We're Home!

The Winders have landed! We arrived in San Antonio at about 8:45 last night, and were greeted by Taylor's true love Frankie, and by our friends Alycia and John Apostilides and their very own China treasure Sophia. Sophie, your smiling face was a beautiful greeting for your new friend Teddi Xiao Xiao! Thank you all for the warm welcome (and for the gifts), and for your help collecting our 4,000 bags--okay it was only eight bags, plus five carry-ons, plus two strollers, but after 29 hours of travel it felt like 4,000 bags.


All in all it was a good trip. Our littlest bird was a great flyer, and so was her little big brother. I am so proud of them! Thank you for the prayers that carried us home. Immigrations, customs, and switching airlines (thus moving all said luggage from one terminal to another) was a mini nightmare in Los Angeles, but we survived. One fond memory of LA will always be that Teddi became an official citizen of the U.S. upon our setting foot there . . . and if I never set foot there again I will remain just as happy!


We arrived home to a sweet banner made by our neighbors the Haines Family! It contains photos of our trip, and will be a precious keepsake for Teddi of her homecoming. This morning when we went to introduce our China treasure to the Haines Gang (friend Robin, who I have blogged about) they shared with us some wonderful news . . . They have received their LOA for little Claire in record (God speed) time and they will be traveling to China in July to bring their own treasure home. Claire is just six months younger than Teddi, and we are so excited that Teddi is going to have a friend just down the street! God is so good!


One more God thing . . . Remember the pair of swallows who began building their nest on my front porch the very day my Letter of Acceptance came (after the weary 126 day wait)? Well they worked and worked, and the day our Travel Approval came was the very first day the mama began roosting in the nest. Swallow update, post China: Mama and Baba Swallow have a blessed nest! We came home to five, yes five baby swallows. Two mamas blessed five times over--yes indeed, God is good!


Some pics of the past two day's blurry . . . sleep deprived . . . events . . .

Thank you Haines Family!Mama swallow tending one of her five . . .

Precious Chinese treasure, right before the last China "wake-up".

Waiting to depart Guangzhou . . .
a new world awaits our Zhuhai Xiao Xiao
Big sister Taylor is bringing home a Mei Mei (lil'sis)

Enjoying a cinnamon roll, waiting for the first takeoff--no worries!
Could we get on with it already?

(Thank you Abbie and Hai Ping for the cool shades!)

"Houston, we have a problem!"
Twenty-eight hours of travel, and one flight to go . . .
Houston to San Antonio, 36 minutes of sweetness!

Little bird is waiting for final take-off,
have Smarties will travel!

A sweet Sophia greeting! I wanted a picture of
Sophie and Teddi together--no doing, Teddi
was "flitting" by this point! Yep, she's a hummer,
definitely a hummer!

In SA, "The Grinner" is almost home,

Great job Grinner!

Xiao Xiao played in the little pool today with big brother

I had a picture, but I just accidentally deleted it. She liked the pool--

I think we will be buying passes for the big pool!

Anyway, that's a wrap on the travel. We are so happy to be home! It has been a good day, complete with a mama and Xiao Xiao nap! We've had an introduction to Duplos (the girl can build a mean tower) and to Mr. Potato Head and more--so much to explore!

Thanks again for the prayers, and for following us on our journey.

My nest has never felt so good!

Blessings from Texas!

Tina

Ready To Fly!

It's late and we have a 4:30 a.m. shuttle to the airport, so this will be quick! We had our "swearing in" at the U.S. Consulate today. Teddi's adoption process is officially final and when she sets foot on U.S. soil (in LA) she will become a citizen of the United States of America!

On our way to the consulate. You

aren't allowed to take cameras into the consulate,

so no pics of the swearing in. Just as well,

Teddi was a little on the crazy side . . .

any photos would have been a blur as she flitted about!

I've been meaning to say that it only took me

one day to figure out that my little bird

is of the humming variety! She flits . . . fast!

Getting ready for her big day . . .

Our baby bird is ready to fly away home!

Good bye China. We will never forget the wonderful memories made, the friendships formed, or the joy in our hearts as we have welcomed one of your own into our nest. We are forever grateful to be allowed the privilege of adopting one of your children. Your Zhu Fu Xiao is now our Theadora Fu Xiao Winder . We promise to love her forever, and to make sure she knows all about her China.

