Home Sweet Home...

I cannot even begin to explain how totally thrilled we are to be home. I have been in a "zombie" like state for a few days, but we are starting to come out of the fog to reality. Things have been busy, busy or lazy, lazy around our house and this is the first time that I had the time and energy to post...sorry for those who have been checking daily for "coming home" pictures :-)

I woke up Friday, June 15th, around 4:00 am to start getting ready to leave and to make sure that everything was packed. I obsess about forgetting something important. I got up, got showered, did a final check and I fixed Anna a bottle and Rodney got her ready to leave. We left the hotel around 5:45 am and headed for the airport.

Anna was wide awake all the way to the airport and did so well. It was about a 45 minute drive and there was no fussing all the way. I had the same anxious anticipation feeling in the pit of my stomach as I did when we left for China. I didn't know what to expect, how Anna would react to the plane ride, nervous about everything going smoothly, and so excited to see my boys I was just beside myself.

We got out at the airport and began the "herding" process. We checked in our baggage and then went through customs and security. After going through security, I was the first one out and this man stopped me and said, "Honolulu?" I said, "no". He said, "yes, Northwest, Honolulu. Boarding, no time. Get on car, no time, boarding, no time." Unknown to me, we were on the connecting flight from Guangzhou to Honolulu with a stop in Tokyo.

Okay, I knew that we should have had an hour before leaving, but the screen was saying boarding and this guy was had such an urgency about him, we hopped on the car, waiting for Angela, Karen and Olivia and said, "Go." "Money," he said. We should have gotten off the car then, but we didn't. We paid him what he wanted. He zoomed us through the airport to our gate and we got off...only to sit on the plane for at least 30 minutes. He must have thought, "suckers!" I told Rodney when we were going through the airport that I thought we were getting ripped off, but he said it was well worth the money to not have to pack those bags.

I had Anna in the carrier and a backpack on my back. Poor Rodney looked like a beaten down, overloaded mule. He had a rather large duffel bag, a smaller carry on, the laptop bag and the camcorder/digital camera bag. I had all the bags totally stuffed and they weighed probably 2x more than when we were going to China. People would joke me about him carrying all the stuff...but I had Anna, what could I do??? ;-)

We boarded the first plane to Tokyo and had a seat between us. We were pretty packed in, even with the extra seat. It really made me dread the upcoming flight that was booked. I was trying to figure out how we could organize better...but small airplane seats, no foot room, a baby and a backpack...there was no solution. Anna loved to sit on my lap and look out the window of the plane. The flight from Guangzhou to Tokyo only took about 4 hours and she did awesome.

We got to Tokyo, bid farewell to our China traveling buddies as they boarded the plane for Detroit and we boarded for Minneapolis. Thankfully, we sat beside a really nice man, who was very understanding of our situation. He never huffed or puffed when one or both of us had to get up. Anna did well on the flight. Considering that she got up really early and we were shuffling her from "pillar to post", she acted like an experienced world traveler.

There were times that she got pretty fussy, but she was tired, I am sure her ears felt weird (mine did), and we were uncomfortable the majority of the flight. She slept probably 5 hours combined of the flight, which I think was pretty good. I was next to the window, so I had her the entire time, except for a few minutes here and there when I was trying to fix a bottle or get a diaper. At one point, she was really sleeping good, so we did lay her across our legs so she could stretch out and my arms could rest.

We hit some turbulence and I got some motion sickness. Thankfully Anna had fallen asleep and I could concentrate on trying not to throw up. I put the air directly on my face and focused on breathing in and out. I finally fell asleep for about 45 minutes and was better when I woke up. After about 11 hours we were finally in Minneapolis and the United States of America - Thank God!

We unboarded the plane and had to go through Immigration. Because Anna was not a citizen we had to go through the "non-resident" line, which was really short. We stepped up to the window and the CIS officer was super nice. He asked about our trip and then said, "so she has a cleft lip and palate?" I answered yes and he said, "so do I". After he said that, I could see his scar. So Anna was welcomed to the United States by someone with the exact same special need as herself. He congratulated us and wished Anna well.

