We're home!!

Dearest family and friends-

We are pleased to tell you our journey to bring Audrey home has come to an end! We arrived safely in the States yesterday afternoon and surprisingly went through immigration and customs with ease.

We are so thankful to The Morrell family who greeted us as we got off the plane, what a beautiful site they were! It seemed like forever to get from Jersey to CT as there was an accident on 95 which delayed us, but when we finally pulled in the driveway, it was absolutely wonderful. Madeleine was so excited to be in her house and playroom again, and Audrey slept peacefully in her new room. Now if only Markus lived nearby, we would be all set!





We are blessed in so many ways, certainly for our children and family, and also to have friends like you who care so much about us to follow along on our journey. We all have much to be thankful for as this year comes to a close and a new one begins.

Merry Christmas to you! Obviously we didn't get Christmas cards out this year, but we are thinking of each of you and your families....


With love,
Monique, Christian, Madeleine, Audrey & Memere!!

p.s. We have had several requests for the blogspot to remain active...so yes, we will continue to use this as a Drucker Family site, but undoubtedly, I won't be able to pull off daily posts once we settle in at home.

Bittersweet goodbye...

It is with mixed emotion that I write our final post from The Drucker Family Journey to China. This afternoon everything became official as we raised our right hands and took an oath at the US Embassy and received Audrey's Visa and IR-3 documentation to enter the US and acquire US citizenship upon entry. Almost 2 years of prepping and paperchasing and we're finally sliding into homebase. Of course there are some matters to finalize once we are home, but it pales in comparison to the mountains of paperwork that is now behind us. In retrospect, all of the waiting simply slips away once your baby is placed in your arms. It is a feeling like no other, and we are so fortunate to have now experienced this twice.

Everything we have done today on the island has been with the comment "this is the last time we'll....". It is quite difficult to find words that match my emotion. This afternoon it was a huge sigh of relief and a collective exhale from all of us that the proper documentation was in our hands and it's in writing that Audrey ZiXia Drucker is coming home. With that, I struggle with leaving the birth country of our daughters and of the gentle and beautiful people and culture which we have been so much a part of for the past 14 days. This has been a particularily special trip for me, having my husband, daughter and mother all with me to welcome Audrey and visit her homeland. For so long we talked and planned "when we go to China", and now it's over and my heart aches to leave as much as it yearns to be home.

Today's pictures include some of our favorite places on the island. I was feeling a bit nostalgic today and walked around taking photos and video of the streets in Guangzhou.





Sure, we are happy that we will be home for Christmas, but in all honesty, it makes little difference to me. For two weeks we have not had a TV on, nor has the phone rung- it has been all about family and I have loved every minute of it. Once we touch back on US soil, the hustle and bustle of the holidays may be overwhelming since we have been separated from it. Madeleine will be happy about Santa Claus, but she has rarely mentioned it- instead, everyday she wakes up and asks about her Petunia, and she runs to see her favorite pal Markus, whom she is clearly smitten with. Markus is 14 and has taken Madeleine on as his little sister the entire trip. I'm more concerned about how she'll deal with saying goodbye to him in the morning (they live in IA) than about the long flight home.

For all of you who have followed along with us, we thank you for your support and encouragement. This blog was a great way for us to feel connected to home, but also for us to share our family story and hopefully give some of you a glimpse into the wonderful world of adoption. Who knows where the next Drucker Family Journey will lead us, but I do know this...I will sign off "to be continued"....

Thumbs up from the US Consulate!!!

WHEW......we did it!!! At 12:30pm today we received word from the US Consulate that our adoption is now official for the United States- woo hoo!!! We are so very thankful and just shy of exhaling. Tomorrow we will have the official swearing in ceremony and receive Audrey's Visa- once I have that in my hand, then I will be jumping up and down for sure. What a relief it is to know that both the Chinese and US Gov't have declared her officially our daughter. The entire stay in China and adoption process is really centered around the US Consulate appointment, so this is a very big deal for us and the other families. All 5 families in our group were approved today- we are so grateful to our guide Judy for all of her help in processing this and guiding us with the paperwork.



I'm starting to feel the crunch of getting everything packed up and prepared for the flight home. Oh my- Audrey is cutting her top tooth, so she has been unusually fussy- between that and Miss I don't sleep on plane rides Madeleine, it should be interesting.

Tonight the group got together for a photo shoot by the hotel's infamous red couch. Our hotel, The White Swan, has red velvet couches throughout the first and second floor- these couches have become the hotspot for group baby photos in the adoption world. It's always a challenge to get several babies together and take a picture, so this was the best we could do to capture the moment.



