'Tis the Season

Thankful for our Family

All I Want for Christmas...

His teeth just keep falling out (or rather being pulled out by his daddy).  It really makes me laugh when I ask what he had for lunch and Joey's reply is "skin off an apple" because he simply lacks the necessary teeth to eat the rest of the apple!  Poor baby!

A recap of December

Joey has been amazed at our Elf on a Shelf (Buddy).  Thankfully he finds Buddy creative and sneaky.  And even though Buddy occasionally gets into our things, Joey is anxious to find his hiding spot each morning.  Joey has struggled a bit with his Christmas wish list this year.  Not that he can't figure out what to add, but rather trying to fit it all on one list.  We've talked about the real reason for Christmas and tried to focus on giving to others as God has blessed us in abundance.  He's been concerned with providing food to those who are lacking.  Joey's been exciting to help raise money for Angel Tree children at his school.  On the other hand, there's just something about electronics that draws Joey in.  Fully.  With intense force.  

Samuel had his first preschool performance.  Since he never talks in class, we were anxious to see what he would do on stage.  I'm not sure a single word was mumbled, but he stood up there so proud.  He even mustered up the nerve to give his Daddy a proud thumbs up!  He has been thrilled at the idea of being home for a few weeks now that school is over for 2015.  I just hope it's still exciting in 2016 as Stella will be in the class across the hall from Samuel!  He is talking nonstop at home, even in his sleep.  Samuel is very concerned "Stella, you be my friend?"  He enjoys playing house and reminds me often that "it's just pretend".  

Stella is in the throws of boundary testing.  She is comfortable and confident.  She is just one of the Webb kids now.  It's amazing to think that in only 4 months she has gained the comfort and security to test rules and push back on some authority.  She's learning that we're here to stay and she will forever be a Webb!  We're working hard to help her learn what is "normal" and acceptable behavior both at home and while away from home.  Stella is very smart and "gets it".  She will begin preschool in January, which will be a gentle way to help her learn age appropriate social skills and how to behave in a group setting.  Her reaction to the idea of school falters depending on the day.  Over all, she seems excited to go to school, especially since both Brothers go to school too.  I'm confident that she will enjoy the structure and gain confidence in learning!   

Treasure Hunting

Thanks to the beautiful fall weather...in December, we enjoyed a stroll around the neighborhood.  I was suddenly reminded that it's highly unlikely that Stella has ever had the pleasure of a casual walk around the block.  She probably had never stopped to inspect the acorns and notice their colors or stuffed her bag full of red, yellow, and orange leaves.   She and Samuel both seemed to really enjoy the slow pace of "treasure hunting".  As you can see, Samuel also took time to lay in the leaves and roll around.  They both walked away with 2 lunch bags full of leaves, acorns, and dirt!  Simple pleasures.

It's Christmas Time
We've talked about Christmas.  We've talked about Jesus' birthday (or "birthday party" as Stella calls it).  We've seen Christmas lights and decorated our tree.  We've mentioned Santa and his elves.  Our elf Buddy has helped us remember to show God's love.  We have to use him for something beneficial instead of just a method to stretch our level of creativity.  Sweet Stella is probably mind-boggled at the idea of putting a tree inside our house.  

Decorating her own tree in her room

Stella seemed to be in favor of visiting with Santa until we actually got to the mall.  He was tall.  And his beard was intimidating.  She wanted him nowhere near her.  We managed to talk her into a picture with the Brothers safely guarding her from that big bearded man!

 Once we walked away from Santa, she was all smiles again!

'Til the Season to celebrate Jesus and all 

that His birth/life means for us!

And the Party Continues

Party On
Due to our lack of energy and focus a month after flying across an ocean, Joey's birthday celebration was "extended" into October when we could celebrate with many of his friends.  The park is still fun.  And pizza is always welcome.  So, he was well pleased!

Theme: Minecraft (of course)  
Piñata request: Enderdragon (I am not a professional piñata artist)  
Piñata Reality: TNT (a cube)
Party Conclusion: Fun and Successful

"I Not a Big Boy!  I Samuel!"
I'll admit I had been dreading the potty training process with this little cutie.  While he's adorable and extremely brilliant, he is a little (read: a lot) stubborn and hard-headed too.  We skipped the candy rewards and stickers as those were of no real interest to him.  We started with the big guns...Scooby Doo!  We visited the local library and stocked up on their collection of Scooby shows.  This kid has amazed us!  That might be an understatement, actually.  There have been some bumps in the road, but it's been waaaaaay easier than I had played out in my mind.  

