Monday, May 20.

This morning the boys had their medical appointment. Everything went smoothly. If a child is over 2 they have to take a blood test for TB. This has changed since last year. When we brought Alyssa home it was the skin prick. You can not go back with them for the skin test. Our facilitator called it the magic room. Your child goes in happy and comes out sad. It wasn't too bad.

Afterwards we were dropped back at the hotel. Elvin, our facilitator, and I had to complete the paperwork for our Consulate Appointment on Thursday. It took about an hour.

Zachary was determined to find the Trust Mart/Walmart so off we went. It was rea pretty easy walk with only one turn. Not as big as the ones before but still very interesting.

After looking around awhile we headed to the checkout. When I went to pay my wallet was gone. I knew the last time I had seen it was in the van that morning. I remained calm but was very eager to get back to the hotel and look for it. Debi paid for my groceries and back to the room we went.

I soon discovered it was not in the room. I called Elvin and he said he would call the van service and the medical center. Within 5 minutes he called back and said the van driver found it. So very thankful! Now Elvin keeps joking with me about it.

In the evening we headed to the dinner cruise. Zachary and I went in 2007 but I couldn't remember much about it. There had been many thunderstorms in the afternoon so there weren't many people on the boat. Elvin said we had our own chartered boat. The food was good. I loved the dumpling soup! Been trying to get dumplings since we got here. The lights were beautiful! The boys and I didn't go on deck because it was wet and slippery. Zachary and Debi enjoyed taking photos.

A very full day here in Guangzhou. The boys and I went to bed soon after getting back to the room. It was past our bedtime. Normally we have been going to bed at 8:00. Last night it was past our bedtime, it was after 9:00.

I have taken over 1000 photos on my camera but I am still having problems keeping my computer connected to the VPN. So posts and photos are coming from my phone. Unfortunately the best photos are on my camera.

First photo is snacks at Walmart, second photo is the boys on the cruise, and the third photo is the buffet. Just added some of Zachary's photos. One is of the boys at the medical, one of the magic room aka TB room, and the rest from the cruise.

May 19 - the Gardens, Art and Crafts Mart, Misc.

So glad to start the day with my favorite breakfast at the Garden. It is the waffle with peanut butter sauce. I have been looking forward to it for weeks.

We met our guide and another family. It was nice spending the morning with them. We went to the ______ Gardens. Have to look up its name. What a neat place. The flowers were beautiful! It reminded me of It's a Small World. Nice place to walk around.

Let me mention now the heat. This is a given no matter what day it is or where we are. When you walk out of the hotel room it hits you in the face. After just a few minutes of walking you are drenched with sweat. I have decided it affects me more than others but nonetheless it is hot.

After the Gardens we went to the Arts and Crafts Market. Not what I expected. It was a large store with porcelain, jewelry, chops, silks, etc. It seemed expensive to me so I didn't buy anything. It did score points for air condition.

We fed the boys lunch in the room and let Zachary rest a little bit. He has been feeling bad on and off for a few days. When he was ready we hit the streets again.

Our plan was to walk around and go to Tekila's for dinner. Tekilas didn't happen do to a rainstorm and poor communication between Zach and us.

The boys loved the rain and getting wet. They thought it was so funny. We stopped by McDonalds to get a happy meal for the boys and the bakery to get us a meal.

When we got back to the room I asked my adoptive Facebook friends where the good cheap Chinese places were. Someone mentioned one right across the street. So out in the rain went again. Good noodles and the boys gobbled them up.

I already love these boys so much! With this being our 4th and 5th adoption I know sometimes it takes time once you meet them. I can say all my worries and concerns before travel were unnecessary. No matter what the boys medical problems may be we can conquer it together. I would already slay dragons for my boys. That is if I were to need to slay dragons. They are going to be a wonderful addition to our family! I am already picturing Alyssa saying "Jacob I tell Mom! Caleb I tell Mom! "

Saturday, May 18- Arriving in Guangzhou

We were picked up around 7:30 a,m. to head to the airport. When arriving at the airport boys actually walked a good ways. Zachary and I have been having to carry them everywhere.