We are flying out of Guangzhou to Hong Kong, which is a quick hour flight. From there, we will board a Continental flight which will take us directly to Newark- just a mere 17 hour flight- UGH! (Caroline- thank you so much for thinking of us and wanting to greet us- unfortunately we didn't get a flight into Bradley- going out of Newark was considerably more reasonable). Continental's flight plan actually takes us over the North Pole, so Madeleine is beside her self with excitement- she thinks she may be able to get a glimpse of Santa from the airplane window...too cute.

Happy Birthday shout to Grandma Peg- Madeleine and Audrey can't wait to give you kisses!

Tomorrow will be our last post from China. Once again, we thank you for sharing in this experience with us and sending us your comments.

The Return of the Mack Daddy!

Okay, back by popular demand, it's the Mack Daddy! Well, we are truly approaching the homestretch now. We did some of the final paperwork today and the consulate appointment is tomorrow. It is hard to believe that we are closing in on two weeks here in China. It has been quite the ride. We are starting to get anxious to head home. My wife has the packing and lists are in full gear; so those of you that know her, understand the fun I am having. We have 25 lists and several bags are packed and we aren't leaving until Saturday in the a.m.! Not a move is made without checking the list.

Other than the paperwork, it was a rather relaxing day. We had a fun time in the playroom after breakfast. Audrey used the walker but apparently feels that she needs to do everything at mach 10 speed. She was like Danica Patrick at Indianapolis, racing around and crashing into things. Madeleine is more into soccer as she kicks the ball around the playroom causing other families to duck. I have a feeling that both girls are going to be quite active and that means we are going to have our hands full. I wish I had half of their energy! I can see these girls involved in several sports and activities. Don't fret though, I am sure my wife will give me a detailed list telling me where to be, at what time and with which kid!

I had a chance to do some shopping sans Monique today, which means not much yuan was spent! I looked around in most all the shops and was done in an hour. My wife has been shopping straight for 10 days and is still going strong. Thank goodness for a decent exchange rate. I am sorry to report that I was unable to find that plasma TV or home entertainment system. I guess there is always Santa!

Speaking of which, the Christmas vibe here is a bit odd. They have some signs up and the hotel has a tree and the hostess' dressed in red with Santa caps. We were surprised that there was as much signage about the holiday given the fact that it is not celebrated here. It still is weird that the holiday is less then a week away, it seems that it is far away. Perhaps it is because thanks to my wife's shopping, the cupboards are bare or maybe we have other priorities. I believe it is a combination.

The evening was a picnic outside the rooms with the other AAI families. We ordered subs and sandwiches and had Coke Light (diet coke). It was a ball the kids played the parents laughed and ate. It was a nice cheap dinner. We have a very diverse group which makes these get-togethers fun.

My beautiful wife is diligently working on list 26 and therefore it is time to wrap this up and put a bow on it (you all know that my wife is truly a godsend and a wonderful caring person, but if you can't poke fun at the ones you love, who can you poke fun at!) By the way, ignore her comments in yesterday's post, she was just jealous at the attention that my heartfelt sentiments gained!

Well consulate tomorrow, Audrey's visa and passport Friday and then home Saturday. I am hoping it will be good weather for our return! Well until tomorrow, this is the daddy mack signing off saying piece to the Homies and I am Audi 5000!

P.S. Taught Madeleine to wink and give the thumbs up, here is a photo of her showing off the new skills!

Opening your heart and your mind...

I've been thinking about our day today and reflecting on how the adoption journey and process opens both your heart and mind. In so many ways, travelling to a foreign country and living among a completely different culture also does this.

This morning, our guide took us to the Six Banyan Temple. It is the oldest temple in China standing 1450 years, and has a tower inside that is 14 stories high. As an educator and learned individual, I welcome the opportunity to stretch my own thoughts and beliefs and open my mind to others. So...in we walk to the oldest and possibly largest Buddhist temple in China. Local folk are burning insense and bringing gifts of fruit and juice to offer for wishes, and inside one of the buildings one is overwhelmed by the magnitude of three gold Buddhas and the people who were steadfastly shining them and preparing the area for worship. As my mom (yes the former Sister Mary Celeste of Jesus) stood by with the video camera, Christian and I along with both of the girls removed our shoes and knelt before the Buddhas to receive a blessing. I must say, although it is unknown to me what the Buddhist was singing as he quietly tapped a drum and praised the Buddha, it was quite peaceful. He then dipped a leaf into some water and dripped it onto each of our heads. I never imagined I would have been in a position to experience this, but I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize that each of us have our God that we praise, and ritual in which we do that- for me, this morning was a chance to have a blessing from the Chinese onto our children through a ritual that is centuries old and steep in tradition and culture, and their way of expressing and exercising their beliefs.


