We made it

After a few delays because of weather we made it home last night. We flew into Green Bay at 7pm and were greeted by our boys and wonderful family. I actually got emotional. Maya hated her carseat but quickly fell asleep for the 1 hour long ride. It is good to be home. I will add some getting home pictures at some point and then the blogdog will hang up his typing fingers. I think I will be busy with 5 kids, a new puppy and a girl who wants my attention and tickly fingers all the time, and oh yeah I forgot the most important new change-Maya.

Thanks to everyone who helped out, it is good to be home.

Matt

We are off

We are just finishing packing, well Patti is. The computer will be packed next. We leave early tomorrow morning and will hopefully have a smooth trip home. We are excited to get home to see the boys and show Maya her new home. It has been an overwhelming but wonderful experience. Thanks to all for helping us out, sending nice comments or laughing at some of my bad jokes. This blogging stuff has been fun for me as well. No last minute pictures, the cord is packed deep. We will post some more pictures once we get home. Thanks again to everyone and hope to see y'all soon.

Love, the red blogger(matt), the mind boggler(Patti), the hot mamma(still Patti), and our sweet addition(Maya).

Coming to the end

We are almost done. We have 1 more official business activity to take care of tomorrow then it is the long journey home in 2 days. Yesterday Maya had her visa picture taken and then had a medical exam. The exam was quick and dirty, just how Patti likes it. Maya did very well. Today we spent time with a cousin of a colleague of mine. She was very sweet and took us on the underway. That is what she called the subway. I thought she said she was looking for underwear, which I thought was a little odd, but I was all for it. I was disappointed once i figured out what she really was saying. Anyway, it was a good experience. Im sure we have some more good pictures, but I am getting lazy. I am having fun playing with my girl and making her giggle when I tickle her belly-and I am having fun with Maya too.

I will try to put more pictures on before we leave, but no promises.

Red blogdog

Orphanage visit

We went to visit Maya's orphanage today. We also got to see where she was found. The orphanage staff was very welcoming. We were lucky that our guide Rui went with us and interpreted. The orphanage made us feel sad because of the other children there and even though it was a nice orphanage we feel even more that we made the right choice and "rescued" Maya. The orphanage staff took us out to lunch in Xinhui, a district in Jiangmen, the city where Maya is from. That was our last big step on this trip. Just a few formalities, and we will be home. We love you boys, and thanks to everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and comments.

Patti

Another day in paradise

Im slowly losing my blogging steam. Our days are pretty routine now. We visit someplace, maybe shop, eat and play with Maya. All is getting somewhat boring except playing with Maya. We have met a wonderful couple and because of them the trip continues to be fun. I recently remembered that I trained with a Chinese native while in Iowa City. He emailed me about a mutual patient a few days ago, and I told him we were in China. He set us up to hang with a family member of his in a few days. It will be nice to have a local show us around to avoid touristy areas. We will be visiting Maya's orphanage in 2 days. Just a few things to look forward to. We continue to enjoy getting to know Maya but also really miss our boys. I will put some more pictures of Maya on the blog as Im sure reading this is quite boring.

Poop happens

All is right in the world. She has pooped for the first time. We are proud parents. She is eating much better, but still hates anything other than formula. She has never been exposed to table foods. We tried a taste of banana this am and got a funny look. Today we went to a buddhist temple. She was part of a blessing ceremony. I took some blessing as well. I was able to make her belly laugh today as well.(I took off my shirt). She is becoming more talkative and her motor skills continue to improve daily. We are having a good time especially with our new friends, the Eisenbergs. The have a very sweet 1 year old as well. Hope everyone is doing well.

We love you boys.

Blog dog

Maya day 4

There are 2 new likes to add to the list. Her thumbs(for sucking) and her mother. Dad has not made the list yet. Patti is able to feed her better, and she also made her belly laugh today. I get the occasional smile.

Our days are pretty similar now. We go on a tour or take care of some official business and then some shopping is in order(yippie). We then head back to the hotel, take a nap then eat dinner, then pass out.

Maya report. More personality. Feeding better. No poop day 4. Stinky gas. Stinky feet.(Oh yeah that is me).

Matt report. The wear one wash one underwear trick is working well(at least for me, I dont have to smell me).

Miss everyone.