Our first day home...

Pretty rough night, not unexpected, just rough. I remember how strange I felt on my first night in Beijing. The smells. the sights, the sounds, all of it was so weird and unnerving. Imagine how that must feel to a 3 year old. A tired one! Fu Mei did fine when either Julee or I were holding her. She made some good contact and progress with Al. He was thrilled that she could blow him kisses and say Baba to him. She giggled a little and checked out her room and Philly! But as soon as I put her down in her bed last night, she screamed. And it was that blood curdling screaming. Poor thing. And at first, I was no comfort for her. In fact, I caused this problem, so I was the enemy! But a few hours later, she finally just collapsed in her bed with me next to her. She had had enough. I slipped out at 342am to finally collapse in my OWN bed! Ahhhhh!! Sweet!

But at 630 this morning, more blood curdling screams. I didn't really know what to try so Albee said just bring her in to bed with us. She fell right back to sleep and we all slept til almost 11a! Tossed and turned but still some decent sleep for what we went through yesterday! Julee managed a really good night sleep too! Thank goodness!

Today, Fu Mei has been very happy. Albee made her pancakes, macs n cheese and fish sticks for some good old American foods on a Friday in Lent! I even ventured out to the weekly Chinese lessons that our FCC group goes to. I thought Fu Mei might like to see all the girls and hear some Chinese. She was pensive for most of it but toward the end, she got up and played. I am hoping these gatherings will bring her some relief and pleasure. It was so wonderful to see my friends there who have been following our journey for three years since we moved to HH! They were soo happy for us to be home and finally join them with our newest member! Fu Mei was pretty animated for them and turned on a little of her charm. I think they like her???!!!!

Then later, we had the pleasure of a home cooked meal by my friend Anne and her daughter Mary who was also adopted from China...almost 12 years ago. They have been so anxious for us to get home too. Thank you Anne and Mary for our yummy meal and homecoming!

And finally, my sweet mom got to meet our new daughter today! You probably know the joy of seeing your mom with your new child. It is really one of life's better moments. My mom was soo happy for us to be home safely; she knew how nervous I was about the trip. Fu Mei recognized my mom from her pictures but she just stared at my mom too. My mom is perfect in that she won't try to force Fu Mei to let her hold her. She will let Fu Mei come to her on her own terms. What a blessing my mom is. I loved seeing her feel the love of another grandchild. It has been a long time since she had a new grandchild but still the same sweetness. I am so happy my mom could see her finally. She has believed in our dream since the day I called her to tell her our news over 4 years ago! If only my precious dad could have been here today!