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2.21.2010

Family Quarantine

After coloring it was time to prepare our gourmet Ramen noodles lunch.  Darcy was on a hunger strike at that point and I was concerned that we were going to have a problem on our hands with her not eating.  She didn't want noodles, chips, or even cookies.  Thankfully she did toss back half a bottle of water, so Ian and I were at least not too concerned about her becoming dehydrated.

As it turns out she is pretty much potty trained, and willingly let me help her get on the potty.  Then it was nap time.  I was amazed that she willingly let me take her coat off of her.  I was fully prepared for that to be a battle.  However, she became obviously distressed about laying down, so I laid down beside her on the edge of the bed (Kylie was on the other side and then Caleb) and thankfully my presence brought about some peace for her.  I thought that she was asleep after about five minutes, so I got up and started toward my computer, but as it turned out, she was still awake.  She never cried, but there were a few controlled whimpers and I decided that comforting my sweet girl was more important than recording my memories, so I took her over to my and Ian's bed (the MOST comfortable bed I've ever slept in while in China ~ it actually may be more comfortable than my own at home.  The kids bed is a rock though) and snuggled down beside her.  And slept for nearly two hours...

When I woke up Ian and I decided that we'd better get the kids up so that we had a better shot of them sleeping through the night.  We had just opened the curtains, turned on the lights, and cranked up the Olympics on TV (great to be here during the Olympics, we are guaranteed something to watch on TV nearly 24/7 and don't need subtitles!) when Savor stopped by to see how things were going and offer some helpful tips for ordering at the restaurant next door.  We took advantage of an extra person in the room to get a family picture.

 
None of the kids are smiling (think "nap interrupted"), but this will always be one of my favorite pictures, the first one as our family of FIVE!


Then I spent some time getting things in order for today and Ian started pulling out some of the new toys to entertain the kids.  I had a mini-bowling set that was a real hit.  I think that they spent about 30 minutes taking turns rolling the marble at the tiny pins.
 


Kylie decides to love on her new sister while Caleb rolls the bowling ball.

After that I broke out the dress-up clothes while Ian worked on his chances for "bravest Caucasian in Hangzhou" (course there aren't that many...) by going back to the restaurant we had eaten at the night before (that's a great story that deserves it's own post!) and ordering take out.  I was too busy helping Kylie and Darcy put on dresses, skirts and tops to ever get the camera out, but man did they have fun.  (If you are coming to adopt a little girl, a gallon size Ziploc full of dress up clothes may be a hit!)  Caleb spent that time running his cars all over the beds, thankful that no other hands were trying to take his favorites for a little while.

Finally Ian made it back and we took a suitcase off the end table to enjoy our feast.  We had shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork dumplings, stir fried green beans, won ton soup, beef noodle soup, pot stickers, and three servings of rice and it cost about $12.  All of what we had was delicious!  And an answer to prayer, Darcy consumed nearly half of the beef noodle soup on her own along with several won tons and a large helping of green beans.  Thanks to Savor's tips we had a much better experience ordering than the previous night... (I promise I'll get that story up sometime, it rivals the Mr. Xie experience from Caleb's trip!)

 
Nothing promotes family bonding like one tiny table and no community food containers! 
One thing about noodles and rice is that they make a mess, both on the table and on the kids!  You know it is bad when Kylie actually requests to take a bath...  Ian and I decided to try our regular set-up of him bathing the kids, with the thought that I'd step in if Darcy was upset.  I did help her undress (again was surprised that she didn't really protest) and by that time her brother and sister were already splashing in the tub and she happily joined them.  I have to selfishly admit that I'm relieved that I'll continue to have my 30 minutes of Kristi time during baths each night while Ian gets some play time with all three.  Kylie did ask about Darcy's Mongolian spots on her back, but when Ian explained that was just the way God made Darcy, she replied, "Oh.  Well, I think it is pretty cool.  Why don't I have a Mongolian spot?  Cause God didn't make me that way?"  Love that kid, I think she is going to be a great "sister bear" to her mei mei!

  
Wonder how long he's gonna be able to do that?



I wasn't sure if Darcy would let me put her in pajamas, but when she saw that I had a set for her that matched Kylie's, she couldn't wait to get in them.  It is interesting that she is nearly as tall as Kylie, yet she can comfortably wear Carter's 3T pajamas, and Kylie needs the 4T.  She is built just like Kylie, long and lean.
 