We then had to claim our baggage, go through customs and re-check our bags. That was a site. I had Anna again in the carrier, the backpack, two wheeled suitcases and our paperwork, while Rodney had all the carry ons and two wheeled suitcases. We were anxious to get our stuff checked back in and Anna was wanting a bottle. Thankfully, they didn't give us any grief in customs or security and we made our way to the gate to wait for our FINAL FLIGHT!!!

Our first American meal, was nothing else, but McDonalds. I had a cheeseburger Happy Meal and Rodney had a Big Mac Meal. Anna ate her bottle and we had about 45 minutes before boarding, so I took Anna to the restroom to get her cleaned up and changed.

I am surprised someone didn't call security on me. She screamed from the moment I laid her on the changing table until I picked her back up...well, except for the moments that she was silent because she had to catch her breath from crying so hard. She hates hygiene! I just changed her diaper, washed her off from head to toe and then put on clean clothes. She was furious. But, she was clean and cute :-)

Finally, it was time to start our flight to Nashville. We boarded the plane, dreading yet another flight, but so ready to be home. Anna fell asleep on Rodney and slept the majority of the flight. I think the bathroom scene totally wiped her out. The flight lasted about 2 hours and we were finally at the Nashville Airport!!!

Biggest brother Carter

My niece Caroline, aka Superman

Big Brother Parker

Friend Heather, Sister-in-law Amy, Big Brother Jacob and my OLDER sister Stephanie

Rodney's parents, Ronald and Faye, my sister's husband, Rick, and their son, my nephew Jack

We grabbed our carry ons, walked off the plane, out of the gate and I was almost in tears. I knew that somewhere in this building my boys were waiting for me....well, Rodney and Anna too, but I was going to get to touch them and kiss them and hug them...I was seriously about to have a breakdown.

ALL the Boys waiting for our arrival. Carter, Jacob and Parker, along with cousin Jack and Harris.

I gathered myself and Rodney and I were in a sprint to get pass the security checkpoint where we knew they would be waiting. As we started rounding the corner, I could see my father-in-law standing. I told Rodney and he was jerking his head from side to side trying to see someone, all while we were speed walking. When we turned the final corner to the opening, Carter, Jacob and Parker come running towards us. There couldn't have been a more beautiful sight to come home to.

We hugged and kissed and laughed and they were totally enthralled with Anna. Parker looked like he had grown a foot and was talking in more structured, adult like sentences. Carter and Jacob were so sweet to us and to Anna. Anna, still in the front carrier, was kicking her legs and didn't act upset at all.

I don't like "spotlight" attention. I knew that we were being watched by many, many people, but I didn't care. I had the "ugly cry" face, felt really nasty, been traveling for over 22 hours and was thoroughly enjoying the uniting of my family.

We were then greeted by other family members. Anna was taking it all in. She would look up to make sure that I was still behind her, but she let people touch her and talk to her without one fuss. They helped us get our luggage, get it loaded and we were ready for our drive home.

My little brother, Jonathan, giving Anna kisses

It takes us about 1 hour to get home from the Nashville airport and Rodney and I were expecting the worst about putting Anna in a car seat. She screamed the whole time I was putting her in and fastening the buckle and harness. Carter and Jacob were begging to sit next to her, so I told Rodney, she is going to scream whoever sits by her, so we let them. She screamed until we pulled out of the parking space and then she was done. She looked around, played with a couple of toys and scratched at the material on the car seat. She whined a couple of times, but I turned around, rubbed her leg and she was fine again.

