One Month in America

We've been home for one month now, and Meili continues to blossom. She now lets her brother and sisters carry her around the house, which they love. Meili is simply a very happy little girl who loves to laugh and listen to herself make noises. She is discovering so many things for the first time and soaking it all in. The other day Scott said that if she were any happier we might think it was fake.
I was thinking about some of the changes that have taken place since we were in China. Meili had only received 3-4 bottles a day with rice cereal in them but had not eaten solid food to our knowledge. In China, she would drink her bottle in about 3-4 minutes and just cry when it was gone. I know she thought this would be it until the next bottle feeding. As we began to accompany each bottle with solid food, she gradually learned that the bottle was a supplement to a meal. Today, she hardly drinks much from her bottle and mainly eats solid food.
We are so thankful for the way she has transitioned into our family and accepted our love.

Gotcha Video

Here is some video from Gotcha day. A happy day for us, a sad day for Meili.

Hood River apples 10/08/2010

On Friday, we took a drive to Hood River and enjoyed breathtaking scenery and wonderful apples.

Meili loved the experience.

Meili seemed to love this form of travel.

Karis

Leanne

Elena had her own method of collecting apples.

Nathan and cousin Landon admire each others "braceless" smiles.

Our sister-in-law, Naomi with Landon, Luke and Kippling.

On Friday, 3 weeks after we first met Meili, she decided to walk for us. We were told that she walked at 14 months, but it often takes them time to come out of their shell and show you what they know. What will be next?

Sunday 10-03-2010

Meili has her first meal with her whole family. She loves corn on the cob. She reached for Scott's when were still in China.

She loved the hot tub, especially if she could sit all by herself. (and yes, it was turned down.)

On the way home from the airport, Nathan asked if we could adopt another girl.

Good-bye

Beautiful Saturday 10-02 & Some Airport Shots 9-30-2010

It was a beautiful Saturday in Oregon!

We took a trip to a farmer's market. It seemed a bit strange to not be stared at...




We also spent some time in the back yard. The girls made quite the spread for Meili's initiation to the lawn and rabbit and all.










Here are a few shots of our welcome home at the airport. Scott's family and the Haas' welcomed us back to Portland.








She looks a bit out of words meeting Nathan.
















It was an emotional meeting for Karis.

The newest US Citizen 09-29 through 10-01-2010

Before we leave the China Hotel - a little dessert.

Who can turn down chocolate mouse or cheesecake for under $2?

And a little dessert for Meili

On the road to Hong Kong (09-29-2010)

Look who is ready for 23 hours of traveling! (09-30-2010)

This is the moment that Meili touched US soil and became the newest US citizen. She looks like she knows it!

Here is Elena and Karis with Meili (10-01-2010, yes, it is merged - I didn't have one good picture that showed everyone.)