Day 1: 1st Success

His first pair of cowboys boots, which 

he wears every. single. day.

(He learned the hard way that socks are necessary.)

Taking Our Monkeys to the Zoo

Somehow, feeding the birds still makes it to the top of their to-do list!

Trick Or Treat
Treats, please!  The scary music, the flickering jack-o-lanterns, the moving skeletons...those are all tricks.  And the Webb kids are not interested, although we can say that Stella is highly motivated by candy and will suppress her fears for a little taste of sugar.  I can only imagine how confused she has been with Halloween.  The lack of communication has probably only heightened the confusion.  Our little princess did figure out trick-or-treating rather quickly.  I had hung up a Sunday dress in the laundry room.  And every day she asked if it was for her.  She loves the dress!  So, we threw on a tiara and made her a princess.  

Heading out to Trick-Or-Treat

And 3 months with Stella in our family...

We're learning more and more about this little lady.  She has still never faltered at the acceptance of her new life.  Stella longs to please and is desperate to be included.  Her past deficit for attention is evident.  The boys serve as her motivation to try to new activities.  Stella's coordination has improved in time, but she refuses to let that hold her back.  We recently purchased a trampoline for the kiddos.  It has served as both energy-burner and coordination improvement.  Stella loves pink, princesses, playing baby dolls (with Samuel as the Daddy), and playdoh!  And she's still all smiles!

So This is What 2 Months Home is Like

Over the past month, we've had some special times...

Happy Birthday, Joey!

Joey turned 7 years old!  And since he's all about Minecraft, a Creeper cake was a must!

Big Brother is reading like a champ, spouting off addition problems, conquering spelling tests!  The past 7 years have flown by and this little guy isn't so little anymore.  Conversation with him is usually pretty enlightening and entertaining.  We strive to find some one-on-one time with him too.  Joey is a wonderful big brother, balance sibling irritation and helpfulness.  We are so crazy in love with this big boy!

The same weekend was also Alpaca Farm Days too.  Who knew?  What better way to celebrate that kind of weekend, but to visit a local alpaca farm that's just minutes from our house.  

They are so cute!  I want an alpaca!

Samuel's Adjustment
This little guy had been super excited about his upcoming preschool days until they arrived.  Four weeks into it and he was still in tears.  In an attempt to help Samuel's transition to preschool, a dear friend recommended we start a sticker chart.  Once Samuel has 5 stickers, we have given him the freedom to choose an "adventure".  His first chosen adventure was the Fort Worth Zoo.  Why have an ice cream date when you can talk to the monkeys?

Welcome to the Fort Worth Zoo, Webb kids!  This was Stella's 
first visit to the Fort Worth zoo, which was quite different 
than our visit to the Guangzhou zoo. 

What About Stella?
When she's not pilfering through someone else's things or testing boundaries (that's what boundaries are for after all), she's being a sweetie and striving to please.  Sister lurks around the kitchen when I'm preparing a meal, her little nose sniffing as I plate the food. She quickly let's be know (in Chinese) what food she does not like. I'm sorry, Sister, you will not survive on sausage and bacon alone. Surely Samuel has already explained that fun fact to you. Trust him. He tried. This momma highly encourages exploration of new foods. We're not offering chocolate covered bugs or Brussel sprouts covered with wood chips. It's just all new and different and maybe intimidating, but it's worth a try. You just might like it. Even after discovering how delicious shrimp, pineapple, and lima beans are she remains tight-lipped at the sight of anything new. We'll keep trying. After all, if she's waiting for someone to walk away from the stove top with a steamer basket loaded with dumplings, she'll be waiting awhile. Trust me. I would've definitely noticed such yumminess. 

My little lunch date

We've been rocking her at naps and bedtime. May seem a little strange when talking about an average 4 year old. Some say that reverting to typical toddler activities and behaviors may "reset" the brain. It can be a tad tricky to get those little legs coiled up in the rocking chair, but it has been good. She didn't initially relax and calm. There's more tapping on the chair arm, pushing against the side, and constant rambling than giving into her exhaustion.  It's good for cuddling though!

Stella "Adventure" Webb...that's hew new title!  This girl was Cautious Clara when we first visited the park.  And now?  The spider monkey have evolved.  After all, who can hold back when the Brothers are 20 feet in the air swinging from ropes and dangling from trees?  I've been shocked and amazed...all the while I look on with my palms sweating like a leaky faucet!  

