Monday, July 12, 2010

We're Here....at Home!

I know all my friends and family that have followed our trip to China have probably been wondering about us. We're here at home and so glad to be! When we entered the US at Detroit, Michigan and the immigration guy said welcome home, boy was that music to our ears! We arrived home late Saturday afternoon and were met at the airport by Colt & Amber, Mama and Daddy, Richie, Missy, Kemper and Laci.

Grabbing jie jie's head and planting a kiss on her...


Helping jie jie blow up the raft....


We've been dealing with alot of things since we've been home....and alot of change. As a matter of fact, I'm doing this post right now with a certain jabbering and wiggly two year old little boy in my lap, munching on goldfish crackers with "ma". (Edited - just now finishing this post several days later while little Mr. is napping). Ma is what Luke calls me half the time since he has heard Joy calling me "mom". He has to know where I am at all times. However, he is letting Jason do alot more with him now. He is slowly coming around with Colt, my dad (Pop), and my mom (Grandmama).

First time he let Pop hold him....


Mr. Attitude...I'm sure he was getting ready to come out with something ornery...like "boo yah".


One of the biggest issues we've been dealing with is being so tired and the jet lag. The time difference has been hard as far as adjusting goes. I'm a woman that needs her sleep and haven't been getting much lately. I think jet lag hit Joy and me the hardest. We've been waking up alot during the night and I think Luke has been confused as well. He won't stay in his bed in his room all night. He's having some issues at night that I believe is his way of grieving....the time he wakes up and remembers. He's been in the bed with us. I'm not sure if this is a permanent thing or temporary, but I do know he was used to sleeping with his foster parents. (Edited - as I'm finishing this post, he's napping and cried for a shorter period of time...only 15 minutes). :)

Happy in the pool...


At Incredible Pizza at the virtual ride, "Jett Pack"....


In addition to this, Jason has been sick with whatever I had in China, and Luke still has some of his cold as well. We're trying to clear up the multiple insect bites that Joy received in China. We have no idea what they were but they have looked pretty nasty and some look like they were trying to get infected. They liked her best and she has quite a few and is very allergic. And she's having some stomach problems as well. We had to go to the Dr. for all of this. On top of that, we've also been dealing with a flea problem since we came home. Our cat never goes outside but somehow has got fleas and thus created a problem for us in the house. We tried taking care of it ourselves, but ended up having to call out a pest control and had to take the cat to the vet to have her treated. (Edited - the flea problem is much better....thank the Lord)!

Sun-kissed cheeks after swimming...


Guitar Hero....


SO....I guess you could say this past week hasn't really been all that pleasant. It's been a kind of tough week. Thankfully, Jason was off last week or I don't think I could have handled everything. My motto and thought getting me through all this is that "this too shall pass". I just hope its all very soon.

He loves being in the water...


All smiles with his jie jie....


Luke is a very loving little guy....full of kisses for all of us. He's still not secure enough to let me out of his sight for long though. Considering since we've had him for just a little over 2 weeks and he's been on 3 airplanes, a train, several bus and van rides and 3 different hotels and then home, I'm sure he's still not sure what's permanent and what's not. We've had a few problems with pinching and hitting, but that has gotten a little better too, He is very smart and is catching on to things so quickly that it amazes me. He has learned quite a few English words and he almost never forgets to say "thank you" when someone gives him something. And he says it in such a way that he's overwhelmed that you gave it to him...like with the emphasis on the thank. When we sit down to eat, he immediately bows his head and puts his hands together waiting for us to pray. He'll repeat the prayer after us if we ask him to. I think he thinks he should pray everytime we give him a different type of food and he's not satisfied until everyone has their head bowed and is praying. He does it so cute clasping his hands together so matter of factly and saying, "pray". He'll repeat just about any word we ask him to say. Let's see...he says oh yeah baby, no way dude, bye bye, I love you, baba-da-man, cat, please, shoe. ..probably not your normal first English words, but when you have 21 and 11 year old siblings, they kind of take advantage of this and are enjoying it very much! For a complete list, see Joy's blog! lol! :) His understanding of English is way beyond his ability to remember how to say the words. I've had him helping us do things around here and telling him what things are called as we do it. He's catching on amazingly quickly. He took me by surprise the other day when I asked him if he wanted the rest of his noddles....he shook his head no and said, "thow-em-way". That's throw them away. I had him helping me and was having him throw things away. We can really tell the foster family spent alot of time with him. But the flip side of them spending so much time with him....he's pretty demanding. We've kidded around and called him Little Emperor! :) Oh and he really is completely potty trained, even at night. That's been really nice.