Right now, Christian is doing his best to get both girls down for a rest, which is just short of a miracle, but we have managed this a couple of times now, and look forward to returning home when we can begin to create "normalcy" and some sort of routine and schedule.

Madeleine is battling a cold and runny nose, so it was no small wonder when I woke up this morning I was feeling a bit under the weather myself. It's only a matter of time before the other 2 Druckers catch up, but I am armed with Zicam and loads of other over the counter meds, so we're ready. A few other parents in the group are also not feeling well, which for the second week into our trip and all of our travels, little sleep and busy schedules, it's about right. Hopefully it will make it's way through our systems before we begin the long travels home on saturday.


Audrey is climbing all over the place. Christian has devised a game which he likes to call "the buddha flop" and she just thinks this is terrific.



Tomorrow we will prepare and finalize our paperwork for the appointment with the US Consulate which is on thursday. I will be so thankful to have this done and to have Audrey's visa in our hands!

As always, thank you for your return comments and for following along our family's journey.

p.s. Don't be fooled...my husband spent hours creating that post last night-albeit from the heart and full of "awwhhh" potential, it's not like he sits around penning love notes on a daily basis. But I will say, as far as Daddies go, he sure is meant for little girls, they've got him wrapped right around their little fingers!

Daddy's Turn!

After enormous calling for a post from dad, I finally decided to answer the prayers of thousands; okay hundreds; okay, okay two people and post my thoughts and feelings. Today was a shopping day so I am sure everyone who knows my wife can empathize with my pain. We started out in a small mall that had various Chinese teas, carvings, etc. I basically played with Madeleine on the escalators. Then it was off to the mall of the jewelry variety. Yes, you read correctly a mall (6 floors) of nothing and I mean nothing but jewelry! You could buy pearls by the bag full! We had already used up the pearl money so it was just looking for us. The rest of the day was quiet and concluded with a group dinner at Lucy's and yet some more shopping (I could hardly contain my excitement!).

Those who have followed the daily posts my wife has made have gotten some insight into the process and the emotion of our experience. She has eloquently recapped our days and emotions (I give her my best material). It has been a very surreal ordeal that is hard to describe. I can honestly say that the wave of emotion is hard to deal with. When they put Audrey in our arms it was a high of excitement and adrenaline that the moment was here. It was as if the red thread connecting us which was thousands of miles long at one point was now wrapping around Monique, Madeleine, Audrey and I in a way that bonded us together as a family.


Words cannot begin to express the way I feel on a daily basis. We were truly blessed almost three years ago when they placed Madeleine in our arms. I never thought that I could feel that emotion again. Now, to be back in China with Madeleine, as Audrey joins our family it is very overwhelming. I was thinking about a way to describe the emotion and the Martina McBride song, "In My Daughter's Eyes" continues to bob into my head. Part of the song goes as follows:

This miracle God gave to me gives me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart
has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daugter's eyes

I apologize for the use of song lyrics (I know a bit cheesy) but I figured these were so perfect in describing the emotion. Many who have kids can relate to these lyrics. It is so true that my daughters have become this guiding force. The love I feel for them is all-encompassing. I look in their eyes and I see the innocence of life and yet draw strength that helps me deal with the future. God has truly blessed us. I often laugh when we talk to locals here and they say thank you and that the children are so lucking to have us adopting them. Though these sentiments are nice and heart-felt, but it is we who are blessed to have these children become part of our lives. Madeleine and Audrey are these beautiful children that humble us. When I look into Madeleine and Audrey's eyes, I see the possibilities and hope of what could be. These wonderful kids are a source of energy that helps me try harder or be smarter.

I can only hope that everyone could feel this emotion at least once in their lives. There is no better feeling then making my "Buddha-belly" Audrey laugh and giggle or when after a hard or trying day, Madeleine gives me a hug out-of-the-blue and says "Daddy, I love you." It is such a great feeling that it literally produces tears of joy.

