Playing in the rain!

I think I CAN do this!

okay- so although the transition with the princess is going well I have had my doubts as to whether or not I can parent 3 kids by myself for 6 months- (DH is away at a military school until Dec)

well, so far- 1 week into it I've dealt with 2 kids with a fever, grocery shopping, 3 different bedtime routines, baths, activities and 1 urgent care visit.......all children have eaten 3 meals EVERY day (me, well that is another story!)- I have not started drinking or seeking out the soccer mom with the "good stuff"......so far- I think we are going to make it.......no promises though!

She is a DREAM!

Wow! what a trip. We were upgraded on our trip over so that was a GREAT way to begin our journey. We had so many layovers and stops that it took a very long time to get to China- but once there we took it all in. Nanjing had so many beautiful places to visit and the Haagen Daaz right next to our hotel was a nice touch! Our daughter came to the Civil Affairs Office the morning of July 2- we got there early so we watched her van pull up and she walked right in- she got pretty nervous when she saw so many new people in there (there were 3 other families meeting their children that same day!) She cried a bit but would play with us as long as she sat in the (not hers) nanny's lap. She eventually went to us but was still a bit timid. By the end of the 1st day we had her in smiles- she napped for us, ate, pooped and slept through the night- and although we have our share of 2 year old temper tantrums (she turned 2 six days after we met her) she has transitioned well and is quite attached to us. My husband had to leave 2 days after we arrived in China so I did the rest of the trip by myself- by the time we left Nanjing she was giving me kisses, hugs and even calling me Mama! (ahhhh- are there sweeter words?)- We had a nice time in GZ- enjoyed the shopping- not the weather! (hot and HUMID....and don't forget, I live in Florida!)- I also enjoyed not feeling like my very own circus show- Nanjing was lovely but we definitely stood out- and yes, they LOVE to check out blue eyes!-
The shopping was amazing- in both places- and we saw a few instances of the split pants in action.........I thank God everyday that kids do not use our sidewalks in America as their personal toilets!
China was amazing- I so enjoyed the experience and I will be forever grateful for my precious beautiful perfect daughter- but I am glad to be home- I missed my boys, my bed and ice- and she is HOME!
The boys and the princess are getting along great- they play together and have found lots of ways to communicate....basically, Ms. E. has her brothers (and her parents!) wrapped around those tiny little fingers......
I won't bore you with any other details.....here are a few pics.