I sat next to Parker and we "snuggled" the majority of the way home. He was so sweet and I was enjoying every little kiss and giggle. Carter and Jacob were telling us how that they and Anna were bonding. After about 20 minutes in the car with them, I felt that maybe I had over-emphasized the "bonding" and "adjustment" process with them. If they said it once, they said it 30 times in every tense of the words. "Anna is bonding, Anna has bonded, We are bonding, I think she has already bonding, Anna is adjusting, I bet she has already adjusted....".

I prepped them for 'worst case scenario' and they picked up on all the lingo. I wanted them to understand before we left that she might not "like" any of us for a while, but how that we would have to be patient while she adjusted and it might take her a while to bond. Well, they ran with it. It was sweet, but they were talking like psychologist back there.

We get home, I walk inside and there were signs made by the kids everywhere. They had painted welcome home, welcome to the family, we love you...it was sweet. I walked Anna through the kitchen and then to the living room. I sat her in the floor and she walked around like she owned the place. She covered the living room exploring everything in sight. She wouldn't go to the kitchen by herself, but she would walk from the living room to her bedroom.

Parker making signs for Anna at his Nanny and Pa's house

We had some visitors that night that wanted to take a peek at Anna. She let them hold her and played in the floor with the boys. She acted content and didn't act scared at all. I thought that it might be a repeat of the first time in the hotel room with her being clingy and not wanting to be sat down, but it wasn't. She would come to Rodney or myself occasionally for us to pick her up, but then she wanted right back down to play. We were so thankful.

The boys would pack her around or hold her constantly if I would let them.

Anna with her Nanny, Rodney's mom

Anna with her Pa Ronald, Rodney's dad. Can you see the goatee on his chin that wasn't there until he learned that Anna loved Rodney's? Anna also loves her Pa's facial hair :-)

Aunt Shanda, Rodney's sister, totally thrilled that Anna fell asleep on her

She fell asleep around midnight. Rodney and I were still pretty wired, so we watched some tv and I fell asleep. We got up and went to bed. I got in the bed around 3:00 am and Anna woke up around 4:00 am. Parker apparently woke up crying, woke Anna up and it was on. Parker got in bed with Rodney and I got in Parker's bed with Anna.

Anna's first night in her bed

She sat up in the bed and would smack my face, play with her toes, pull my hair...she was awake! Finally around 5:30 she wanted down in the floor. I put her down and she laid down and went to sleep. I went to sleep and slept for about 2 hours before everyone else was up and ready to go.

I forced myself to stay up and do something productive. I got all our luggage unpacked, clothes washed and somehow managed to stay awake during a real bad sluggish stage. Around 3:00 pm, I was so tired, I couldn't focus on anything. But I got a second wind and was good for the remainder of the evening. We had some more visitors and Anna again surprised everyone. A family friend brought us dinner and it was awesome. I love roast, potatoes and carrots...love it. I had told Rodney while we were in China how that I couldn't wait for my favorite meal, well, I didn't have to wait long. I made myself sick. I ate way, way too much.

I lost about 10 lbs while in China. On my second plate of roast Rodney, the super sweet guy that he is, asked me if I left my Chinese figure in China and was going to pick back up my American figure since I was home. I guess I am :-)

Parker may be a big brother, but he is still a baby too. He is doing really good with the shift of attention the past couple of days. We make sure we take time to show him extra attention and make him even more rotten than he is now.

It is natural to want to be so gentle and easy with her, but she is a rough and tough player. She looks like a 6 month old baby, but plays like linebacker. People laugh and comment about how little she is and her walking around just looks funny. She will get so excited she will take off running and tumble to the floor and roll around squealing with excitement. She acts like she has been here forever. We are so thankful that she is adjusting so well. I know that it may still be a long road, but as for now, everything is 500 times better than I had expected.

Grandma and Pa meeting Anna for the first time. My parents were out of town until late Sunday night. They came over to meet Anna.