If you're curious about her language as others have asked, we're all still learning.  She talks to us in Chinese daily.  With charades, we're figuring out communication.  I know I will be sad the day that she stops speaking Chinese though.  I love to hear her speak her native language.  We're gradually learning from each other.  The whole family has picked up a few Chinese words.  If I speak to Samuel in Chinese (meaning I use a word or 2), he tells me "I not a sister."  Chinese is not only for girls, silly boy!  Stella is willing to repeat words, letters, numbers.  They may be silly words the boys are rambling, but she repeats.  We still struggle to understand each other, but we try to at least acknowledge each other too.  She is quick to say "ok, Momma, ok".  It's pretty cute!  

Pumpkin Patch Pics

Happy 2 months a Webb girl, Stella!

A Month! Are You Kidding?

Has It Been A Month?  Already?
It feels like just yesterday we were scurrying to the hotel lobby to hop on a bus headed for the Civil Affairs office.  Maybe with all the stress and exhaustion, time has stood still, at least in my mind.  I feel like my brain is now functioning at around 90%, which is probably really just my "norm".  Since leaving my job at Cook's, I have managed to retain the basic knowledge of shapes, colors, and even the names of a few shows frequently shown on PBSKids.  If I've written or said anything to you that you might question, it could be that my fuzzy mind had taken over...or maybe it was just for fun!  

On a thankful note, your prayers have carried us.  Don't think they went unnoticed.  Your food has nourished us.  And your genuine interest in our transition has been a comfort during this exciting (and sometimes challenging) time.  Apart from scrambling a few eggs and slicing an apple or two,  I have not cooked a meal until this week.  Oh, did I mention that I "cooked" a few packages of Ramen noodles last week? Yep, this dietitian feeds her children Ramen "in moderation"...of course.  We've been taken care of by our God...through many of you!!!

I've walked in on more than 1 occasion to see 

these 2 looking through our family Bible together.  

A little sibling Bible study?

Samuel completed this project for school.  

Stella created it just for fun.

They both enjoyed it!

Revealing Herself
Stella noticed that Samuel gave me a quick kiss good-bye and then headed to his class.  Our super smart girl tried the same...except she didn't get to stay at preschool as she had hoped.  Bonding, little one, bonding is our goal right now.  She was noticeable upset with me, lingering behind me as we walked out and refusing to hold my hand all the while wearing a pouty face.  Poor girl.  Please pray for her heart.  It didn't appear that she had formed a strong bond with any of her caregivers, which has in turn made recognizing the role of a parent more difficult.  She seeks attention from strangers.  She just loves attention, like any other little one, except it's important that she recognize family first.  It could be crucial to her future attachment.  Stella's a great little girl.  She really is.  She's pretty obedient and kind-hearted and strives to help/please.   She is affectionate on occasion.  But, Stella longs to be in a room full of her peers because that's what her life was like until a month ago.  Spending a day with just 1 person and especially if that 1 person is an adult is probably so strange to her.  Many kids look forward to some one-on-one time with mommy/daddy, but it's so unfamiliar that she can't even grasp or appreciate it.  Yet.  

Dancing machines

Super Sisters
My mom and Aunt Lucy brought our furry girls home a little over a week ago.  It just didn't feel like home without hearing the tap-tap of puppy toenails on the tile!  Thankfully my mom and aunt were willing to stick around for the week while Russ was traveling for work.  They've managed to keep the house tidy while also refereeing at times and listening to my mommy struggles.  I knew I'd be lost without them.  They discovered Saturday morning that their car battery was dead.  I thought for a moment that I had won the lottery and they would be staying a bit longer.  Unfortunately (but fortunately for them) a car battery is easily replaced.  I begged them to stay.  They insisted that they must get back to my Dad and Uncle.  Bummer!

A Day at the Park 
With the "cold front" moving in, we couldn't miss the opportunity.  As we've observed Stella exploring the playground, we realize that she is no spider monkey (unlike Samuel).  Our girl is afraid of any equipment more than an inch off the ground.  And she lacks the confidence to explore equipment requiring balance.  Sweet Joey tried really hard to involve her and hold her hands to explore.  He was so good to encourage her and help her try new things.

Stella helping Daddy down the slide

Jumping from rock to rock

The real spider monkey

_______________________________

And here she is a month later....

Three Weeks In

What's It Been Like?
The past 3 weeks have flown by and seemingly stood still at times.  It's been a crazy gamut of emotions for all of us.  Personally, I feel like I'm coming out from under the heavy cloud of jet lag and complete exhaustion.  The kids seems to have endless energy and stamina.  "She fits in" doesn't even seem to touch the experience we've had with adding Stella to our family.  It's almost an understatement.  Again I'll say, she's that missing piece to our family that we didn't even know was missing.  It's hard to believe we've gone from this...

to this...

