Ethan has had a big Christmas this year. His celebration began on Friday, December 22 and will end on Wednesday, December 27th. Here are a few photos of Ethan with family and some of his gifts.

Ethan playing at the park.

We're Getting into our Routine

Today is Tuesday of our second week home. We seem to be getting into a routine that is benefitting Ethan. The last two nights he has only woke up twice in the night and did not cry. Both nights, he saw we were there and fell back to sleep in just a couple of minutes. His naps have been a couple of hours each the last two days. He really seems to be getting accustomed to his new family, his new home and our routine.

Both of these photos were taken by a friend of ours at a Christmas program.

Today is our 4th day at home and it seems that Ethan's little body clock is a little mixed up. He goes to bed well at 8:30 or so but then is awake several times in the night for a total of about 2-3 hours. I let him sleep in the mornings until 8:00 at the latest. We are struggling to keep him awake in the daytime. He naps usually at 10:30 and I let him sleep for 2 hours max. Most of the time he doesn't want to get up. Then we spend the late afternoon - early evening keeping him awake until bedtime. He has not been his usually cheerful self. The mixed up schedule tends to keep him a little grumpy. But, we understand what he is going through and just know that if we try to get him on a schedule, he should feel more like himself in a few more days.

We love having him home and feel like he was meant to be in our family.

There's No Place Like Home

Today is Friday, December 8th. We are now at home and so glad not to be on a flight to anywhere right now. Ethan is adapting and adjusting to his new home and family very well. Last night, our first night home, he was keyed up from seeing his new house and especially his new toys so I was worried when it got to be bedtime that he might have a little trouble drifting off to sleep. But, he didn't. He only woke up twice in the night, I think mostly due to jet lag, but drifted back off to sleep in just a few minutes with a little help from mom.

I wanted to post a few new photos since we are home. I am still upset that we didn't get many photos since our camera quit on us. Thank goodness we bought the extra insurance for travel related problems! So, unfortunately we will not be able to post many new photos until we get it fixed.

Last Day in Guangzhou!!!!!

Today is Wednesday, December 6th. Our last full day in Guangzhou. We are free this morning and then have to leave with our group at 2:45 pm to travel to the American Consulate to take our oath and pick up Ethan's American Visa. When we first step foot on American soil (when we land in Detroit), Ethan is officially a US citizen!!!!!! So, as you can see, this is a very important day for us.

Tommy and I have said over and over that it is so amazing how the process to match a child with a family occurs. It is evident that God is the ultimate matcher because of how perfectly Ethan seems to fit with us. We couldn't have imagined how well he just seems to have been meant for us and we for him.

We went yesterday to buy our first diapers in China and bought the largest size they come in, XL. We had finally used up all the diapers that I had brought from home and had to purchase some. They were too small for him!! Luckily we went to the Holt office where they have a closet of supplies that families leave behind because they need the extra room in their luggage and there was a pack of XL diapers from the US and they fit perfectly.

All of the clothes and shoes that I brought have been the right sizes. He is in a 3T and will most likely stay in that size all through the winter. We will just have to wait and see what size the summer brings.

Ethan is fascinated with toys that have buttons to push and ones that make noises. That is just wonderful for us!!! Ha... ha... Mattel Corporation has furnished a whole playroom at the White Swan hotel where we are staying. The kids can go and play with all the toys at any time. Mattel is very smart. This hotel is a temporary home for thousands of adoptive families who all have to come to Guangzhou for their US Consulate appointments. What better way to sell Mattel toys. We already have a couple in mind to tell Santa Claus that Ethan would really like to have for Christmas.

We leave for home at 8:30 tomorrow (Thursday) morning. And, barring any late flights, will arrive back in Little Rock around 4:30 or 4:45. We are so ready to get home. Tommy and I already know that we have to make a trip to Outback in the very near future!!! We are both dying for a real steak!!!

Now in Guangzhou

Today is Sunday and we are sunny Guangzhou. We are glad to be in a warmer climate. The highs are around 65. Ehan did very well on the flight. He ate the lunch the airline provided and then took at nap. Not too bad for a three-hour flight.

I have put some of the photos in now. But of course will have many more to share when we get home.