Anna fell asleep around 2:30 am Monday morning and we got up around 7:30 am. She was awake, but hadn't cried. She stayed up until around 1:00 pm, when I put her down for a nap and she slept for about 3 1/2 hours until I woke her up again. She played really good and went to sleep again a little after 9:00 pm. I am hoping that she will sleep tonight somewhat "normal", for central standard time that is :-)

Today I had my first real day with four kids solo. Rodney worked and I was home alone with the whole slew of kids. It went really well. The boys played good with Anna and she was content. I got to do a couple loads of laundry, cleaned up the kitchen, vacuumed and picked up the downstairs. I ran the vacuum and Anna wasn't scared at all. She followed me around watching me. She also ventured into the kitchen by herself. That was the first time she had done that. She is definitely getting more and more comfortable as time passes. She is so sweet and good.

I still have to do a reality check from time to time. It is hard to believe that she is really with us and we are really home. God continues to be so good to us in every aspect of this adoption. It is almost unreal how well she seems to be doing and is just a perfect addition to our family. The boys love her to pieces and all of our family is so thrilled that she is finally here.

Thankful for things getting back to a "new" normal and sending love from Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker and Anna

We Are Home...

We landed safely in Nashville around 5:27 pm. We were greeted by family members and friends. Anna did wonderful on the plane and believe it or not, she even rode in the car seat all the way home without much complaint.

She is asleep in her bed, in her room, in her house, in her state, in her country. She was so good meeting the family members and the boys. She has played, laughed and been very open to everyone at the airport and those that visited us tonight.

I will tell all the details later with "pictures" :-)

Happy to be home and sending love to all of you from Rodney, Marcy, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Anna.

Farewell China...

I am so happy to be posting this final entry from China. It is a 8:45 pm and we leave the hotel tomorrow morning at 5:45 am. Our bags are packed and we are ready to bring our daughter home!

Today we had an early lunch because we skipped breakfast. We ate at Lucy's, yet again. After lunch, we came back to the room and Anna took a very short nap. We had to wake her up as we were meeting the family that adopted from orphanage at the White Swan for a red couch picture at 2:00. We were also meeting our guide at 2:30 at the White Swan for a red couch picture of Olivia Mei and Anna Mei.

Micah, Olivia and Anna were just too cute in their traditional Chinese attire. Anna and Micah initially didn't want to be sitting on the couch, but it wasn't long before they were holding hands and loving on each other...it was so cute.

After all the pictures, we got on a huge bus and headed for the U.S. Consulate. There were several families going, so we all rode one of the White Swan buses there.

It amazes me every time we go somewhere in Guangzhou, just how big it really is. There are 9 million people living in Guangzhou, which I know is a lot, but we drove for at least 45 minutes and the buildings never stopped...the traffic didn't thin. And the buildings aren't little 2 story here, 1 story there...they are huge 20 stories +, one after another. And the traffic is 3, 4 lanes each way, bumper to bumper. Pretty amazing.

We arrive at the U.S.Consulate and go through the security protocol. We go in and have a seat and wait to be called to the window. Our guide gave us a copy of our passports to give to the officer when we approached the window. He looked at our copies and then our faces, initialed and we had a seat again. Finally, an immigration officer came out, explained the process when we arrive in the first U.S. city, and gave the immigration oath. YEAH!!! WE ARE DONE!!!!

We got back on the bus, rode to the White Swan, walked to our hotel and started packing. We are finished here in China and now can begin our long trek home.

We leave China at 8:20 am, arrive in Tokyo, then Minneapolis where Anna will become a U.S. Citizen. When the CIS officer opens her "brown envelope" she will automatically become a citizen. It is a really cool thing and is very exciting to me. Her becoming a citizen is one of "those moments" that I have so looked forward to. It is one of those "official" moments where her new life begins. After our MN stop, Nashville here we come!! It will take about 2 hours to fly to Nashville and then we will drive about 1 hour home.