Stella wants so much to be independent in caring for herself (changing clothes, brushing teeth, going to the bathroom).  It's not like she had a choice in China.  We have been and still do to some degree insist on helping with simple daily tasks.  The purpose is to instill the security and comfort of being cared for by a parent.  It's strange to think we have to teach our 4 year old that, but sometimes it is part of adoption.  She still helps with Samuel.  She strives to keep Joey (pronounced Joe-Yeah...it's cute) in line.  Despite the language barrier, Stella does really well to communicate and understand the basic responsibilities of being a Webb kid.  

We're juggling new adventures and the lack of life experiences.  Whether it's her oblivion to the hot stove top or swiping random items from the counter to be promptly stored in her purse, it's just obvious that so much about Stella's new life is just that...new...uncharted territory.   Stella's comfort is growing though. Comfort with family. Comfort with rules and expectations. Some say that children are more likely to express themselves at home (both good and bad) because home is that safe place where love should be/is found without conditions.  Stella is starting to express herself more little by little.  Refusing to lie down for naps.  Refusing food.  Taking liberties with things off limit.  These are all positive steps as she learns and explores. 

We ventured out to church yesterday morning. Call us crazy.  It went very well. Thanks to our wonderful teachers, Stella will now be able to add a little Hebrew into her Chinese language. Stella was content to color throughout class or instruct me on what to color. Also there were donuts involved. She met a lot of new faces, some she was more cautious with than others. That was actually nice to see. Not that we want her to shy away from our friends who are pretty amazing, but it was nice to see that Stella was cautious of strangers. Often when children are starved for attention (unlike in families) in their early years, they tend to be  friendly with anyone and everyone in hopes of receiving that needed attention. Stella waved freely to all friendly faces from a distance. She gave a few high-5s too.  

Furry Friends
The furry girls arrived home Saturday with the help of my mom and aunt. Although we've talked  about Molly and Gracie for weeks now, nothing could've prepared a young girl for the overwhelming beauty of an 80 lb. dog. Or was it her monstrous size? Either way, Stella is cautious around Gracie, keeping at least 3 feet of distance between herself and the dog. That involves taking the looooooong way around the kitchen sometimes.  And Molly? Well, they were fast friends, according to Stella. Because Molly is 16+ years old, she sees mostly shadows and can hear very littke. She was greeted by a wildly waving tambourine and "Hi, Molly". Stella has been adamant that Molly be fed constantly - chips, cookies, pretzels, whatever Stella deems appropriate.  It's pretty cute when Stella says "Hi, Baby" to Molly because she hears me talk to Molly (yes, I talk to our dogs).  She just might be a big fan of dogs, much like her momma!

On Our Way to the New Norm
As we settle into our 2nd "real" week back home with school and laundry, my mom and aunt are here to help out while Russ is traveling a little for work.  Having the extra help (which is like having not 1, but 2 mommas visiting) is a welcome transition period to our new life.  Dear friends are still providing meals and that is HUGE!  We're figuring out the recipe for our new norm...slowly, but surely!  The secret ingredient: God's grace! Also, sleep is nice.

The Good, The Bad, and The Delirious

The Good, The Bad, and The Delirious

Miss Priss at LAX

She is such a ham!

The 3 Musketeers waiting to catch our last flight home

Stella babbles in Chinese.  Do we understand?  Nope.  I sure wish we could beyond water and go to the bathroom.  Unfortunately she has learned my technique of smiling and nodding confidently when answering questions.  What's funny is that with a little bit of charades, it actually appears that we do understand each other!  She knows the phrases thank you and more please.  She understands "good girl" and giving a high-5.  And the boys have taught her to give a thumbs up when she eats something she likes.  Overall, she seems easy going and a tad bit crazy.  I think the crazy part is just necessary for survival in our home.  She gets a little obnoxious at times, perhaps dealing with stress and the overwhelming environment.  I have to say that she's handling this new life with more grace than I could.  

Oh, Sleep, where are you?  Jet lag is rough.  I had forgotten just how rough.

As cute as our kids are, there have been an abundance of tears and emotions.  Grace and patience have been running thin, especially from me.  The nights are filled with tears and crying most often around 11pm, 12am, 1am, 2am, 3am, 4am and 5am.  Poor Stella is the most comfortable when she can either feel or see us at night.  I can hear her lean over the edge of the bed to make sure I'm still there.  She likes to hold hands too.  Unfortunately, lying on the edge of the bed leads to toppling onto the pillow or person below.  Ouch!  I've done a lot of shooshing and tooshy patting.  She does really well during the day with our family's activity, but nights are hardest.  For all of us.  Adding a child to a family can bring challenges in adjustment.  Jet lag is ugly.  Put the 2 together, and it's a sticky mess...for those of us who actually rely on sleep to think clearly and do the simplest of tasks, such as walk and talk.  