It was not Caleb's day. He was unhappy for a good part of it. He screamed for half of the plane ride. It was 2 hours. Caleb is the tough one. He will fight to the end.

Jacob now appears to be the more calm and laid back one. He looks at you so sweet and innocent and your heart just melts.

Elvin greeted us at the airport. So glad to be in Guangzhou. As we exited the airport we were greeted by the heat. It seems to bother Zachary and I the most.

After checking in we head to McDonalds for our mid day meal. Once again real food never tasted so good. We looked around a little but Zachary and I were at a point where our backs couldn't take much more carrying of the boys. We stopped at 7 Eleven for waters and headed back to the hotel.

I let Zachary rest for about an hour and we told him we had to find strollers for tomorrow. I couldn't do it anymore. The hotel was out of the ones you can borrow.

Elvin told us about a new store Eon that just opened. So Debi, Zachary and I made the 7 minute walk. We were not coming back without strollers. It is a huge store that was very crowded, we found expensive but well worth it strollers and looked around a bit.

Zachary said it was getting dark and we needed to head back. We will go again soon to get some groceries.

We stopped at the bakery on the way back to get bread. I told Zachary he could pick out anything he wanted because he has been such a big help. He chose cheesecake. Back to the room for grits, peanut butter sandwiched, and cheesecake.

The biggest news of the day was the boys slept for the first time in the crib. It wasn't easy but they are now sound asleep. We gave them a choice of the bed or crib. The floor is just s dirty here and there isn't much floor space. Hopefully next time it will be easier.

Love the photo of my dynamic duo!

Free Day - Friday, May 17

Still wonder why we couldn't fly to Guangzhou today. We made the best of of it and went exploring. We went out twice and walked many miles.

First time out we went to breakfast and some stores. Zachary loves the little stores. We found cute little Mickey Mouse backpacks for the boys. We got them little cups too. They can't seem to use the cups I brought from home. After that we went to a park. Unfortunately we didn't see much of this park. Zachary I were exhausted at that point. The boys want to be carried all the time. Thank goodness for the two hip slings I made. At home Zachary said he wouldn't wear one. After 1 day of carrying a 34lb kid around he quickly changed his mind.

Came back to the room and fixed noodles for lunch. Caleb loves his noodles. Unsuccessfully we tried to get the boys to take a nap.

After a couple hours we decided to go out again. This time we went to the other park. Jacob fell asleep in the carrier. Zachary and Caleb went around trying out the different equipment. Zachary also brought the bubbles he bought the other day.

Jacob woke up but wasn't too in to playing so we started walking again. We passed a few neat shops where Debi and I made a purchase.

Back at the room we fixed grits and meat sticks for the boys' dinner. We just watched tv and played until bedtime.

Jacob in ways is now more willing to try new things when inside the room. Jacob will get up on the bed for a few minutes and will take off his shoes in the room. Caleb will not get on the bed and he still sleeps in his shoes.

We were told Jacob is the singer and Caleb is the dancer. We have seen both do both. They both love music!

I previously said that Jacob appeared to have more medical problems. I no longer believe that to be true. I think Jacob just shut down on us for a couple of days. Both boys mimic everything we say and talk all the time. They are going to pick up English very fast. Eating with utensils is a little more challenging but they manage to get the job done. Their walking is a little unstable but I can tell that is improving a little each day.

We are falling in love with them more and more every day. I feel bad the boys waited so long for a family but so thankful God chose us.

There are more photos of Caleb because Jacob was being held most of the time.

Maria's Big House of Hope

What can I say this place is amazing!! This was by far one of our best days yet.

We started the day by going to breakfast. No big surprise there. The boys did better. Whatever you do don't pull out the yogurt. It is rather thin and the boys have it all over them before we leave.

Our facilitator arrived at 9:00. We were expecting a different one, we were told we would be getting a new one. We didn't but that's okay.

After a two hour drive to Louyang we arrived at Maria's Big House of Hope. We were greeted by who else but Maria. She is a nurse there. I am assuming from the US but I don't think I asked.

