We are home!!!! I won't sugarcoat the flight experience from Hong Kong to Chicago. It was grueling. It was a combination of Planes Trains and Automobiles and the Amazing Race. International flights are tough enough for adults who understand the reason to undergo the rush to gates, squishing like sardines into small seats, and tolerating the length of the flight itself. But, for a two year old whose world has changed so drastically only 10 days earlier, there is no reasoning or understanding for this.
Tingting, in true form, was actually great for some of the flight. The problem was that when she is tired, she will cry and scream to fall asleep. This is just the way it is. However, on a 14 hour flight (even sitting near the back which helped to drone out the shreiking) with many well intentioned concerned fellow passengers, the shreiking turned heads and sent people running over to our seats. I was told she was teething, hungry, cold, or hot. I tried to explain that she was tired and trying to fall asleep, but promptly given biscuits or other food for Tingting. Tingting loved this, since she loves to eat and doesn't seem to feel fullness yet. I worried that she might explode. But again, my comments that she had already eaten two flight meals (mine and hers) and wasn't hungry weren't heeded. So, we spent alot of time walking the aisles, and standing in the back of the plane. Tingting slept for maybe an hour of the 14 hour flight. Katelyn travels so well, that she happily sat, played, and watched as I tried every trick I could to ease Tingting's flying experience.
It was great to finally arrive in Chicago where Tingting was finally recognized as a US citizen. As we went through security (which was a production in itself with Nana being tested for explosives since she was wearing her back support brace), Tingting fell alseep out of sheer exhaustion and slept until well after we arrived in Manchester. No movement could rouse her, only the cooler temperatures of New England.
And so we are home. And if I needed to do it all over again for her, I would.
Cindy

This afternoon Lianna Sarah Tingting will be an offical US citizen. We head to the US Consulate where everything will be completed and we can travel home. We've finished the last bit of shopping, and are packing up the bags. Somehow we've managed to fill the suitcases back up again, after having emptied them in Nanning.
Tonight we'll be onto Hong Kong by train for an overnight, and tomorrow we'll start the flights home. We'll be home soon!
Cindy

Our paperwork has been accepted by the US consulate today! The process is different than it was in 2002. The guide submits it and then we go as a group tomorrow for a group oath. It makes things easier! We will check out of the hotel tomorrow by 1:00, and wait until 2:30 to go to the Consulate. Then we are on to the long trek home. We'll be going by train to Hong Kong, overnight there, and fly to Chicago on Wednesday. We'll arrive in Manchester at 7:30pm on United flight 278.
Yesterday we stayed around Guangzhou rather than take any tours. It was nice to walk around and do some shopping. Both girls got a nice nap. Tingting didn't tantrum at all, except for her usual at bedtime.
We are feeling ready to get home and finish living out of suitcases.
Cindy

We had a great night last night. Both girls love the bath, and love bathing together. Katelyn is so sweet when playing with Tingting, gently washing her bath and doing funny things to make her laugh. Tingting went down to sleep much easier, and slept solidly last night. We had a thunderstorm which didn't even wake her (it woke the rest of us!). Best of all, when Tingting woke up, there were no more bug bites :)
We are skipping out on any sightseeing. We'd like to do a little shopping and give the girls a chance to play outside.
I've posted our first family photo, taken in Nanning.
Cindy

I've been trying to upload some photos and did manage to get a few here.
We had a pretty good flight from Nanning, with only one meltdown. Tingting seemed to like flying, just like her big sister. We got to the hotel around 10:00pm, and I thought we'd all sleep well. But, Tingting cried most of the night, and I couldn't figure out what was wrong. When she woke up in the morning, she had at least 40 bites on her (mosquito or mite), mostly around her head. I think I'd be crying too all night! She seems better today, and we've stripped her bed and asked for a different room to see if tonight is better. Wish us luck!
Cindy

Today, we head to Guangzhou for the final leg of the adoption paperwork before going home. I am feeling ready to get home now, but it always so hard to leave Guangxi. There is something so special about this place, unlike any other in the world. At first I think it was knowing that the people who gave Katelyn life are here, and that the people who loved and cared for her for her first 9 months of her life also live here. Now, it is knowing the same is for Tingting. I guess part of me will always live here too. This is sacred ground for my family, and my life will never be the same because of the gifts I was given here, my incredible daughters. It is why I cannot stop thinking about China from the moment I get up until I finally fall asleep at night. It is who I am now.
So, tonight at 6:30 we will board the plane for Guangzhou and I will pray for the chance to return to Guangxi again sometime soon.
Cindy

The pictures are here but I'm having a little difficulty figuring out how to get them uploaded. Others around the hotel are having the same trouble, so we'll see what we can figure out. I know everyone is anxiously awaiting photos!
Tingting and Katelyn are really having fun together. Tingting laughs so easily, and finds everything she does so hilarious. They like sleeping right next to each other, and Katelyn watches over her like a mother hen.
I was told a neat story on the day Tingting was delivered...just another red thread. Apparently at the hospital where she had her surgery, she had a nickname. It was Princess Ting Ting.
Cindy