To our Lord, words cannot express our thankfulness. You have made the way to our girl-- it would have never happened otherwise. What a journey it has been, and what a testimony to your faithfulness. There is no doubt in my mind, that before you formed this little one, you knew she would be ours. "For this child I prayed" and every prayer has been answered. May You continue to guide us as we teach her to fly, and above all may she know that you have always had her under your wing.

We are on our way home!

Blessings from China, and a fond farewell!

Tina

Time To Pack It Up . . .

Quick post . . . It's 6:00 a.m. Thursday and everyone will be waking up soon for our final day in Guangzhou! It's time to pack it up and take our show on the road!

Yesterday was a free day once we got the "all clear" from Mr. Li as he finished our consulate paperwork appointment. Today at 4:00 is our "swearing in" ceremony at the consulate, we will receive Teddi's passport and visa--and then our little bird is free to fly!

We had a sunnier day yesterday, with only one major downpour. The downpour however hit at dinner time, so we ordered Papa Johns and ate in the room. Too cool, Papa Johns in China, and it's very good. Our hotel rooms are so pretty and the beds are covered in white (very white) duvet covers . . . when we eat in the room, we spread the spare blankets, which are brown, over the very white duvets, so that we have somewhere to eat (space is very limited). This has become known as our Chinese picnic--I will miss our Chinese picnics. Papa Johns will never be the same . . . especially since it won't come by bicycle!

I will leave you with some pictures from yesterday . . . Teddi was extra busy, so most shots of her were on the move . . .

Getting teeth brushed by Baba, she loves it!

We have been teaching her to sign (in order to

better our communication) and yesterday

when we laid down at nap time, she signed for me to

brush her teeth. This was about as still as she got yesterday . . .

Trying to get a picture of the four sisters in the

lobby -- observe the lack of "still"!

Abbie Johnson and new sister Audrey Hai Ping.

Taylor and new sister Theadora Fu Xiao--

which means, "I don't sit still for a minute"

in Chinese. No, not really, in fact every time we tell

anyone who is Chinese Teddi's Chinese name,

they respond with, "Veddy good name!"

The Johnson Family farewell. Steph, Brian, Hai Ping and

Abbie left for Hong Kong yesterday (by train). They will fly home

to Michigan tomorrow, the same time we leave for Texas. We have had

such a great time with them, and are so blessed

that our trip for our Zhuhai girls overlapped. Please pray for Hai Ping,

as she leaves behind everything she knows, to bravely

venture to a new land. She was very scared yesterday,

I can't imagine what she must be going through. Once again, I am

so very proud of all of Teddi's big Zhuhai sisters

who are courageously "figuring out the way" of their new lives

in America.

"The Grin" lives on! Back for tea at Dong and Susan's.

Brogie shares a smile with Miss Suzie herself . . .

we have had such a wonderful time hanging out with

our new friends Dong and Susan, and we will miss them deeply!

Xioa Xiao does a little last minute shopping at Susan's Place!

Little Miss Never Still gives The Grinner some love on the

lobby couch last night.

BIG NEWS:

I got my first spontaneous "I love you" yesterday

morning from my girl! It sounded kind of like, "yuv, yuv, you!"

Not sure she gets what it means

yet, but I do--and it was heart melting!

Teddi Xiao Xiao is ready to go!

A final note . . .

Last night Suzie graciously translated all of the little notes that were written by Teddi's Zhuhai family, they were a part of her scrapbook/photo album given to us last week during our visit to Zhuhai. I will leave you with the words written by one of her orphanage "aunties". . .

"You are a good and lovely girl. You are our happy princess. We love her. Hopefully, you can have a very lucky and happy new family, and study hard. I hope you can fly as free as the happy bird."

Our happy bird is free . . . and she is ready to fly away home.

My nest is forever blessed.

Love from China!

Tina

I will try and do one more post, but if I don't manage (lots of packing to do) please pray for our travels. . . that all would go smoothly, and that our littlest bird will do well, and maybe even sit still a little!

One final note . . . Congrats to my Blogger friend Margaret who has received her Travel Approval from China after a very long wait! Margaret, Wes and big sister Lily Wen, will soon hold their precious son Graeme in their arms. Margaret, I'm blowing kisses to your sweet boy.
Graeme, your very own family will be here soon to take you home!

