Welcome to our family website.

This blog, which began as a therapeutic outlet during the wait for our daughter's arrival, morphed into a place to share feelings, ask for support, and flip through a virtual 'brag book' of photos. NOW, as we embark on our second adoption trek, please join us as we plan, pray, and travel again to the other side of the world to be united with the next piece of our family puzzle.

Peace & Blessings...Beth & Ron (and Hope too)

Monday, June 9, 2008

June 9, 2007

Last year:

I said an emotional goodbye to Nanning today. I'm not really sure that I can explain how I was feeling, but I couldn't hold back tears. We were leaving Hope's home and I guess I felt some kind of obligation to feel sad on her behalf. I know it is odd. Our little girl has been so sad and scared, maybe some of it transferred to her Mom. I remember Betsy trying to comfort me as we got on the bus to head to the airport. Thanks for nurturing this new Mom and helping me to know that it was OK to feel excited about getting closer one step closer to home. And, for helping me remember that we can convey to Hope the beauty of this place and the people here. She will know China.
Bye Hannah

Hope and Anna Waiting for Our Flight

We've made it to Guangzhou. We all survivied our first airplane adventure together. Thank God it was only an hour. I don't know how we're going to make it home. Take-off and landing were no big deal. Keeping Hope entertained while confined is another story.
Hope was so happy to be put down when we got there!



We arrived at the White Swan at about 3:30 this afternoon. This is when Hope really opened up and played with Ron. Her laugh is amazing!
Here is the view from our room.



We went to dinner at Lucy's and had American food that was delicious. I never thought I'd be so happy to see a grilled cheese sandwich on the menu. Maybe I'll overcome this Cipro weight loss program I've been on.

After dinner we strolled a bit and shopped (FINALLY). :) Hope now has two pair of squeaky shoes, and we picked up some paintings for our house. We'll be very comfortable here this week.
Here is Hope sporting her new shoes and bag of chips the shop owner gave her (I don't think we ever opened them).


It is bedtime now, but I need to write the most important news...TODAY Hope got to know her Daddy! Over the past couple of days we've been blessed to see Hope's emerging personality. Each day brings amazing strides for our little girl.

2 days ago - high chair
yesterday - stroller
today - DADDY!!!

Here is proud Daddy with his little girl.
Ready to go to Lucy's - "Not sure if I should scream or...

...just give in."

WS Lobby

This is the group whose babies had a preference for their other parent. On the way to Lucy's all of them were holding their daughters! Couldn't pass up this opportunity for a photo!
Betsy & Anna - Ron & Hope - Debbie & Tayah

3 comments:

Tracy said...

Charlotte took 3-4 days to warm up to Adam, too. I am glad it was that way instead of the other way around - it would have broken my heart! I had a grilled cheese at Lucy's, too. I loved the food in China and did not get sick, but having a grilled cheese was nice, too.

Anonymous said...

Tooo cute I love those pictures ... this is more like the Hope I have seen now big smile and yes she has a very engaging laught lol....

Blessings
Angie

Anonymous said...

I'm enjoying looking back at your time in China. We were there at the same time but in Hunan and then the White Swan. It's amazing to watch these girls grow!