My little man, still the self proclaimed "star" of the show. 
After a bit more Olympics and some serious snuggle time, it was time for bed.  Darcy again became distressed when we started turning out the lights, but she fell asleep rather quickly, along with her siblings, and I just sat and savored the moment of hearing them all deeply breathing in their symphony of sleep.  Before long both Darcy and Caleb had turned to face toward Kylie who was on her back in the middle.  I feared waking them up with the flash, so instead of a digital image, I'll have to rely on memory for the sweetness of the moment...


30 comments:

Ann Marie said...

Sounds like a wonderful first full day together. We will keep praying! Hugs,

AM

Carla Lewter said...

You thought of great items to bring with you. Love the picture in the post below, Darcy looks so happy. And you are doing a great job understanding and responding to Darcy's needs. What a great Mommy!!! And a beautiful family.

Pam said...

WOW! You all are doing GREAT! Love the photo with Ian and all 3 children wrapped in their towels! He's go some big arms, and I am thinking he's got room for more! Since you still are able to get "Kristi" time and all. I'm just sayin'!

Laurie said...

The pictures are just wonderful, Kristi. I really do believe having both kids with you has helped the bonding process tremendously. She can see you guys parenting and she knows it's a safe and happy place to be. I just love seeing them all together. And Ian holding all three- what a man! I can barely hold one these days! Go IAN!!

Anonymous said...

Oh my!!! It sound like things are going well! I am so happy! we are certainly praying. Kylie is going to be so good for her sister's confidence! It makes my heart smile!!! Can't wait to hear about the resturant experience!!! :)
Love you all
Aunt Cici and Uncle Adam

Jason said...

Leslie and I are addicted to your blog. If we aren't reading your posts and looking through your pictures, then we are talking, thinking and praying for you guys. We are very glad to hear that things appear to be going well. I must say that you have done a fantastic job being prepared with all that you packed. Those are some lucky kids!

Can't wait to hear about Ian and the restaurant.

Love -- Jason and Leslie

Rachelle said...

Sounds like y'all are enjoying your first few days together! Love to see the pics! Keep them coming! I remember dinners at small tables in the room like that... such a fun time of bonding.

Leslie said...

My first question after waking up is always asking Jason, "Is there a new blog post yet??" I was delighted today that there were TWO! Score!

I'm so glad to hear that she's eating and it looks like she's really loving having a new sister & brother. And it's great that she's getting comfortable with you and Ian... bathing, snuggling, falling asleep... it's all just wonderful.

You are such great parents, and you are doing a fantastic job. Darcy is one very lucky girl. And you are one lucky mother to have your Darcy.

We love you!!

L

Melanie & David said...

Kristi - oh my gosh!
I am on the internet for the first time since being in Beijing - and now it's the night before we leave for the US. I have been dying to check your blog and now I see the reason why! Instead of catching up on my own behind blog I have been reading your blog for the last hour - when I opened your blog and saw that you already had Darcy I just could not believe it - I thought you would be getting her on Monday - I am so out of the loop. Darcy is beautiful and I have loved the photos - she already seemes so integrated. The photo of all three in Ian's arms is priceless! Wow - Kylie and Caleb are doing so well with their new sister. The family of five photo is fantastic - such a beautiful family. Can't wait to here the story that could compare with the Mr. Xiu story. I just am speechless with happiness for you all and am sorry to have not been on the internet and congratulating you sooner - my two are sharing a bed (due to unbelievable crib failure at the Crowne Plaza) but in the same bed none the less. I'll be checking in again when we arrive home in the states. Love to all of you. Oh, and your girl does look tall and skinny - can't wait until they get to play with Indigo and Isaac.
Melanie

Heather said...

Oh my gosh ... I had so much fun reading this. AND those pictures oh my the pictures. Each one I kept thinking .. oh my goodness that is the cutest. That is until I got to the next one, ha! I am so glad things are going well - the big kids being there seem to be great for Darcy, what a sweet blessing for her. Can't wait to hear about Ian and the ordering ... I am curious. :) Can't wait to see and hear more my friend. May God continue to bless this trip, soften Darcy's precious heart and allow her to feel the love you have for her.

Lilly said...

so happy to hear that slowly but surely, Darcy is letting her guard down and getting to know the family God had planed for her. And big sister Kylie is such a sweet heart, loving on her newly sister (that photo wrapping her arms around Darcy is priceless) and assuring her that everything will be fine.