God is faithful, He puts the orphans in families. Thank you Lord! T~

Day Ten . . .

. . . but whose counting?

I am!

China has been wonderful, but we are looking forward to home sweet home. I will however miss the breakfast buffet . . . the doormen . . . the fresh cut flowers . . . the maid service . . . the nightly bed turndown . . . and of course our newly formed Chinese friendships . . . and the delicious food (minus the chicken feet and the squid tenticles) . . . and the sights and sounds (minus the honking car horns) . . . and the other adoptive families whose joy we have shared along with our own! Oh yes, and the shopping, musn't forget the shopping! There will be much to miss and much to remember, but home is still sounding good!

Teddi had her medical check-up today. Every child being adopted has to have a check-up before they can get their Visa to travel. The Physical Exam office is a short walk from our hotel. Mr. Li escorted us there, and whisked us through the process!

Miss Teddi Xiao Xiao did great at her medical exam, much to mama's relief! She was my Wowie Xiaoie, super girl!! We have no way of knowing what her past experiences have been with doctors and nurses (with her cleft issues) and I fully expected that she might "wig out", quite the contrary--she was her smiling, happy little self! She "checked-out" just fine! Thank you Lord! While I'm on the subjects of health and thanking, I want to say thanks to all of you who have prayed for our health during this long trip -- we are doing great! And our "Love One Another" has been better too!

After Teddi's medical exam we filled out Visa paperwork back here at the hotel lobby with Mr. Li. He will do the Visa appointment at the consulate in the morning. We will be "on call" (meaning we need to be near our room phone) until he gives the all clear--just in case he has any questions. On Thursday we will all go to the consulate for the "swearing in" ceremony . . . and then our girl is free to leave her homeland, for her new life in the United States of America.


My little bird is about to fly away home . . .

and she's ready!
Playing with toys, patiently
waiting her turn for her exam. She was so good!


Back at Dong and Susan's shop tonight,
throwing the hackey sack to Dong--
He later gave it to her as a gift, you should see
it now. "Can you say mangled feathers"?


Sweaty girl, out for lunch.

I am in love with her face--smooshed

little nose and all.

Brady playing more hackey with a

local, after lunch at Lucy's diner.

This was at dinner tonight . . . Say "Cheeeeeeeeese"!

For those of you adoptive families waiting to travel, there

is a new Italian restaurant not too far from the Victory (out the

door, go right . . . located near the

Station One restaurant.) It was beautiful inside

and the food was really, really good!

The red carpet entrance to the Victory. I'm going to

miss this fancy-pants place!

Trying on some shoes, so content!

Such a marvelous blessing God has bestowed upon us!

A little bedtime snack while watching "The Wiggles"

with brother, on the portable DVD player. . . Yes, we brought the

Wiggles all the way to China. Teddi had shown little interest in the DVD's

until tonight . . . she was jammin' and clapping her hands! Leave it

to four goofy guys from Australia to suck her in to the American way of life.

That's it for now. We are beginning to wrap up our trip of a lifetime! In some ways it seems like we just got here. In others, I look at our little China bird--so quiet and scared (yet smiling) eight days ago, now a giggling little powerhouse of joy--and I see how far we've come!
Thank you China for the memories, and for trusting us to raise one of your children. We are so very blessed!

Tina

There is another new post below . . . Thanks again to all of you who have left comments! We are reading every single one and we are so encouraged and excited to have you along on our journey! T~

Yesterday's Catch-Up . . .

Sorry for no post yesterday, Blogger was running slowly (when it was running at all) . . . and mama was running slower than Blogger and needed a rest!


Yesterday was a new first for me, we road the subway! Actually we followed the brave Johnson family who had already figured it out on their own, in a previous trip. It wasn't too bad, if you don't count the walk to get to the subway--lots of stairs, with little ones in strollers. Also, if you don't count the delay coming back due to pouring rain, or the major crying meltdown Teddi had in the checkout line, with everybody and their Chinese brother staring at us, in the middle of Carrefour (Guangzhou's equivalent to Wal Mart)! Another first . . . crying fit in the check out lane, sorry--no pictures of that, believe me, it wasn't pretty!

Rainy day subway ride--headed back

to the hotel. Post, crying meltdown for Teddi!

"The Grin" . . . Subway fun!

