- Change in seasons while we were away. In only 16 days, our yard and our neighborhood was transformed. Everything is green and blooming. So nice to come home from China where the bulk of our trip was in dusty, hazy, grey weather to see this. Spring is definitely here.
- Change from a serious, stoic baby to a smiling, active one.
- Change from a mom who could just let her kids freely play to one that has to babyproof things and remember that little hands are into things. I’ve been out of the baby stage for a while now. This change, even though I have so wanted it for years, is going to take some getting used to.
- Change for the previous baby of the house. For 4 years, he’s been the baby, and he’s enjoyed that role. Lydia has turned all of our world’s upside down, but Drew may be having the hardest time adjusting. He’s been clingy to Mark and me and using a lot of baby talk. On Sunday, I suggested that he wear his Chinese vest to visit the older kids’ schools at the end of the week as they do a presentation about China. He loved wearing this vest for Chinese New Year, begged me to wear it in fact. But, at my suggestion Sunday, he informed us that he didn’t like the vest and then said, “I don’t like Chinese people.” We just let him be and didn’t make a big deal about it. I guess it’s just his stress coming out because he’s certainly not showing it towards Lydia. He is all over her, loving her. Monday morning, he woke up early to play with her and told me, “I just want to kiss Lydia all day long,” and he basically did (see picture below for proof of one of the hundreds of kisses he’s planted on this girlie).
- Change in family makeup. Lydia may have had 30+ babies sleeping in the same room with her at the orphanage. But, she did not know what it was like to have 2 brothers and a sister. Not only has she had to get used to Mark and me, now she’s getting used to Evan, Ashlyn, and Drew. She seems to really like their attention though and is always reaching for their fingers to help her toddle around. They really are wonderful with her.
- Change in daily life. It hit me today, my first day with the kids back to school and Mark back to work, that daily life is going to be full of a lot of phone calls, appointments, evaluations, lab work, etc. for a while. Perhaps it was the fact that I was scooping poop into vials today that made that abundantly clear. Now, that’s love. I personally enjoyed the instructions that came with the poop collection kit. Can you read what it says in the picture? Do people actually try to poop into this little vial? There is always fine print for a reason, right? Gross.
- Change in sleep. No pictures for this one since my dark circles under my eyes are unsightly. Lydia has adapted well to the time change. Friday night, she slept from about 2am-5am, not good. Saturday night, she slept from 9pm-12am (insert our good friend Benadryl here. I didn’t want to use it, honestly. But, when she woke up at midnight…I just couldn’t do it) and then 12am-6am. Sunday night, 10pm-7am. Monday night, 8pm-5:30am. Not bad. Mark and I, on the other hand, are still a wreck. We thought we were doing pretty good. Then, last night, we crashed by 8:30 and were both wide awake at 2:30am. Though I’m happy that we’re all caught up on the LOST episodes we missed while in China, I would have really liked a little more sleep. And, I’m not looking forward to the way I’m going to feel come dinner time.
Lots and lots of change for everyone. It’s all quite an adventure, that’s for sure. I’m working on a post of travel hints, packing suggestions, etc. I feel like I’ve gotta get all my ideas out in words or I’ll just forget it all since I’m nearly forgetting my name lately. So, those of you who are preparing to travel, watch for the post. Hopefully, it will help one of you at least…or maybe it will just enlighten those of you who don’t know me about how anal retentive I can be.
I Love, love, love this post!
Sweet Lydia is just beautiful and it warms my heart to see your family being…well…a family. Thank you so much for sharing!
And I am anxiously waiting for the “tips” post. We are still praying for end of May travel, last weekend to be exact, so get on it sister! I need those tips!
As far as the vial, that would take some serious aim.
Love all the pictures! Especially her in the pantry! She looks like she is right at home! So happy for you all and the kids have been begging to have the Raudy kids sleepover! When you (and they) are up to it, let me know!
Kelly,
It is so good to hear that you are doing well. The sleep will come. It does take a week or longer for you to get back on the right sleep schedule. We woke up at weird times about every other day for a while. Jordan and I were doing a school project at 3:00 AM on the Monday after we returned. Taylor’s sleep schedule adjusted much better than ours.
Oh, the vivid memories of scooping the poop with the little shovel into those vials. We actually had to do it twice. The directions are very funny.
Joy
I loved how the little brother wants to “kiss his sister all day long”. That choked me up reading that. Things will get easier, I promise. Welcome home.
I wish I was close enough to bring dinner over to your family and give you a rest at your sinking time today! Glad to see everyone adjusting to all the changes. It is a lot to digest, isn’t it, no matter how wonderful? And count me in on that next post…I need all the travel tips I can get because we are right around the corner, I feel!
So glad that you all are home safe and sound!
Getting back to the routine and everyone finding their place is always the hardest part! But I think getting that poop in that tiny container is equally as difficult!
Enjoy your sweet girl and get plenty of rest!
Nicole
Just like a newborn, sleep when you can!! So wonderful to hear how the kids are with her, and i am sure we will have the same change w/our 4 year old Leila, who is the princess of our castle. I look forward to your trip tips……get rest!!!
