We are home!

Yes. We have been home since Wednesday evening but the past few days have been a little rough. Gord came down with a horrible cold (maybe sinus infection?) on Friday so he has been pretty much in bed since Friday mid afternoon. This has been a little rough on Eli because daddy isn't able to play with him. The two of them were such good "buddies" in China and now daddy is sick. Gord doesn't want to get Eli sick so he has been staying away from him as much as possible.

However, the older kids and Eli are doing great together! I think Eli loves having an older brother (and sisters too)! Each of the older kids received something very special from Eli. At the airport he was very shy to everyone but once we were in the van and heading home Eli gave Ryan the first smile and laugh (after 5 minutes of leaving the airport), he gave Stephanie the first hug, and he told Sarah "I love you" in Chinese!

He is such a giggle boy with the kids and he sure loves to have fun. I think he is learning about his place in the family too.

On Thursday he spotted a little photo album on the coffee table. He noticed right away that his picture was on the front of it. He opened it up and saw all of the pictures he had on himself and some of his friends. He started speaking in Chinese and pointed out different kids and it sounded like he was saying their names. Amy, he even said Sha Sha for your little girl and Angela, he said Chen Chen for your little boy! I can't wait for us to get our kids together on this side of the world! Ann, it was great seeing you and Kai (Eli) at the airport...I am sure that Zachary Eli will love to play with his old buddy too.

After looking at the pictures he went into my room with me and he had quite a temper tantrum. I think this was another part of his grieving his past. Then later, after a couple of hours, he was back looking at the photo album again and this time he made sure that I knew who his friends are that were in the orphanage. He seemed to be much more comfortable looking at the pictures the second time. In fact, it is still on the coffee table and once and awhile he will pick up the book and look.

Jet lag is the pits and I think I am finally over it today. It helps that Eli (I know...someday we'll call him Zachary) slept through the night last night!!

I will post some more details about our trip perhaps tomorrow. Soooo keep checking the blog and I'll have more pictures and posts about our trip to Zachary Eli!!

You all don't know how much your comments, love and prayers have meant to us. You have been such a source of encouragement and we so appreciate it!

Love,
Sue