For a little person, Tingting has quite the scream. It is really a shreik. Of course if it were happening at home, I could easily explain she was tired, hot, didn't like riding in her stroller, or whatever the reason was for her meltdown. But with my limited Mandarin, the only thing I can do is smile and try to get out of the public eye quickly, as Tingting throws herself backwards and begins to scream.
She is really happy most of the time. Especially when she is unconfined. If we need to get somewhere using the stroller or cab, she isn't as pleased. Sometimes she can be distracted, sometimes not. Given that she really can't understand what I am trying to explain, I am not surprised. Also, I was told she is strong willed, and her paperwork does seem to be accurate.
The photo store has not finished my 20 rolls of film yet, so no photos yet.
Cindy

Last night she grieved. I have to say that I am relieved that she did. There is no way that all of this doesn't impact a child. So, as we were getting ready for bed, I showed her the bottle and she shook her head "no". Then she cried, and screamed, and cried and screamed more. She swatted the bottle away. She fought sleep but finally gave in with a constant rubbing of her back. Then she slept the entire night again.
We are off to do some shopping this morning with our friends, and will visit Angel House (a school for children with special needs) later after naptime. We'll be picking up the photos too!
Cindy

Today, she is mine!!! We completed the adoption paperwork and it is official. She is Lianna Sarah Tingting Morrison.
She is the happiest child I have ever met. And I've met so many, many children, both biological and adopted. Even after eveything she has been through in her short little life, she smiles! She smiles constantly and has such a sweet voice. I keep thinking I must be dreaming all of this, and then I realize that no..I am really here in Guangxi with my two amazing daughters!!
Even better, she slept through the night last night. Of course I didn't. I woke up so many times to look at her and anticipated that she would be awake soon. But, we needed to wake her up this morning at 8:15, when she didn't even stir with all of the noise the rest of us were making. She is eating well, and repeating more and more things. My friends at PCCD will love to know that she imitates things immediately, both verbally and motorically. She has two word phrases in Mandarin which she uses spontaneously. Self feeding is another story! She just opens her mouth like a little sparrow. Good thing her mom is an OT. Although first I am going to enjoy feeding my sweet daughter and take in all I've missed with her.
We should have some photos uploaded tomorrow. Sent off 20 rolls of 35mm film to be developed and also uploaded to CD. With any luck, we'll figure out how to use these computers!
Cindy

She's here!!!! She's amazing!!! I am here with both of my girls!!
Tingting was brought down to Nanning at 3:30. Mr Huang entered the room and Katelyn went running to him for a hug and carry around. Several minutes later Tingting walked in with one of the nannies behind her. She had two little pigtails and was wearing a red traditional outfit. She climbed onto the little green rocking horse and gave us a few small smiles. She liked trying to pop the bubbles that big sister blew for her. We stayed for about 10 minutes before it was time to leave. She fussed briefly when she saw her nanny again and we were saying goodbye, but could be quickly distracted by holding her own bubble tumbler. We went down the hall into the elevator and she imitated blowing to me, and giggled a little. She travelled pretty well in the van, getting only a little fussy, but easily distracted this time with some kix.
She is now playing happily with some blocks and nesting cups. She's had her yogurt drink and some cheerios. She has said some Chinese words to us including xiao xin (be careful) and duo (more). I'm sure she's saying more things that I don't know! Her Chinese is much better than mine. She's also already imitated Thank you!
I can't believe that this sweet little girl is now with me! Just a year ago we held her when she was so weak, and now she is happily playing in the room, very focused with the toys she has. We are preparing for a rough night of sleep, as the SWI staff continue to state she has a hard time sleeping. But for now, we are together as three here in China! Amazing!!!
Cindy

It is the moon festival tonight in China and we are here in the special area where both of my girls were born. The feelings around that are a bit indescribable.
We spent the past few days in Hechi, Desheng, and Yizhou. Both Katelyn and Lianna were born and found in Desheng. A piece of my heart is always here, even when we are home.
Today we met the two oldest girls of the SWI and were permitted to spend the day with them. The assistant director and two other SWI staff came as well. It was amazing to watch Katelyn with her two older Desheng sisters, who have smiles which can melt even the hardest of hearts. We were able to take them to a zhuang show (the area of China where Katelyn and Lianna are from is very heavily ethnic minority and Zhuang) and on a river boat cruise. We were taken to lunch by the director of the SWI, and had wonderful conversations together about children with special needs. I am very slowly gaining more insight into the procedures here. We then were able to take the two girls out shopping for some of the things they need. Our hearts broke as they spoke of how they are ostracized for being orphans, espcially at school. They are also old enough to be so aware of it all.
The past few days have been a whirlwind, without time or ability to get onto the internet. When we head to Nanning on Sunday, we'll have computers in our room so writing will be easier...although chasing a very active "strong willed" (as I learned today from two of the SWI staff) may keep me busy too!
Two more days to Lianna Tingting. Tonight, we'll say a special prayer for their birthfamilies as we look at the full autumn moon in China.
Cindy

Our bags are packed, and just about at the weight limit. Ok, well a tiny bit over, but hopefully they won't notice in China! We each have one checked bag and a carry on bag. I actually have two carry on bags, but one is a diaper bag so I think that I can have that along with my rolling pilot's bag. There isn't an inch of unused space. Everything has been packed and repacked to get it just right.
A week from now Lianna Tingting will be with us. It will be Monday morning October 9th and we'll be heading to civil affairs to complete the adoption procedures for the province. Amazing!
Thank you everyone for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. We'll write from China!