Hitching a ride back to the hotel with brother--

her stroller was full of new Carrefour purchases,

including a wok--something easy to pack

for the trip home . . . not!

Another glimpe of beautiful China

Celebrating the arrival back at the hotel . . . after the subway ride,

the pouring rain, the long sweaty walk back from

the subway (with way too much stuff in tow), the

crying new sister routine. . . and a yummy lunch at a packed

out KFC--with more staring going on. I believe staring is a

sport here in China-- not sure if it has Olympic status,

but it has to be close! I am growing weary of feeling

like I am on constant display,

BUT I will smile 'til my cheeks hurt . . .

Oh yes I will!

Proud Baba!

And lastly, a long nap to recover

from the subway . . . and her first check-out

lane fit! I joined her in the nap after I snapped this picture . . .

which is why you waited a day for this post!

Thank you for joining us on our journey . . .

Blessings from China!

Tina

Sunday Goodness!

We worshipped the Lord in China today! We attended the Christ Church here on Shamien, the sermon was preached in Chinese, but translated to English. The church was beautiful, and more precious was the fact that it was filled to overflowing with our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ (and this was one of only two or three services,) Two songs were sung in Chinese, and then everyone sang two worship songs in English.




Singing, "Here I am to Worship" surround by Chinese Christians, with my new daughter in my arms, was more than this mama could take. I did more thankful sobbing than singing . . . another sweet China memory made. God is amazing, and He is alive in China!




We came home from church, and Bry and the kids ran across the street to 7 Eleven and brought back cup noodles, and fresh dim sum ( a warm dumpling type bread, with various fillings inside). After lunch Teddi and I took a nice long nap! It felt so good.




Dong and Susan (from Susan's Place--our favorite shop) called us after church and invited us, and the Johnson family over to share a "simple Chinese dinner" as they called it. We gathered around the tea table in the shop and shared a delicious meal that Dong had prepared. They kept calling it simple, and saying that it was a typical dinner that they would eat at home. Honestly it tasted better to me than anything I have had in the fancy restaurants, and I told them so! Susan studied English in college for three years, and Dong's English is quite good too, they are both very funny! The fellowship was great. Such a blessing to have such a "sweet peek" into the Chinese way of life. After dinner was more tea prepared by Dong, at his cool tree slab tea table. He makes tea, after tea . . . stuff we have never heard of, and then pours "rounds" of it into tiny tea cups for all to try. So much fun, even Brogie enjoys tea at Dong's, and Miss Teddi did some tasting of her own as well last night. She was very good, and let everyone help with her a little, so mama got a bit of a breather. As the evening wore on the guys made their way outside to the front of the shop, for the Chinese version of hackey sack-- a small disk with feathers attached. Teddi looked on, as Susan and I chatted, Susan and Dong have a two year old little boy who is cared for by Dong's parents at the home they all share. Susan began asking me questions, and before long I was mentoring a new mom on the trials and tribulations of raising an active two year old boy!




I will never meet Teddi's Chinese mama, nor be able to express my gratitude to her, but God allowed me the opportunity last night to pour into another China mama. It did my heart much good!




I had better caption these pictures and get back to bed! Teddi continues to get more comfortable with us each day, and a little less wild. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my adoptive mom and dad friends who have sent words of encouragement to me!




I can't believe it has been almost one week since we received our sweet gift. What a week it has been . . . joy unspeakable . . . with a side of stressful family closeness . . . it's all good! Along with the wonderful fellowship of our new found Chinese friends. Once again, so much to be thankful for!




Some favorites from today . . .

What a mighty God we serve!Teddi girl, admiring hers and Daddy's creation!


New love, at breakfast, out of the high chair

for a snuggle. She's happiest when her hands are

full . . . food, toys or her beloved sippy cups! She's

holding dim sum, and her sippy here, ever so tightly.

Standing in the doorway of Dong and Susan's shop.

(On the threshold of a new life . . . )

Photo by big sister. Thank you Taye for

photographing the night for us!

Hackey sack, China style.

Brogie enjoying tea at Dong's,

such big boy. I am so proud of him!

Feeding my baby bird.

Eating dinner around the tea table-- Noodles, rice, two different

vegetables--one was sweet potato tops, the greens, tasted like spinach,

not sure what the other one was, it was also green.