It will be interesting to see how Anna does in a car seat...can you imagine? She can hardly do a high chair for 10 minutes. She has never been in a car seat. I am sure it will be an experience for all of us :-)

Rodney and I are so thankful that God has allowed us to experience this adoption journey. We are thankful that He has lead us to our daughter and He has brought us safely thus far and have the faith that He will take us home. We cannot express what this journey has been for us. It has been filled with excitement, anticipation, sadness, hurt, joy, happiness, worry, concern, and an unexplainable love and peace. We will never neglect to give thanks for this child and the journey that lead us to her.

Thank you all for sharing in our joy and the words of support, love and excitement for our family. We appreciate your prayers and ask that you continue to remember us as we begin our new Journey with Anna Mei. We will be taking Anna for medical consults regarding her palate and pray that God will give us wisdom in making decisions for Anna.

With our guide, Connie, on the "red couch"

Boys,

We are too excited right now! We will be getting on a plane headed for home in less than 12 hours. We hope that the flight goes by quickly and can't wait to see the 3 most beautiful boys in the whole wide world!!! I can't wait to hear random facts from Carter and his sarcastic charm. I can't wait to see Jacob and his cute little grin and uncontrollable laughter when Carter tells a silly joke. I can't wait to hold Parker and hear "I ummmm you!" We love you boys soooo much and will see you very soon!!!!!

Farewell from China and sending love to my Parker, Jacob and Carter.

Consulate Appointment...

Wednesday was our U.S. Consulate Appointment. Our guide had helped us fill out all our needed paperwork for the interview process and was going on our behalf. She asked that we remain in our rooms until she called to let us know that everything was okay.

We got up late, we are finally adjusting to the time now that it is time to leave, and I ran down for breakfast while Rodney stayed in the room with Anna. Then we switched. Around 11:15, Connie called and told us Congratulations, Anna passed the interview process and everything was fine. YEAH!!!

Our oath ceremony is Thursday at 4:00 at the U.S. Consulate. No cameras or camcorders can go inside, so unfortunately, no pictures to illustrate that experience.

We spent the remainder of the day pretty much in the room. It started raining, again! There has been really bad flooding in the Guangdong province. There have been many deaths in the province due to the rising flood waters. The Pearl River that runs around the island is much higher than when we arrived. It has rained about 3 or 4 times a day for the last 4 days. And when it rains, it rains.

We ordered in Papa John's pizza for a late lunch, early dinner while Anna was napping. It was sooo good. After I ate it, I got kind of sick on my stomach, but probably because I made such an enormous pig out of myself. The rain finally stopped around 6 pm and we went out to pick up somethings we had ordered.

While we were in the lobby exchanging some money, we ran into another couple that we have seen many times in the hotel before. They adopted a little girl who also has a repaired lip and cleft palate. We were talking about when we were going to leave. They are leaving on Friday night and told us their itinerary and what time they would be arriving in Nashville. I asked where they lived and they live in Goodlettsville! How crazy is that? Come to find out, the father's mother lives in the town that Rodney grew up and Rodney knows his mom. We only live about 35 miles from each other. What are the odds of meeting up with practical neighbors in China...some 8,000 miles from home? We exchanged contact info and hope to have a play date one day for their McKenna and our Anna.

Because of the rain, the shop was closed...I hope they are there on Thursday!!

We walked to the island's Starbucks...beautiful! I don't know why we hadn't been there before...it smelled just like home. We had a coffee and split a piece of their New York Cheesecake...and yes, it was REAL CHEESECAKE. While we were there, Angela and Olivia, Livi, came in too. We had a little chat session and it was fun to see them again. It has been great being with them here in China. Angela is a hoot and Livi is just a doll!

We then came back to the room to get some sleep before our FINAL FULL DAY IN CHINA! I am so excited. I have started putting things in our suitcases and cannot wait until we land in Nashville Friday night.

Boys,

I missed our talking today...we will have to catch up in the morning. We are so excited about coming home and seeing you all. Daddy is more exciting about coming home than opening day of deer season...you know he's excited!!! We love you all very very much and we only have 1 day left!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ready to wrap this trip up, bring our daughter home and sending love to my Parker, Jacob and Carter

My Orphanage Experience...