This journey that God has chosen for us is one that is truly wonderful. We have embraced this challenge and look forward to the journey of raising and guiding these children. Alright, enough sappy junk. I can't believe my Fantasy Football team has fallen to pieces! And can the Mets sign someone, please! Anyway, I digress, I want to thank all of you for your support and kind words. I cannot truly express what they have meant to us. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Yuntai Garden Photos

Here are some pictures from the Garden...

A beautiful day in the Gardens

What a beautiful day we had today. Warm temperature, bright sun, a gentle breeze and a group of happy babies- perfect! We ventured off to the Yuntai Gardens which was spectacular. I remember as a child growing up we used to visit many gardens in Canada, but these take the prize- I have never seen anything like it. Everything in this country is detailed, precise and holds much beauty. The history everything carries is astounding and makes the US pale in comparison.

Madeleine particularily enjoyed the morning at the gardens as they have several bushes sculpted into animal shapes and a view of the mountains which was phenomenal. We had lunch right at the Gardens which clearly won my vote. The garden is actually named after the noodle that they serve, which is famous because it is prepared with water that comes from the mountain where no others have access. Again, a day of comedy for the Druckers when Madeleine fell asleep at the restuarant while sitting at the table and Audrey blew out her diaper. It's quite the challenge to pull off discretely changing a baby with a mess such as this while remaining in a room filled with people and staff who watch every move you make- not because they are nosy, but because they are observant and curious. I know you're thinking- why didn't I go to the bathroom and using a changing table? Sure, that would be fabulous, but keep in mind that for the most part, the public bathrooms are all squatters, so a changing table is not quite on their list of restroom accomodations. Nonetheless, I am always conscious of the girls behavior- it's not like in the States when you're in line at the grocery store and someone is having a meltdown- as a mother, there is this unwritten code amongst us which allows you to throw the other mom a look of empathy that says "it's ok, we've all been there"...here, I'm always wondering what they are thinking as they stare at you and speak in their native tongue which is so obviosuly foreign to us.

Did I mention that climbing the stairs to get up to the restaurant was comparable to the Great Wall? Oh sure...and of course we had a stroller as did most of us in the group. Oh my, we are a site wherever we go, and are happy to provide the comical entertainment for our group. We had the pleasure of sharing the day at the Garden with many local people as it is Sunday. So many locals stop and comment on the beauty of our two girls and how lucky they are- if only I could adequately translate back to them that we are the lucky ones- we have been blessed twice over with children from their country, which many of our shopkeeper friends tell us is "double happiness"- they sure have that right!

Audrey put on her first pair of squeeky shoes today and thought they were pretty neat. She is quite active and is always waiting for someone to take her for a "walk" up and down the hallway. Memere often is elected for this role, as she does not have to bend down much to hold her hands! As you can imagine, it's pretty tough, we usually have to twist her arm...ha! She has also discovered how to pull herself up using the wall and today was feeling a bit adventurous and let go of the wall long enough to show me that it won't be too long before she is off and going on her own. Daddy's first project when we get home is getting those baby gates up- Uncle Matt, we may need some help!


My shoulder and legs are aching from the day of carrying Audrey- she is like a bag of cement to carry, but she is so full of love, she just makes you smile from ear to ear. Thank goodness for the hip hammock Jodi- that helps a lot- everytime I put her in it, I get this visual of you and Zoe and Zoe eating an ice cream cone. So Estelle, you may need to get some extra yarn for that sweater- my sweetie is a bruiser!

To Shannon, Jodi and Dawn-
Each day our group meets at the red couches in the lobby, and each time I'm there, I am reminded of our photo shoot and tearful goodbyes...I wish you were all here with us to experience this again. We have caught up with Lucy at her shop and the girls at China doll- our two favorite stores, and they have treated us so well. The group is great, but it's just not the same without you...

Tomorrow's itinerary is shopping! Woo hoo! Our guide is taking us to a few places off the island, so I can't wait to see what kind of treasures we may find...Christian has already taken out his wallet and handed over his RMB for me while shaking his head and wondering what kind of damage I may do tomorrow.

Audrey is sleeping and Madeleine will soon be down as well...Mom and Dad will not be too far behind.

Hello from a very proud Memere

It is now 4:10 PM and my hip is sore and my feet are aching but all this pales in comparison to the pride and joy that I feel to have had the opportunity to share this adventure/blessing with Monique, Christian, Madeleine and Audrey. Carol, Ed, and Maurille, I am sure that you join me in sharing the fruits of our labors as we are blessed by the beautiful family that Christian and Monique have created. No words are adequate, no poetry fine enough to describe what I feel just now! I am half a world away in the land of my grandchildren and they are here with me. Can you believe that? I tell you it is still very surreal for me but I am loving every moment of it and thanking God for all His gifts and blessings through them.