Maria gave us the history of MBHOH. Then she gave us the tour. We were able to see all floors except the 2nd floor. These kids are so well taken care of. We went into many of the rooms and were able to talk to see the children. I would have loved to hug and hold each one of them. I couldn't because I was holding Jacob.

Today Maria was my angel. Just talking to her and spending the hour at MBHOH made the rest of our time here seem bearable.

If you are close definitely go visit. It is well worth the time. Be prepared you will want to do more after you go. The faces of these little ones will forever be embedded in my mind.

After our tour, Maria gave our facilitator directions to McDonalds and told her to order us big drinks with lots of ice. It was delicious. First real meal(except for breakfast) we have had all week. Zachary and I had double cheeseburgers and Debi had a filet of fish. The boys had chicken nuggets. The best part of the meal was my large Sprite with ice and I don't even like Sprite.

The facilitator said for us to meet her at 1:30. We were in a great shopping area so we took this time to explore. Zachary was very eager to go to the Nike and Adidas store. No deals but always interesting to look. Next we went to the mall. It was just neat looking around.

We are now on our way back to Zhengzhou. The boys including Zachary are fast asleep. What a great day! Today I could feel God's presence in the little things. Maria truly was a godsend! Just another reason to love Show Hope. Not only did they give my babies excellent care but they also were a beacon of light when I needed it most.

In the evening our travel service came by to deliver the boys' passports. Our work here is done. Why we have to stay until Saturday is beyond me. They also brought us a gift apologizing for our problems. It is 4 jars of cookies.

The boys are really starting to come out of their shell. Tonight they were laughing, giggling, and singing when trying to go to bed.

Had to throw in the squatty potty picture. A blog to China would not be complete without one. I didn't attempt to use it, a photo is good enough for me.0

Zachary's Blog

Forgot to share Zachary's blog. If you have a second please make a comment. He gets so excited about it.

china-tigerterritory.blogspot.com

Sorry I don't know how to make it a link from my phone.

Wednesday- Free Day

Jacob and Caleb woke up all smiles so I thought they had turned the corner. I was wrong. Jacob had a really rough morning.

We went exploring. After getting inaccurate directions in the hotel lobby we headed to the park. We soon figured out the directions were wrong and went our own way. Fortunately we still made it there.

Zachary and Caleb had fun when we arrived. Tried to get the boys to eat some ice cream but they weren't interested. Debi, Zachary, and I enjoyed the nutty buddy like ice cream instead.

Caleb appears to be the dominant twin. He is having a much easier time.
He can be very funny. His trick is he can blow his nose by holding his nose closed. Glad Zachary got to deal with that one. Caleb is our eater. He is more willing to try new things and eats a lot!

Jacob is having a much more difficult time. When he is upset he wants to be held and you have to be standing up. Which has been pretty much the whole time. Until last night we haven 't seen much of who he really is. I have a feeling he was more attached to his caregivers than Caleb.

Right before dinner Jacob's attitude started to change. He ate a lot for dinner and his playful side came out. We decided to give the boys a bath . Before the boys have been too upset. We were pleasantly surprised. They both loved it. Caleb was ready to get out first but they both had fun.

After their baths the boys really started opening up. They explored the room for the first time and were even venturing over to other room. They played with toys they had previously rejected. Caleb gave me a kiss on the check. They were playing with Aunt Debi too. She introduced a comb to them and they thought it was the best toy ever.

They still will only sleep on the floor. Jacob will let Zachary play with him on the bed until Caleb makes him get off. It will come with time.

I have no rants today. Just praising God for the glimpses of what is yet to come. These boys are going to bless our lives in more ways than we can possibly imagine.

If you wonder why I blog so much it is because I sleep very little when we are in China. Third time here and it has been the same every time. It also helps me process the day.

Have some great photos just can't get them on my IPhone to post. Still can't get the VPN to work on my computer.

Here are a few from my phone . You may wonder why Zachary is in a crib . He is trying to convince his brothers it is a cool place to be.