WOW! Jet lag SUCKS monkey butt!

Have you missed me? Yeah, right! You just want to see pictures of the kids, I know, it’s okay, I’ve come to terms with it.

So, let me catch you up on the past few days. We arrived back in the U.S. on Friday and I can happily report I have a world-class traveler. Maddie slept in her bassinet on the long trip from Taiwan to LA and barely made a peep. We had to say good-bye to our dear friends, Jen, Addison and Grandma Lisa, who still had 9 more hours of travel ahead of them. We landed at home and my sister Heather, my niece and nephew, Halle and Caden, along with Samantha, Codi, Carter and Grandma and Papa Gregg were there to meet us. There were a lot of tears and hugs and smiles.

It is now Wednesday night and I’m still not completely back on U.S. time. Neither is John or Maddie. We still get up at night and want to sleep in the day, but it’s getting a little better. Grandma Helen has been here all week to help and the kids have been in school, so I’ve actually taken everyone’s advice, and I sleep when Maddie sleeps.

Sam, Codi and Carter just adore their little sister, as you can see from the pictures.

I knew Sam would be a great helper, but Codi has really surprised me and has turned out to be a great big brother. He is very attentive to his sister and always seems to know what she needs – usually her pacifier. Carter has also shocked me by not being too upset about losing his place as the baby. He is ready for our routine to be more normal though, and I think this next week things will start to calm down.

I’m tired but I love the phone calls, so please don’t be shy if you want to check in. I’m still a little apprehensive about taking Maddie out yet until we see the doctor and she can get a little over stimulated when too many people get in her face at one time, but otherwise she is a pretty easy going baby with a wonderful disposition. Holding her is very soothing to me.

Here’s something funny I haven’t shared with you yet. Guess who called while we were traveling to get Maddie? You’ll NEVER guess, so I’ll just tell you…our other adoption agency! After two years the Chinese government is finally going to review our paperwork for our adoption in China. Don’t freak out! It will probably be another two or more years before we would hear anything. We told them we were completely committed to adopting a child from China so we are still moving forward. Hey Ali- I guess I’ll need another t-shirt that says “Mommy of 5” soon.

It really means a lot to me to know so many people have been following the blog. Keep checking back and I will try to update you on how we are doing and what the doctor says.

Love to all!