Today we began each day as we usually do with a sumptuous breakfast opportunity at the longest, most diverse breakfast smorgasbord that I have ever seen anywhere. Want french toast or noodles and dumplings? No problem. You'd prefer eggs and pizza or you'd like a sandwich? That's available too. I haven't counted how many different fresh fruit choices they have here but it is more than anyone could eat....and it just keeps on coming every day. Sometimes we feel as if we need to be rolled away from the table and brought to our rooms in a cart because we have eaten the equivalent of breakfast, lunch and dinner already and it is only 9:00 AM when we leave the dining area!

Today we met our guide at 9:30 and headed out for a tour of the Chen Family Museum.
Since the new China (with Mao) this is now a government museum (actually, everything here, homes included, is owned by the government) but it was originally built as a family Temple where the oldest male member of each of the Chen families could come to worship their ancestors on Chinese New Year and during the Apple festival each year. Later the Chen family hired teachers (which were then called masters) to instuct the young men in the family since there were no schools.

Today the museum houses some furniture from the original temple but it is primarily a museum for some of the art work of the Chinese people: paintings that are totally made from embroidery, ivory scuplture that would make you wonder how anyone could carve such beauty from an elephant tusk, pieces of fine china such as vases and plates, and many rooms filled with carvings from floor to ceiling. Our guide told us that it took 36 workers six years to complete the temple but I wonder how that was even possible. It was all very magnificent.

Yes, we are loving the opportunity to see and experience the culture of our children and grandchildren. In particular we love meeting the people...rather, they love meeting us and asking us about ourselves. They are a gentle people who really want to talk to us...they also want us to spend our money in their shops so they go out of their way to make us feel welcome. What they don't know is that we have all been schooled in bargaining by the master in the group (Monique) and we have never paid first price. We found that even when we walk away because the owners would not meet our price they eventually come out to find us and take our final offer! She is very good at this and we are getting better all the time. Meanwhile, we shop, shop, shop! Today was ladies day and the three dads stayed with the little ones while we hit the streets. After 3.5 hours we came back to rescue the men (and I wanted two advils to take care of the hip!) but within 10 minutes the men were out the door to do some bargaining of their own. They have yet to return.....cha ching, cha ching...can you here it from there?

As I have been typing this, Madeleine and Audrey have been playing in the background. It is such music to my ears. I never thought that blowing rasberries could be so entertaining but when it is coupled with the laughter and giggles of your grandchildren, there is nothing sweeter. We are so multiply blessed and I can't wait to have you all meet the newest member of the family. Natalie and Nicole, your newest cousin will give you a run for your money. She is definitely up to your standards and the four of you will keep Memere young (and definitely tired). I must be young-looking (could it be the bottle-blond look...won't my hairdresser like that one? ) since many have asked if Monique and I are sisters. Of course, these are also the same shopkeepers who want my money so...OK, I'll take the compliment anyway I can get it.

I must say that all the families on this trip have such great big hearts and we are so pleased that all the babies are adjusting so well. The Chinese people here in Guangzhou know full well why we are here and they are happy for all the babies in their new families.....and so, my friends, are we!

Many thanks to all who have sent their wishes to me in the comments. I can say in all honesty that I wish you were here as this is the opportunity of a lifetime!

Keep the messages coming. We all read them eagerly and await your words as much as you do ours.

Preparing for the U.S. Consulate

Whew...I am tired- it is 9:30pm here and I am looking forward to some sleep, but of course wanted to recap the day for all of you back home.

The girls slept well last night and are both sweetly tucked in right now, so we're shooting for another evening of full sleep. Our morning began at 9:30am with more paperwork. The documents today were in preparation for our appointment with the U.S. Consulate which is on the 21st. It is a bit stressful completing this portion as it is in essence our ticket out of the country with Audrey. Our guide Judy has the patience of a saint, and she went through line by line with us. Even for me, on the second time around, it is nerve wracking to do.


After the paperwork was completed and out of our hands, off we marched to the Medical Exam Office where every baby needs to have an evaluation and signature from the doctor before they can leave China. So for all of the aunties out there wanting to know what size Audrey is in- she weighed in at a whopping 22.5lbs and is 29.13 inches. She is fitting comfortably in 12-18 month clothes, but I'm thinking that may not last for long- she has this great buddha belly that sometimes makes it a little snug around the waistline-she fits right in our family!

