~ Playtime ~

Rachel seems to get along with most of her siblings. She is quit taken with Caleb and Grace. She tolerates Jake and Hannah.

Me and Hope? Well, we are out of luck for now. Not sure why but she seems to not want us near.

I won't lie, it is extremely hard. And my emotions, they are taking a beating. It just takes time and with our girl Rach, maybe more time than usual.

We are also dealing with more than just the one specified special need, not a big deal just one more specialist or two to throw in the mix.

A smile for mama ~

~ Home ~

These pictures are not in the correct order but you get the idea. Right now Kerry and Rachel are both sleeping, we are hiding out in the cool basement playing and being quiet.

I thought that Rachel would be sort of used to me via skype but I was dead wrong. After being with two men for 15 days she wants nothing to do with woman. She will go to our sons but I hesitate to allow her to do that because I am the one she needs to bond with.

It's going to be a long road folks. I think I forgot just how hard it is to form that bond when only one parent travels. It is not easy and stressful. We will make it work, it will just take time.

Still hard to believe the little girl we both dreamed about for over a year is now home with her family.

~ Headed Home ~

It's gonna be a long flight people!!

~ Train to Hong Kong ~

This was not a pleasant experience for Kerry. The way there, sure, he didn't have a super active baby that wanted to get into EVERYTHING. It was rough folks and that's all I am gonna say about that.

And Delta? Well, they will be the last airline I ever use again....

I called last night to reconfirm Rachel's lap seat. (which I booked about a month ago with Kerry's for $191) They wouldn't let me pay over the phone and said it had to be paid for when you check in from Hong Kong.

They told me , yes it is confirmed but the price has gone up to $302. When I asked why she said well you have to pay their taxes in country.....

hmmm, isn't Hong Kong money less than ours, shouldn't it be cheaper then? Nope, I spent 45 minutes arguing with her to no avail. We will have to pay the higher price. Oh, and if that isn't fun enough, Kerry has a middle row seat and Scott is no where near him.

Sounds fun, right? Boy am I glad our family is complete. This new process has not been easy.

~ Keeping Busy ~

No new pictures of Rachel today. I was told she did not like the red couch photo session. She looked gorgeous in her yellow silk but when she was put on the couch screaming ensued.

Two more days and I will have her in my arms!! I can not wait. I am so thankful for Sykpe!! This morning I taught her to blow kisses!! She is so smart. After watching me just once, she repeated it!!

The other three kids an I have been keeping pretty busy while everyone in gone. Older brother is in Ohio, Big sister is at Church camp and that leave sme with the three youngest. It's been greta having only th three, sort of like a vacation!! Kerry says I better not get used to it because Rachel is like having six!! Always busy and always into something.

Honestly, I can't wait!!

SO, anyway, while they were gone, I have been doing all those things around the house that I never get to with five...

Like,

Making drapes for our huge 120" windows in the family room, making drapes for our 108" windowns in the living room, painting the downstairs bathroom, painting the basement hallway, making chair cushions and finishing up some clothes I have been sewing for Rachel.

It hasn't been all work, I have been trying to keep the kids busy, trips to the library, getting ice cream and today, since it is 105 outside at 10 am we are heading to the mall play area (with the millions of other parents)

Another Day In Guangzhou ~

The days are starting to blend together for them. Luckily there are four other families in Guangzhou with Wasatch. This is a first for us. With Hope we traveled alone and with Grace there was one other family.

Only two more days until they start the trek home. They

leave for Hong Kong via train on Friday afternoon and then fly to the states on Saturday morning.