I so understand all you have written my friend and like me, I know you wouldn’t have it any other way…but jet lag can really kick some b*tt!
Funny story about Nate. After Maggie was home for a few weeks, we overheard her talking in the tub with him (in chinese jibberish). We asked him what she was saying and he said, “She says that she wants to go back to China.” And he was always ever so sweet with her…me on the other hand got all of his anger and frustration over not being the baby anymore. They are best buddies now…and partners in crime!
Things will get better as you ease into your new normal~
YAY! I was so happy to see this today! I am so glad you are home safe and slowly adjusting to your new life as a momma of FOUR!!! Her smiles are totally contagious! praying for the kiddos – Drew especially – as they continue to adjust to their new sister. How are the girls doing sharing a room?
Poop in a vial…can’t wait for that one! Funny…my word verification in coniac…maybe you should get some of that (cognac) to get you through the poop collecting!
That’s great the Lydia is adjusting to the time and sleeping well so far. I pray you and Mark get some much needed night sleep soon.
It is hard adjusting to having a small one around. The baby I’m watching has figured out how to wonder into the kitchen, therefore I had to mop today and will have to get the gates out soon.
oh thanks for the upcoming post, kelly! i’ll be watching since i’ll be traveling in about 2 weeks (still waiting on exact dates:() she is so adorable and looks like she’s adjusting well! sleep when you can…
Ahhh, the joy of being home, jet lagged, and adjusting to life with a new toddler! Wouldn’t trade it for anything, except maybe a couple hours of babysitting while catching up on sleep! Glad you guys are home safely and enjoying your new addition. Lydia is darling and I’m so happy the other three children are taking to her so well. Hugs, Petrie
Speaking of change……time to change the last picture in your header to sweet Lydia’s face!
I’m sorry you guys are having such a hard time getting back on our time. I hate when I can’t sleep. It must be very frustrating…especially if Lydia can sleep…..Have you tried a sleep aid at night? Might help. I saw someone mentioned about bringing over a meal……I’d be happy to do that! I’ll give you a call tomorrow about that. Praying you all sleep well tonight.
can’t wait for your travel tips! absolutely love hearing about all of your adjustments….to siblings, little hands, lack of sleep and the whole bit. thanks for being reaL!
HI Kelly, Glad you made it home safe and sound. Your pics are great. Lydia is beautiful. What a difference in her apperence is just a few short weeks. Looks like she is really happy.Any tips would be greatly appriciated. Your story was beautiful. Hopefully you will still have time to blog. Best of Luck with all the docs appointments, maybe we will be seeing each other at one of them. Enjoy every moment! Your family is beautiful.
Ahhhh…Jet-Lag…we thought we were doing great too…then it hits you once the adrenline wears off and things start to settle in to a new normal.
I am always amazed at how easily the kids adjust though. Izabella also sdjusted very quickly. I remember as tired as I was (I’m sure you feel this way too) if I had to be up there was nothing better than holding my sweet precious girl while I was awake.But, thankfully those times are far and few between. She awoke last week at midnight and needed to be changed–bad, I think the diaper weighed 10 pounds–but immediately went back to sleep.
I feel your pain my friend. It is tough..but this too will pass. :)
Lydia is seriously precious!
I’ll pray for little Drew–this is tough, no matter if it’s bio or adopted. :)
Lydia is soooo happy!!! And look at all of the fun toys in the closet for her!! I have a 6 year old. Your post is remindin me to get ready for the baby curiosities again!! And I look forward to your post on packing! We are leaving some time in may to bring our daughter home from the Jianxi Province. Thanks for sharing!
Cathy
I would LOVE to read your post of travel tips!
You are amazing Kelly and it sounds like the children are doing so well together! Probably a reflection of their beautiful mama!
love seeing the pics!
I’m praying for you as you adjust to the new normal! :) It’s a lot of change for everyone! I’m glad to hear Lydia is coming out of her shell!
Can’t wait for your post full of tips! I’m hoping to need it someday! :)
ohhhh, I LOVED reading this post!
Your little hunny is such a doll-baby! I can’t get enough of that cute face. And that sweet smile!?…OH MY!!!! :)
Well, with our travels coming up in just a few weeks, I am very anxious to read all of your tips!!
Hope you’re catching up on some sleep. I’m dreading that part when we return… everyone talks about it and it is never promising! ;)
Welcome back home… it’s wonderful seeing your beautiful family together at last! God is good!! <>< Hugs,
Tanya
P.S.>> I totally cracked up at your ‘poop vile’ part of the post…especially the ‘fine print’ part! LOL!!
Great post. I’m so sorry that I didn’t read and comment during your whole trip. We spontaneously decided to re-purpose/renovate, whatever our kitchen the same two weeks you were traveling and when my kitchen is a mess, so goes the rest of my routine and order. . . I feel all discombobulated still. We have some trimming out and touching up to do and then I’ll post about it.
I am planning this weekend, when on break from cleaning the attic!, to go thru and read about your whole trip. I can’t wait :) Originally, I had purposed to save all your posts and devour them while the hubby and the boys were watching their shoot ’em up shows but then the kitchen . . . :)
Love seeing her home and in your nest – so happy for you all.