Memere, Madeleine and I went to the playground this afternoon while Daddy was on Audrey duty. Madeleine had a ball playing outside (it was about 68-69 degrees) and Daddy faired very well with Petunia. Christian and I have both decided that we will soon need to wear a back brace like the employees of Home Depot- between Butterball Audrey and Madeleine who by the way, is only 7lbs heavier than her baby sister, we are in need of Motrin and a masseuse by the end of the day. While we walked around the island today, we saw a pre-school and two other schools with lots of children playing and singing outside. The playgrounds are filled with elderly who meet to do their exercises- they have outdoor equipment on the playground which they use and they also do a series of Tai Chi exercises daily- it is quite the ritual to watch.


Audrey and Madeleine played really well together this afternoon. Madeleine literally was on top of Audrey and they were laughing and having such fun- it was so darn cute. Madeleine continues to work on recognizing that Mommy can't do it all, and sometimes is willing to let Daddy or Memere pitch in while I am tied up with Audrey, but each day is a little better. Audrey is climbing all over the place and my prediction is she will be walking with only one helping hand soon and then on her own right after. She is a very determined little one and keeps right at things until it is how she wants it- that's my girl!



A shout out to my Godson Ben- Happy 4th Birthday cutie pie from Aunt Monique, Uncle Christian, Madeleine and Audrey- May God Bless you on this special day and always.

Signing off and hitting the sheets early tonight...

China portion complete!

Hello all-
It's 9:30pm here, the wind is picking up a bit tonight, but for the most part, it was a decent day for weather. The rain seems to be on it's way out which makes us happy campers.

Today was a big day in regard to the adoption process. In the China program, during your stay in the country you complete the adoption for both the Chinese and American Government- this allows for the babies to return to the States as US Citizens, hence no need to do any further processing or court work upon our return. This afternoon we completed the Chinese portion of Audrey's adoption at the Entry/Exit Administration of Public Security Bureau, Gongdong Province (which is what the sign reads in the background of the photo) WOO HOO, we're halfway to completion!!


What a difference a day makes....I feel like a new woman today after getting some much needed rest last night. Both girls slept great which made for the first night of real rest for Mom & Dad since we got the news that our Travel Notice came in.


Audrey as well as the other babies in our group Mia, Natalie, Asia and Anna are all doing well (Madeleine thinks it's great that one of the babies is named Natalie- she tells everyone about her cousin Natalie). Audrey is the youngest at 11 months and the others range in ages up to 18 months old. It is apparent simply by their behavior and smiles that everyone is settling in. Madeleine is the mother hen of all the babies- she checks in on each of them and is quick to help or let their Mommies know if they are tired, hungry or crying- she is too much.

We had quite the excursion today- after we completed our paperwork our guide brought us to a local store that is equivalent to our WalMart- many of us needed formula and some staple items to bring back, so at the time, we thought this sounded great. Little did we know that going to the "Mega Mall" was comparable to the rush at Macy's in NYC on Christmas Eve. We were dropped off out front and got instructions of how to reach the lower level and told we needed to be back up in 1 hour. Off we went, naively thinking we could grab some bottled water, formula and some snacks for the hotel...yikes- it was a nightmare. Inside it was plain chaos- couple that with a complete language barrier and a 3y.o. who decided that it would be a perfect time to nap and that about sums it up. Did I mention that on the way out, with all of our bags in hand, Madeleine out cold, and trying to juggle huge jugs of spring water, Audrey wet through her diaper all over me- oh my- I must admit, it was quite the scene. I think my Mom and I almost split our pants laughing and crying trying to figure out just how we were going to make it back on the bus.

Back to the hotel to change and then we walked across the street to our favorite hangout called Lucy's. Lucy's serves Western food and drinks, so it is the hotspot on the island. Christian and I have fond memories of several nights outside on the patio with The Herringtons from our last trip, so it was deja vu for me tonight- I missed you Jodi!!



Thank you all for your comments- today they really touched me and brought tears to my eyes.


Happy Birthday shout out to Claudia...I sure hope you are doing well my friend!

We have a busy day planned for us tomorrow, so I'm signing off early tonight...

Oh- how could I forget to tell you- aside from completing the Chinese portion of the adoption today, the best part of the day was when Christian discovered Audrey's tickle spot and we heard her giggle and belly laugh for the first time- it was so awesome. She is such a sweet and gentle baby, we just can't wait for you to meet her!