Super Hero....


He's enjoying the pool and is pretty much fearless when it comes to the water. He puts his face in the water and will let Joy jump in the water with him and he goes under. He has been floating on his own in the water.

Taking it easy....


Our trip to China was wonderful and the people there were so good to us, but there is really no place like home and we're so glad to be back in the USA and settling in here at home and trying to find our new normal. Today has been much better. Hopefully, we're starting to find some kind of new routine that will work for us.

No fear....


Thanks for following our journey in China and thanks especially for the prayers and for continuing to keep us in your prayers! (The pictures throughout this post have been taken since we've been here at home). I'll try to get some videos for you soon!

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Blessings,
~ Tammy ~

47 comments:

Angela Griffin said...

I got your email and I enjoyed the post. Yes, I know what you're going through with the jet lag and adjusting to all the changes. I also found comfort in "This too shall pass." Things are so much better now at the 2-months-home marker. You will get there, and when you do, you'll actually be amazed at how fast it was!

Enjoy these first few days with Luke as much as you can. I'll keep y'all in my prayers.

Michele said...

OMGosh Tammy...he looks so happy! So glad you're all back home safe and sound! It will definitely take some getting used to for the whole family.

Big hugs!
Michele

Karen said...

Hi, Tammy, I'm so glad you are safely home and that it sounds like little Luke is doing well. He is a cutie. Enjoy!! :) Karen

Carmen S. said...

I'm sure there will be some period of adjustment for everyone, but my gosh he looks so happy:) Poor joy, I can see those awful bites on her, praying for a speedy end to them! Thanks for sharing your lil' boy with us Tammy!!!!

Audrey said...

What a beautiful site to see Luke HOME. God is good!!!

I hope your body adjusts soon and everyone is feeling 100%.

May God continue to Bless you
xox

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

Oh tammy, I have been praying for y'all and waiting to see this post that you are HOME!!!
He is absolutely adorable and from the way he is with "jie-jie" already knows how to charm the ladies!!!
I know God has an awesome plan for his life!!!

Kindra-At Home With K said...

I am so happy for you, Tammy and your family. Luke is just so precious. I have been thinking about you guys alot with the adoption journey and so glad that Luke is finally home.

Kimberly said...

Tammy, I am just sso happy for you and your family. There's nothing more to say!

To go with your 'this too shall pass', can I add 'where God guides, He provides'?

Hugs, Kimberly

Dawn said...

Oh Tammy, I'm so happy for you in your return home with your little man! I have been following your Journey Blog and couldn't figure out how to comment to it. But I would anxiously look for a new post and photos! Thank you for your numerous post and photos you did share. What an experience! I know things will slow down and you can all get aquainted with each other. I look forward to seeing many more fun pics. I just look at him and think what a lucky little boy he is to have fallen into the arms of your family as well as I know personally how lucky you are feeling to have him placed in your arms! Enjoy!!

Dawn said...

Oh Tammy, I'm so happy for you in your return home with your little man! I have been following your Journey Blog and couldn't figure out how to comment to it. But I would anxiously look for a new post and photos! Thank you for your numerous post and photos you did share. What an experience! I know things will slow down and you can all get aquainted with each other. I look forward to seeing many more fun pics. I just look at him and think what a lucky little boy he is to have fallen into the arms of your family as well as I know personally how lucky you are feeling to have him placed in your arms! Enjoy!!

Anne said...

Tammy,
Im sooo happy for you!! He is sooo cute...love his cheeks. Joy is a girl to be proud of, just the way she loves him is soo evident. God Bless her. It really looks like he is adjusting well, and is a very happy boy!! Is he big for his age?
Well, continued prayers for you all. Hope you recover from the trip soon.
God Bless
Anne

STITCHINPRIM said...

OH HOW PRECIOUS..I KNOW YOU ARE JUST FILLED WITH JOY AND PRIDE.. WHAT A PRECIOUS GIFT FROM GOD.. HE HAS SUCH A HAPPY SMILE .. I'M SURE THERE ARE OTHER TIMES.. BUT THAT IS JUST THE ADJUSTMENT.. THINK WHAT A DRASTIC CHANGE FOR LITTLE LUKE BUT HE SEEMS TO BE LOVING LIFE... SO THANK THE LORD FOR SUCH A PRECIOUS GIFT AND I KNOW YOU WILL LOVE HIM AS YOUR VERY OWN... WHICH HE IS NOW..
BLESSINGS,
MAURINE

Blessed Beyond said...

