Yes, we are home!!!!!
Sorry it took a couple of days to let you know we arrived safely. It has been quite an adjustment to the new time zone.
The plane rides went very smoothly. Anthony IV slept for about 6.5 hours on the floor and Amanda slept about 6 hours on my lap. (Traci's) There was family waiting for us as we got out of customs. Anthony IV was so excited to see his cousin Aeneas. They chased each other around until we left the airport.
Upon arriving home, we found our grass cut—thanks Dad, welcome signs and balloons on the front grass—thanks Mom, we found 2 fun posters with more balloons—thanks Newbys, there were roses, and food in the fridge. It was a very nice welcome home.
The first night was kind of funny. We all went to bed exhausted around 8:00 at night. The kids got up around 2:00ish am. Anthony IV was very upset that he couldn't go outside and play on his swingset. We had to open up the blinds and show him that it was still night time. He response to it was “but I still want to play”. This happened 3 nights in a row.
We are slowly making it back to this time zone. The kids woke up today around 7:30 am and 8:15 am so I think they are getting there. We will know we are there when Amanda sleeps through the night like she was doing in China. The lead feeling all over our bodies is slowly disappearing.
Now for some other updates:
My friend Kate who posted a comment on the blog about no baby yet, is going to be induced this Thursday. She is very excited to have Baby George delivered.
Amanda is doing good here and is adjusting beautifully. We are transitioning to US formula and are trying different table foods. She really just likes Cherrios the most so far, but is taking some diluted warmed up apple juice occassionally too. Anthony IVcontinues to make her laugh and she smiles when he enters the room. She has met some family and is warming up to them a little at a time. She definitely knows I am the mama and thinks dad is a fun person to play with.
Anthony IV is doing better. I think the trip to China was about 4-5 days too long for him. He has eaten PB and J sandwiches, Little Ceasers Pizza, played with Aeneas, and swung on his swing set so life is good for him. He is excited about going to church this Sunday so I think his routine is back to his liking. He does talk about his friend Jack that he played with everyday in Lanzhou, Gansu, China and would like to play with him again.
Anthony III is adjusting to the time zone too. It was rough day on Tuesday for both of us, but we both feel so much better today we think we might be over the rough part. He will do a little work on Thursday and on Saturday to ease him into full time working next week.
Thanks so much for all your prayers during our trip. We know people back home were praying for us since things went so well. Thanks also for the meals and the clean house we came home too. That was a blessing. We look forward to introducing Amanda to y'll. She really has a playful personality and a beautiful smile.