C.C. said...

I am loving watching your family of 5 start to bond so beautifully!!

Lisa said...

I'm so glad to see that God is answering our prayers and you are having a great day together. So wise in staying in!

Darcy is almost the exact size KayLi was when we adopted her. Withing weeks of being home, she was wearing 4T's and is now a comfortable 5T. She may be passing things down to Kylie soon :0)

I love that you will still be getting 30 minutes of Kristi time!!! It;s the only time I get all day too. Love it!

And I just gotta say....you all look GOOD together!!!!

Anonymous said...

Kylie is such a great big sister! How lucky for Darcy that she has Kylie and Caleb to welcome her to the family with open arms.

Grandma Shultz said...

Darcy eating, sleeping, allowing you to comfort her, her wanting to be dressed like Kylie, Kylie loving on her, Ian being able to bath all three - you've come a long way in one day. God is soooo good! Praise Him for putting the five of you together. I am such a proud Grandmother! Can't wait to give all of you a bug hug.
LaoLao

Angela said...

Such sweet moments you all are having in that little room! So glad things are going so well!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to the M family!! Reading your blogs makes my heart warm, ache, laugh, and thank God that Darcy now has a loving family. With Kylie and Caleb as siblings, she's going to learn things in no time. What a blessing. Be safe.
MPH...Laurie's mom

Annette said...

Oh, Kristi, I just loved reading your updates today. Your family is beautiful, and it's so wonderful to see Darcy with you guys. It sounds like the other kids are being so patient and loving with her...you are great parents! Continuing to pray for your bonding time. Nothing like the confines of a hotel room to force that ;-) We can't wait to meet her at one of the playgroups.
Annette, Daphne and Camden

Shannon said...

Hello gang!! Of course I along with everyone else have thouroughly enjoyed the latest pictures and stories of your first day together! I must say I am scratching my head at ALL you were able to pack and still meet all the weight restrictions on the flight!! I will need some packing training before we fly to Africa as you witnessed our packing blunders on our first trip to china! Just know I am most impressed! :)oh so good to see all the wonderful memories made on just your first day together as a fivesome! Love to All!
Shannon

Di said...

It sounds like things are working well! I hope that the family harmony continues! It's lovely to see and hear that all the kids are playing together!

Bekah said...

What a gorgeous family! Kristi, Darcy is beautiful! We are so happy for you guys and can't wait to meet her! We love you and are still praying!

Bekah

Bekah said...

By the way, Emily has one of those Mongolian Spots on her back as well...just above her little rear end!

Brad said...

These pictures and stories, well, they're beautiful. Can't wait to see the five of you all soon and meet Darcy for the first time.
Love you guys.
Still praying hard.
Brad

Anonymous said...

I absolutely adore the picture of Ian holding all three babies! Your family is simply amazing...

Jen Brayley

Sharon said...

Your becoming a pro at this...sounds like things are going pretty well....LOVE the picture of Ian holding all three of them after bathtime and of course your first family picture!!!

Vicki said...

Kristi, We are following and praying for you and your family. Everything sounds like it is going great! You will love Rebecca when you get to Guangzhou. She is the best! Enjoy those sweet moments and don't worry if you cannot get pictures or blog all of them. They are priceless. Love Vicki
Lily's mom
http://www.pomafamily.blogspot.com
http://www.pomafamily.com

Our Journey said...

Ian's arms are going to get quite "buff" with three to carry out of the bath!! What a GREAT day it looks like the 5 of you had.

Melissa said...

What wonderful pictures and what a great first family day together. I love your emotional writing, Kristi and what incredible moments you are capturing in pictures. And, Ian's smile also takes the cake in ALL of his picturs with the kids. Darcy is just so beautiful and I do LOVE the picture of you in the bed with your 2 girls and Caleb's hamming it up pose :) Thinking of you all of time!

Nancy said...

Oh Kristi, I SO enjoyed this post! I absolutely loved the photo of the the whole family and of Ian holding your toweled babies! The one of Kylie hugging Darcy when all three kids were playing is just precious! Still prayin' in PA!

Anonymous said...

Kristi and Ian,

What a blessing to see the family of five. To see Darcy and Ky siiting on your lap and Caleb being himself as the camera rolls. God Bless your family. Can't wait to meet Darcy.

Cheryl