I'm so happy for yall! And will continue to pray for all of you, as you all still adjust and settle in to the new normal! He is a little cutie pie and looks like he is having a great time though! And his love for Joy really is evident! That's special!!!
Hugs and Prayers,

Mandie said...

How wonderful! I am so happy for you and your family. He is a darling little boy and very blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

I too have been thinking about you and how everyone was adjusting at home. It sounds like some typical adjustments are happening. I hope you all catch up on sleep and Jason and Luke feel much better.

How nice you have the pool for the kids to spend some time in while you find that new normal - I am sure distractions help pass the time. I hope each day gets a little easier as you all adjust and Luke comes to realize that this his is forever family and home.

Sending big hugs and lots of prayers!

Jody said...

He is such a beautiful child...love seeing those adorable pictures!

Alison said...

Tammy, I have been following your blog, as well as your journey. I am so happy for you that you are home with Luke!! He is an adorable little boy! Good luck getting "acquainted" at home. As you said, "this too shall pass".

Alison

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

Hey Tammy, I am so happy to see that he is adjusting so nicely and getting you all "trained"...lol..what a happy little kid..can't wait to hear more and glad to hear you are back safe and sound.:)

Shelley said...

I've been waiting for this post Tammy! He looks so beautiful and happy! And Joy looks to be a wonderful big sister! I hope things settle down soon and you get in a routine!
(P.S. If I'd known you were passing thru Detroit's airport, I would've run up there to meet ya! LOL!) I'm about 20 minutes from the airport there.

terrypi said...

Oh Tammy, I am so glad to see your post today. I have been checking everyday. It is so good to see pictures. Joy is such a great big sister. She is really beautiful. Luke looks happy. I'm sure it will take a little time to get a routine going again. Thanks so much for posting. I really enjoy your blog.

Wendi said...

I am so happy that you are home! It sounds like things are going pretty well. Jet lag was very hard on me when we came home. I was so tired that I walked around with a constant headache for days. I LOVED following your journey. It brought back so memories.

Our family said...

SO glad you found time to post. I enjoyed the pictures and hearing a little more about Luke! Welcome Home - oh and it will continue to get better and better!

FHCS said...

What a little cutie pie...Congratulations to your beautiful family!
Take Care,
Dee

Sharing Life and Love said...

Loved following your trip to Luke! So glad to see him so happy at home. He is a darling little boy :-)

I'm so happy for you all.

XO

Susannah said...

I have followed your journey to and from China. Your little boy, Luke, is just so adorable! He is finally all Yours...just the way it should be. May you all find time to rest and recuperate now that you are home.

God Bless.....

Susannah

Nicole said...

Tammy,
So glad you guy's had a wonderful trip! I could not leave any comments on your travel blog.
Luke is just beautiful! He looks like he has been with you forever!
Congrats again and welcome home!!!!!
Nicole

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

He looks very happy. The first weeks were extremely busy for Sara. Be thankful you have Joy. Mya speaks English just like an American and has for months. Sara had her tested as she starts preschool soon and the tester said she tested better than most American born children her age. Luke looks like an ornery little guy. Mya sure can have stubborn moments and can be really sassy. I stayed with the kids for a week while their parents went to Hawaii( yeah, I know--hardly seems fair.) The first 1 1/2 days she was a terror but then we started marking the calendar and talking about when Mom comes home, she did a real turn around and was delightful. She and I have always had a great relationship and I am proud to say we still do. I am looking forward to hearing and seeing much, much more about the daily goings on in your home. Congratulations, Tammy and WELCOME HOME!!!!! ★Linda★

arkie said...

Thank the Lord for all He has done! So glad you all made it home and are recuperating from such a trip! Luke is such a cute little guy! Enjoy your family blending time! We'll keep you all in our prayers!

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

Tammy, I'm so happy that Luke is finally home, along with the rest of you. I know this must be challenging for all of you, but what a huge blessing! God is so good! I know He has big plans for this little boy, and you & your family are a big part of it.
This will fall into place and get easier.
I'm not blogging much these days (too busy), but wanted to check in and was happy to see that y'all are home safe & sound.
I will continue to keep you all covered in prayer.
Take care!

