December 2012 – Christmas Eve Party at Uncle Nick/Aunt Deb house. We were up until 3am – Wow! It did not take Mei-Li long to figure out how to open Christmas presents.

Tuesday 25th December 2012 – Christmas Party at Aunt Cynthia’s house. All the cousins played nicely.

Wednesday 26th December 2012 – Mommy and Nonna spend all day at the hospital while daddy stayed with Mei-Li at Aunt Cynthia’s house. This was the first time Daddy had to change a poopy diaper. When Mommy arrived home, the diaper daddy put on had to be adjusted, it was about to fall off. Nonna’s pain from the injury on the 20th appears to be a muscle pull. While this is very painful and takes a long time to heal, we are thankful her heart, lungs and ribs are okay!

December 27th 2012, Mei-Li had her final doctor’s appointment. Her blood work was good but some of the immunization received in China did not “take”. Mei-Li wound up getting three boaster shots! In addition, Mei-Li failed her initial hearing test. While this is not a complete surprise as it can be a common problem with the clef palate; it pulls on our hearts. Please keep this in your prayers. We will follow up with a specialist once we return to Germany.

December 28th – We had a family gathering at Nonna’s house. All the girls went to the indoor pool. Mei-Li loves the pool, but get cold quickly. We only spend about 30 minutes in the pool but had a blast! Finally ended the evening with dinner and cousins picture with Nonna!

December 29th-30th Spend all day in house – in and out of bed – everyone sick but mommy!

Tomorrow we will probably spend one more day inside. I pray Fel’s fever will break so we can spend New Year ’s Day with family.

Mei-Li continues to play more, dance and show her stubborn side. She’s completely warmed up to Daddy and loves him. She knows what “no” means and pushes the limits to see if you are watching. She loves to dance with her little baby doll that plays music. She is a wonderful, easy going and loving little blessing! We are blessed and know that God specifically choice her as our daughter!

Oh, the last two nights, she has gone down for naps and bedtime without any crying and it only took 30 minutes! She also continues to love her bath time! Wow, it’s only been a month and we see a totally different little girl!

Pray for healing and our travels back to Germany! Happy New Year and see you in Germany!

“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.”
1 Samuel 1:27