I told you all that I would tell you later of something that happened while at the orphanage. But, first, I needed to contact someone back in the states. I have and she is okay with me posting my story...

Some of you know that when we found and were matched with Anna, there were 2 other babies from her orphanage that were also matched with families with our same agency. We three talked a lot about our little ones and how much we longed to be united with them. Rodney and I were ready for our dossier submission and they were just getting started, so we knew the odds of us traveling together were very unlikely, but nonetheless, we had a connection...our babies were at the same orphanage.

We were on the agency yahoo group and then also the three of us joined the Foshan Nanhai yahoo group. We talked on the boards as well as personal e-mails. We had our little, Anna Mei, Annabelle and K.C. Our three Foshan babies. Anna and Annabelle were both cleft babies and K.C. had some vision problems. His mother wanted to get him home as soon as possible in order to have a successful corrective surgery.

When word came that CCAA was implementing the new regulations starting May 1, 2007, the rush to gather all the needed paperwork for those the regulations would affect was pressing. Julie, K.C.'s mother, was single. This would affect her. She worked and worked to get her paperwork together. She fought immigration to get the needed I-171. She contacted her Senator's office for help, she contacted newspapers, television stations, whoever she thought might could help her bring her baby home. She was a lioness and was victorious! She got her needed paperwork together and was elated to know that she would soon be sending in her dossier for little K.C.

One day, I got a horrible message from the other Foshan mom, Jeanne, Annabelle's mother. She told me that Julie had gotten word that the CCAA had pulled K.C.'s file and deemed him unadoptable. Even though she had already received pre-approval for him, she could no longer continue the adoption of him. As you might imagine, she was crushed. She loved this little guy, fought for him and now was told, "sorry."

I was devastated. Not only for my friend, but for this little boy. A home and a family that was so close, now taken away. There was no details on why or what had happened. So not only was she upset over not being allowed to adopt him, but also the worry and hurt of not knowing what was wrong or what had happened to him. Our adoption groups were saddened by the news and we all hurt for Julie and K.C.

Julie and I talked and I was so happy to hear that she had decided to move ahead and send in her dossier to China before the May 1st deadline. She knew that there were countless others that needed a home, but she would never stop loving her son, K.C.

When I received word that I would finally be traveling to China to pick up Anna, Julie asked if I would ask the orphanage director about him. I told Julie that I had already put him on my list and would let her know any information that they would share. With his file being pulled, I didn't know if they would share anything with me.

After our tour of the orphanage. I asked our guide if she would ask the director about him. I had his Chinese given name and his birth date. I explained to her the situation and how that his mother back in the US still loved him and wanted to know about his condition. The director agreed to tell me his current status.

She told me that one day he just sat down and wouldn't get back up. She said that they had to send him for a "brain scan" and it showed that something was wrong. She had to send that information to Beijing and they pulled the file. She said that they continue to do physical therapy with him and have plans of a surgery to see if it would improve his condition. She told me that she was sorry and to tell the mother that she was sorry.

Connie and I were talking about him, Annabelle and Anna when someone walked into the room. I turned around and said, "oh, K.C.!"

I couldn't believe it. They had brought K.C. in the office for me to see. I walked over to him and began to talk to him. I could tell that he had difficulty seeing me, but I knew he could. He would smile when I would talk and rub his legs and arms. After a few minutes, he began smiling when I would lift up my hand to come towards him, so I know he could see me.

The nanny that brought him in walked out of the room. I knew that this was a once in a lifetime, so I snatched him up, sat him in my lap and began to play with him and love on him. He would throw his little head back and just laugh. I don't know how many times I hugged and kissed on him, but I know it wasn't enough. I told him that he had a mother that loved him very much. That he had 2 big brothers that loved him. I told him that the hugs and kisses were from his Momma Julie...but I got a few in from Aunt Marcy too!

