Thank you so much for all the encouragement we got after our last blog post. We were miserable yesterday. We have no idea what it was that made us sick. We have been so careful about the water and have been neurotic about hand sanitizer. I can say that it was good that we were forced to be in for the day. Lydia made great strides yesterday with opening up to us. By evening, she was moving around a lot more and showing us a little bit more of an opinion (like fussing when I took away our room key card that she wanted to suck on). She was smiling more readily and even reached out to me once–big progress since she hasn’t paid much attention to me.
As of 7:20am Thursday while I’m writing this, we have a lot more energy and are going to attempt to eat something at breakfast. Our plans are back on for today–a trip to Baoji to see Lydia’s hometown and see her orphanage and pick up the blanket that she was found in (something I am so thankful we can have as something from her birthparents). We are also hoping to meet up with an American couple who used to teach with my parents who happen to live now in Baoji. It’s going to be an eventful day—pray that our health continues to improve and that we can make it the 5 hours in the car today with no problems for any of us. Also, pray that we see more progress with her attachment to me especially and me to her today and that visiting the orphanage doesn’t set us back at all.
We’ve taken over 900 pictures on this trip so far, but we took NONE yesterday. But, I’ll post a cool picture we took from the top of the city wall when we walked it the day before last.
Thanks again for all the comments—keep them coming. And, just a little plug here for our wishes quilt for Lydia–if you haven’t contributed to it and would like to, we need a handful more. We’d love to have our “commenters” who have become part of this story to contribute.
Dear Evan, Ashlyn, and Drew – sorry we haven’t been able to skype with you while you have been at the beach. I’m glad you are headed back to our house now so that we can see you and you can see the three of us. Enjoy your last day tomorrow with Nanma and Granddaddy. Grammy sent us an email and said she had some fun things planned for you guys! You have been so spoiled with McDonalds, Chick Fil A, movies, miniature golf. Do you even want us to come home? :) We love you all.
Glad to hear you are feeling better! Praying for your day!
Yay!! I’m so glad you are feeling better. Today would be a day NOT to miss. Especially for the quilt she was found in. What a blessing she has that tie to her birthparents. I don’t think Evan has anything, but now I’m going to check.
Will continue to pray you guys regain your strength and health.
Kelly, Mark, and Lydia!
My computer hasn’t been working for a few days, so I am just now getting caught up on your trip! Lydia is just beautiful and I hope I get to meet her sometime!!! I am praying that you all will feel better soon and will continue to be healthy for the remainder of your trip!!! I am completely overjoyed for your family and will continue to follow your blog during your trip and beyond!
-Carrie Pearl
YAY! So thankful you are feeling better! Hope you continue to feel better and remain healthy for the remainder of the trip!
Glad to hear you are feeling better! I’m glad you are able to get her finding clothes. She may like to have them later one day.
She sure is a cutie! You are very blessed!
Kim
That was very welcome news! So happy you’re feeling better. You should be good from here on out! Have a great day! Hugs, Petrie
Kelly,
I am so sorry you were not feeling well the other day. I am glad to hear that you are feeling better. My computer cord broke and I couldn’t turn the computer on so I missed yesterdays post!! Sophia was always very sweaty too! It lasted for awhile and then just went away. My sister adopted her son from Russia and she said he was always really sweaty too! I hope you enjoyed your trip to Lydia’s orphanage today! We were ready to come home too, but once you get to Guangzhou you will feel better!
Tricia
Glad you’re feeling better today. Sounds like you have quite the eventful day in store. And what a precious and special momento that blanket will surely be. Praying you continue to gain strength and stay healthy…and that the bonding continues with sweet Lydia. She’s doing so well already, and I know your bonds will continue to grow with each passing day. Have a blessed trip today! Can’t wait to see photos and hear more about it!
Hugs,
Tanya
So glad you guys are feeling a little better. I am praying for you all to have a good day today. I hope your trip to Baoji City goes well. You will be so close to our son!!! (Oh how I wish we were there with you guys, getting our son!) I have been glued to the computer everyday, looking for your updates. Your Lydia is just so very very precious. I can’t help but smile when I see her picture. She is just an absolute doll.
Best wishes for better health and bonding.
Krista
SO glad to hear you are feeling better! It’s also great to hear that Lydia is feeling more comfortable with you! We’ll continue praying!
Oh Thank God for hidden blessings. Just when we think all is lost and discouraging–God shows us the blessing it it all! Soooo very happy Lydia “reached for you”! I can imagine that simple gesture–that so many mom’s take for granted–brought a quick tear of JOY to your eye! I’m so very happy to hear that.
Love that photo of Xi’an form the wall. It’s precious.
Also–very importantly–happy to hear you’re feeling better for your BIG DAY! Can not wait to hear how it went.
PS–forgot to tell you I love, love, love that precious picture of you and Lydia on the last post. Such a sweet moment for mother and daughter….
I hope this finds you guys having had a wonderful trip to Lydia’s homeland!!! 5 hours in the car? Oh, I SO hope you guys are feeling better! I am impressed with the 900 pictures, can’t wait to see more of them! Continuing to pray hard for all of you!
Glad to hear things are improving. The sickness thing can just be a combination of a lot of new things- AND exhaustion. I got SO sick on the last trip- and felt how you did- like, just get me HOME! But it’ll get better as soon as you’re feeling more like yourself again, which I hope is SOON!! Keep those pictures coming- she is SO cute!!
Glad you are feeling better! Enjoy your day! Thank you again for sharing your blog with others!!
Glad you are both feeling better and hopefully enjoy the rest of your time in China. Really, enjoy the updates and this gives us insight to what to expect in May.
Hey Kelly and Mark,
Glad that you are doing better! I am praying for you both and Lydia too! I love checking your blog everyday. It makes me smile! I love the pic of Lydia resting her head on your chest, sucking her fingers. So cute! Miss you guys!
Ps…Thank you soo much for the book for Colin. It is a great story and we have enjoyed reading it to both kids!