•♦•©The Olde Weeping Cedar •♦• said...

I've been thinking about you all so much!!!
WELCOME HOME! :)
What a blessing............thanks so much for letting us share this with you and your fmaily, Tammy!! It makes my heart so happy to see you all together!!!!
Things will get easier and things will go smoother with each new day...All you need is Faith and each other...the rest will all just fall into place! :)

*WELCOME HOME LUKE....Welcome to YOUR FOREVER FAMILY!!*

((hugs))

At Home With Amy said...

Praise the Lord Tammy! You are home and everyone is doing well(with the exception of a few bumps along the way) It will get better with time. Things will be just as you want in no time at all. Luke and Joy look so loving together. I bet Joy just loves being the big sister.
Saying prayers for everyone. Lots of hugs coming your way too!
Blessings,
AMY

Carey's Farmhouse Kitchen said...

I was just wondering if I would see a post soon. Glad to hear you are home and I'm sure you life will be full of adjustments for awhile. Best of luck!

Carey

Sharon said...

Tammy. Let me just say welcome home.
I have been following your journey and it had some great photos.
I will continue to pray for you and your new blessed family.
Luke sure does look like a happy and cutie little boy.
I was so happy to see you had time to post as I have wondering about how things were going.
Hope that you all will be feeling well real soon.
Hugs

Marie said...

My motto too is "This too shall pass" and hope nothing comes worse!
He is a beautiful little boy and he is fortunate to have you all as his family. My prayers are with you!
Love,
Marie

The Farmers Oldest Daughter said...

Welcome home -

Your little boy looks so happy and in time he will be very secure there. So glad you returned home safely.

Thanks for sharing all of your moments with us through your journey.

Many blessings to you and your family.

Maxine

Sheila said...

I am filled with joy after reading your post. So glad you are all home safely and trying to get settled in. The pictures are all beautiful and he is such a handsome little boy. God has certainly blessed him with a wonderful family you can see it in his face that he is happy and healthy.
Continued blessings,
~Sheila

Kim said...

Tammy,
I am glad you guys are home. What a happy little boy you have!!! I have enjoyed reading about your journey in getting him. Can't wait to read about the rest of your journey with you new family member, what fun!
What blesses the Lord has given you.
God Bless you all,
Kim in OK

Sandy said...

Hi Tammy,

I hope you all will find some form of normalness at home. It sure is a big adjustment for him and your family. Eventually everything will just all fall into place.

He sounds like a very smart and happy little boy.

I look forward to reading more of your updates on your new family :)

Mandy said...

So great to see that you're home! I kept up with your journal while you were in China. It was very interesting!

I'm sure he'll adjust quickly!

Michelle said...

Welcome back with your sweet little one! I remember the jet lag, it was killer!

Blessings and don't hesitate to email if you have any questions about the transition with Luke.

Blessings!!!

Nancy M. said...

I'm so glad y'all had a safe trip and are home with Luke! He seems like such a special little boy!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hi Tammy...I've waited a long time for this post...the one after you got back with him. I LOVE THESE PICTURES. Love his sweet little smile. I was just thinking of your Christmas pictures...how wonderful it will be to take your family pictures. Last Christmas you were waiting and hoping...now you are navigating through unusual waters. But the great thing is everyone is on board the same ship....so to speak. So happy for you my sweet friend. So glad God has answered your hearts prayer and that we were privileged to watch the process! Give yourself a big hug from me and know I am soooo happy for you. No matter what the waters will be God will help you navigate successfully through them!
Blessings,
Debbie

Simple Home said...

All of the photos were wonderful. I can't wait to show the twins the photos of you at home. Luke is adorable. We're so happy for you and will continue to pray for your family as you continue to adjust to life together.
Blessings,
Marcia

Julie said...

Welcome Home!! What an amazing experience for all of you. I hope the little guy settles in soon and that you are SO blessed for giving him such a happy home. Have a super day. Julie

Elle Bee said...

So so so happy for you Tammy! The family looks so happy, so content...so meant-to-be!!! I'm so glad for all of you!

Melissa said...

I am so glad you finally found time for an update! I remember those first days home all too well...they were really rough for us! But it was much better each day and it sounds like the same is true for you all too.

Welcome home, Luke! You are now one of Sofie's "shows". :)

Jackie said...

Hi Tammy! I loved this post and catching up with you. I'm so happy for you all! Luke is a cutie!