Seeing K.C. has made the biggest impact on me here in China. The other babies were so sweet and I felt so badly for them, not getting the one on one attention that every baby deserves, but there is a hope that one day they will. K.C., I don't know. But he deserves it too. I wonder how many times he has been told he was loved? I wonder when he will hear it again? I pray that God sends His angels to surround these children and whisper the love of the Father to them.

There are many things that I will cherish from my experiences here in China, but these few moments with K.C. and the pictures that I have to remind me are at the top of the list.

Sending love and hugs to my friend Julie in NY.

Getting Ready for the End...

It is so hard to believe that this journey is almost over and yet, it seems like it has lasted an eternity. We are finishing up our adoption proceedings here in China and we are so happy that we will soon be getting ready for home!

Our guide picked up Anna's passport, notary documents and medical examination translation. After getting everything together, she came to our room and helped us fill out our needed paperwork for the US Consulate Appointment today. Fortunately, we don't have to go to that. She goes and turns in our stuff for us and then she will call us when she gets out and let us know that everything was okay...crossing fingers :-)

We spent the majority of the day doing nothing. We didn't have to be anywhere until 5:30 pm, when Connie was coming to our room. It was pouring rain outside, so we never left the hotel. We totally skipped out on breakfast, which I wanted to anyway, but I wanted to go to Starbucks for a muffin. But, because of the rain, I got a granola bar and water...yum! Thank goodness I brought granola bars.

Rodney wanted Lucy's for lunch, but it was raining so hard, we opted for the Victory Restaurant. We decided to try a high chair again with Anna. We took 2 of her favorite toys and put them on the tray and then gradually got her into the chair. Much to our surprise...she sat there! It was the first meal that Rodney and I have had that we didn't have to pass her around like a little football.

Okay, you all know my thing with food. Well, we were so hungry and was limited to eating here, which was fine, because their fried rice is really good. So Rodney and I both shared an order of fries and then had fried rice. It tasted good and hit the spot, or at least close enough. So, I had this bright idea of ordering dessert. We were going to order two and split. I ordered the "Italy Cheese Cake"...thinking it would be cheesecake, and the "Banana Boat", which we were told was a banana with ice cream...cool, a banana split.

First, our Italy Cheese Cake came out. It was a pretty little heart shaped layered cake with long chocolate decorative sticks coming out of the side with chocolate and strawberry syrup drizzled on the plate. It was nothing like cheesecake, but it was good. It was like a whipped cream layer with a tiny little cake layer, then another layer of cream and cake. It had a hint of chocolate and vanilla flavors. It was good.

Out came this little boat dish with a split banana on each side with large triangular crisps coming from the center of the dessert and a little Chinese umbrella for decoration. There was a green, pink and purple ice cream. The green had a melon flavor, the pink was a strawberry like flavor and the purple, I have no idea, but know that I never want to taste it again. We asked the waitress what the purple flavor was and she told us it was Taro. We didn't know what that was, so she told us it was like a tomato, except it was grey...never, never again do I want to eat taro.

We were so proud of Anna and how well she did in the restaurant. A waitress there, who always talks to her, reached out for her and Anna went. She hadn't much more gotten in her arms, before she turned around reaching back for me. She is such a little sweetheart. She is playing with her toys more and more and is starting to love her babies.

She loves to play with her daddy. She will just laugh out loud when he starts coming at her. She seems happy and content to be with us. I am so thankful that she has done as well as she has.

Boys,

Only 2 more days, only 2 more days!!! We are so excited to be this close to home! We really dread the long flight home, but are ready for it so we can finally get to be back home with you all. Anna continues to do better and better everyday. I can just imagine you three playing with her. She loves being outside and I think she will like to swing. Her and Parker may have to fight for swing rights :-) Love you bunches and will talk to you soon!

Getting ready for our trip home and sending love to my Parker, Jacob and Carter.