Samuel has taken to waking up during the night and then doing what he can to wake up Joey - kicking the wall, knocking on the bunk beds.  I even heard him calling Joey's name from the living room, where Samuel had been moved due to the previously mentioned activities.  Samuel and Jet Lag have formed a team...against the rest of us!  He starts preschool tomorrow, so the team just might be dissolved this week.  

Russ has been gracious to make a couple trips the grocery store, despite his zombie-like state.  And some wonderful friends are making sure we are fed.  If not for the gift of food and restaurant gift cards, I'm not sure our tummies would be fed.  Right now, I feel like I'm surviving on caffeine and air alone.  Russ has gone back to work and Joey has started 1st grade as of today.  The littles and I are home all day, simply because I fear that my driving skills at this point are less than adequate.  Surely a nap is in our near future!  

Her first sleep in her own bed

In case anyone missed: An Opportunity of a Lifetime

I don't think for a moment that God made a mistake.  I don't believe it was an accident for our children to be born in a foreign country to another family.  I am, however, grateful that although their first families faced hard decisions, our littles are not left to be alone forever.  We are allowed the opportunity to show them a family's love and in turn are given some of the sweetest (and sassiest) little gifts around.  One of Stella's friends from the orphanage is waiting for her forever family.  She is a beautiful 5 year old with the same blood disorder as Stella.  The director said her file will be ready shortly.  She urged us to help find this little one's family.  In fact, her paperwork had not been prepared earlier because they feared no family would come forward.  As they saw that Stella was chosen, the orphanage staff was more encouraged that her family could be found.  If you or anyone you know feel that a China adoption is in their near future, we'll be glad to share a picture and help to connect you/them with this little one's file.  There are families with love left to give.  And there are little ones all over the world waiting...

Joey's 1st Day of 1st Grade (after studying abroad for a week)

We couldn't be more proud of our first grader!

He was ready to get back to his friends this morning.

So Long. Farewell. 再见.

One More Sleep

Hard to believe that just one more sleep in China is all we have left.  The anticipation of going home is growing.  It seems that by the end of the 2 weeks, we are more comfortable with the city, the food, the traffic...and then it's time to go.  But we're thankful to be heading back to Texas where our kids can run around the backyard and can run free (read: loud and fast) in our home without the fear of what the apartment neighbors will think of them (or us)!  

Please (insert begging and whining here) pray for our travels.  The car sickness.  It is real.  I am in awe that I was able to meet my adoption secret pal live and in person here in China.  On top of that excitement, my secret pal gave us some kids' motion sickness meds.  Lisa is a special blessing!!!!  As you can imagine, 13 hours is a very ride when there's no escaping the nausea.  Also, please pray for the carseat introduction as well as the short drive to our home.  Thankfully we'll be leaving the wild swerving and random breaking (the kind that can toss you from your seat) in China.  The boys will be going to school and preschool this week too.   Jet lag is a bear, but we're going to fight it with all we have!  Stella still continues to do amazing!  God has left me in awe of her adjustment thus far!  Looking forward to showing our girl around her home and just doing the family thing.

_____________________________

An Opportunity of a Lifetime

I don't think for a moment that God made a mistake.  I don't believe it was an accident for our children to be born in a foreign country to another family.  I am, however, grateful that although their first families faced hard decisions, our littles are not left to be alone forever.  We are allowed the opportunity to show them a family's love and in turn are given some of the sweetest (and sassiest) little gifts around.  One of Stella's friends from the orphanage is waiting for her forever family.  She is a beautiful 5 year old with the same blood disorder as Stella.  The director said her file will be ready shortly.  She urged us to help find this little one's family.  In fact, her paperwork had not been prepared earlier because they feared no family would come forward.  As they saw that Stella was chosen, the orphanage staff was more encouraged that her family could be found.  If you or anyone you know feel that a China adoption is in their near future, we'll be glad to share a picture and help to connect you/them with this little one's file.  There are families with love left to give.  And there are little ones all over the world waiting...

                                _____________________________

A Few More China Moments

Shamian Island Adventures

Things You See in China...

A little relaxing in the garden

Look what Samuel found at the store!

Miss Priss on the way to the Consulate

"The Twins" have enjoyed bath time together!

She just might love baths more than he does.

We're homeward bound, y'all!