Two main dishes, one with shoots, kidney beans and some beef . . .

spiced with hot peppers and garlic, it was good. The second dish was potatoes

and chicken, seasoned with garlic and onion

And by chicken I mean every part of the chicken

including a foot, I kid you not! You can thank me for saving

you from the picture that Taylor took. We had a good laugh when

Brian J. asked Abbie, if she would like to polish the chicken's nails!

Sorry, I know, too much information . . . you had to be there.

This place is crazy . . .

Ahhhhhhhhhhh, chicken feet in China! Does it get any better than that?

Four more days until we are headed home. I'm gonna miss this place . . . everything but the chicken feet, and maybe the squatty potties!

Love from China~

Tina

My Girl

Hi all,


The rest of the Zhuhai report will have to wait. I tried to upload pictures this afternoon while Teddi napped, but it was taking an eternity and I gave up. It is now 2 a.m., I laid down with everyone else at 9:30, and am now wide awake. Blogger is still taking forever to upload, so I will share just this one, my favorite of the day.

We had a day off today, nowhere to go, no place to be, no frightening Chinese roadways to endure-- a relaxing Saturday. Our next appointment with Mr. Li isn't until Tuesday, that will be for Teddi's medical check-up . . . feels good to be uncommited!


One more thing that I wanted to mention about Zhuhai was the beautiful photo album/
scrapbook that Ms. Zhong presented us with yesterday. I cried when she opened it up. The entire Zhuhai staff and each caregiver is pictured separately with Teddi, and each have written a personal note to her. She will know someday that many. many people in her homeland loved her so very much, and wanted the very best for her. I believe I counted sixteen notes, each with a picture of Teddi and the person who wrote the note . . . I can't wait to have them translated.


Other precious items contained within . . . baby pictures of Teddi, before and after her cleft surgery. So many pieces of her history have been filled in. As Teddi grows, the way her life began may be hard for her to understand, but one thing I will always be able to tell her is that many, many people in Zhuhai loved her beyond measure. They gave her a wonderful start in life, they were her first family, and they always will be a part of who we are.


Our little Xiao Xaio had a great day today. We are beginning to introduce her to her Teddi name, and she will try to repeat it if I ask her. In fact, she will repeat almost anything word for word. With her open palate, a lot of what she says doesn't sound like it should, but she makes a great attempt, and I am so proud! She called me mama several times today--mostly to get my attention because she needed something, music to my ears! She called for Baba today too, when she was trying to show Bry something. She will let daddy read to her, and bathe her, and she will sit in the chair with him, but if we are out anywhere she sticks to me like velcro. She'll let Taye hold her for a moment if I am desperate, otherwise Mama is it! Thankfully Brogie has spent four years strengthening my baby carrying back!


Speaking of Brogie, I am so darn proud of him. Getting a new sibling in the comfort of your own home would be an adjustment for any four year old. Getting a sibling in a foreign country is a whole different ball game, not to mention when the "newbie" is three and has a very good mind of her own! As if that weren't enough, Brogan was swarmed at the park yesterday by the Chinese papparazi, they wanted many pictures . . . too bad most of the pictures will be better of Bryan's big shoulder than of Brogie's cute face buried in it! Pressure! Like I said, he is doing great, very patient with Teddi, and so gracious to share his mama with her. He and I woke up ahead of Teddi yesterday morning so he crawled in next to me for a good five minute snuggle. A moment I have etched in my teary memory. As I lay there breathing in my now "big boy" I was ever so thankful for him, and for the sleeping bundle laying closely to me on other side! When Teddi woke up a few minutes later she sat up next to me. She then looked over and saw her brothers face and she broke out in a huge sleepy grin! Good morning Teddi! Be still my heart. I am so blessed!


The rest of the clan is doing well. We've had our moments. Two hotel rooms, and six people . . . . for eight days . . . with five to go . . . can make for a little stress of it's own! Please pray that we continue to, "Love one another"! Yesterday morning we had yet another downpour, but it was followed by sunshine--thank you Lord! Going out in the sun is waaaaay better than going out in the rain . . . when you are stuck in a hotel you are going out regardless, I would rather return dry than soaked. Sun is good!


Better get back to bed! We will attend a Christian Church here in the morning, with a translated service in English. Church in China, God is good! So much to praise Him for!

My littlest bird is home!!!


My China nest is oh so blessed ~


Tina