Gracee is all wet...

With a Mommy who is a swim coach and a big brother who is a collegiate swimmer and three other siblings who are swimmers in their own right, it's only natural that within two weeks after settling down at home that Gracee is in the pool. Gracee was introduced to the 'water' in her daily bathtime--which she loves--and took right to the swimming pool. Now she didn't swim laps or do a "no breather," but Mommy, Anna, and Niles (who were there) said she enjoyed splashing down into the pool (with assistance.) Swim on little Gracee!

Seeing Big Brother Off to School...

Gracee joined her family in wishing her big brother, Drew, a safe trip back to college this morning. We know she will miss her big brother while he is away. We promised Drew we would make the trip to Indy this fall--both to visit with him and take him the rest of the stuff he couldn't fit in his car. We are all so grateful that Drew could be with the family for a very, very special summer that has changed our lives forever. The places we visited, the food we ate, the little shops in which we bargained, the people we met, and the joy of bringing home a new little sister are memories we all will share. Each member of the family contributed wonderfully in their own way to the start of Gracee's Big Adventure. We are grateful to God that we could do all this together. GO HOUNDS!!!

Where's my favorite pink pair of shorts?

Gracee searches for her favorite outfit in the washing machine as Mom discovers a few more of Drew's dirty clothes that need to be cleaned. Drew has his car packed full as he heads north for his senior year of college. Who knew Drew had that many clothes?

Tennessee Titans Gain a New Fan

Gracee was heartbroken Friday night after the Atlanta Falcons marched down the field to easily score on their first possession and then scored again by running back a Titans kick-off. [Actually she is just mad because her Daddy took something away from her.] She was all-grins later though, as the Titans rallied, gaining a win in their second preseason game. This girl is a real fan of Titans football!

Growing up a little reader! Mom and Gracee read a board book together as Gracee winds down for night-night. It was four weeks today that our family boarded an airliner for Beijing, kicking off Gracee's Big Adventure in ernst. We stand amazed at all that has taken place in the last four weeks and are so grateful that God invited us to be a part of His work in giving Gracee a family. Gracee has a wonderful personality. She is very happy little girl. And we are making great progress in helping her understand that nighttime is made for sleeping! We are so pleased that so many folks are interested in her and her journey to our family. We are always pleased to talk about what God has done and about the many, many other little girls (and boys) who are waiting for their "forever family." 

Guess who?

It's been just over a week since we returned home with Gracee from China. For someone who had a pretty basic diet for nearly 18 months of her life, she is doing very well, eating nearly everything on her plate (including green beans, Romaine lettuce, carrots, and especially pizza.)
She is curious and now quite adept at crawling whereever she wants to go. She is uttering new and different sounds every day. And she likes to practice standing up all by herself. Gracee likes to ride in the car. She usually takes that opportunity to grab a quick nap. We continue to 'fine tune' her sleep habits (and are anticipating compliance from her any day now.) It is hard to believe that just two weeks ago we were re-packing our bags after a soggy visit to Beijing and looking forward to the flight the next day to Gracee's province. Two weeks we did not even know her (in person) and today it seems like she has been a part of our family forever. We know only God in His grace can work miracles like this.

A Big Day for Gracee

Gracee's first week in the U.S. started with a flurry as she and her Mommy and Daddy tried to shake off the effects of international travel. Gracee went to Sunday School with Mom and Dad (youth) and then on to worship service where she slept for most of the service (no reflection on the pastor's sermon). To celebrate Gracee's homecoming, we went to a local Chinese buffet after church. Unfortunately Chinese food in America (at the buffet) bears little resemblance to Chinese food in China (and Gracee seemed to know the difference.)

Gracee's first visit to the pediatrician was Monday morning and it was painful as the doctor needed to draw three vials of blood plus do a skin test. She was not happy. On first examination her physician pronounced her healthy but she'll go back in a few weeks for her 18-month visit and for immunizations. As a goodwill gesture, Dad took her to Burger King next to the clinic where she could have french fries--one of her favorite treats. She is becoming more vocal each day. Gracee is a very special little girl whose smile really can brighten a room. God has blessed us mightily in allowing us to be her Mommy and Daddy.

Guess who's grocery shopping? Gracee made her first visit to our favorite grocery store yesterday. She wasn't all that impressed until she got to the bakery and was given a sugar cookie. Yum. Yum. Given the number of visits the family makes to the store in a year, we're sure Publix will soon be Gracee's favorite grocery store as well. 

She's stylin' now! Gracee sports a new hair do, compliments of her brother Niles. Instead of the gel he uses to craft his artistic hair styles, Niles used tap water on Gracee's hair. I think she likes it! [Note the shirt she's wearing--courtesy of The Swift, the band her big brother (in-law) Britt is in. That Gracee is a real rocker! Thanks Cadle and Britt.] 

An American Girl...

She's an American girl now! Gracee waves the red, white, and blue on her first full day at home. We're working on getting our days and nights straightened out. All of the family was up at 3:00 this morning (Saturday). We had our breakfast and then went back to bed at 5:00 a.m. for a few more hours of sleep (except Niles who couldn't go to sleep so he went outside and got the paper, emptied the dishwasher, cut some flowers for Mom, and made coffee). Everyone feels much better (except Niles who is now tired). We are even planning our first trip out of the house since we arrived home--to get food for the young chickens and groceries (for the family) at Publix. Gracee has become remarkably more vocal since we got home. It sure sounds like she is saying "da-da." We are so blessed to have friends from church and the community bringing dinner to us every night. Gracee had her first barbeque sandwich Friday night. But her favorite were the Lay's potato chips!

Eating Thai in China...

On our last night in China, we joined our new friends--the Twogoods--for a meal at a Thai restaurant on Shamian Island (The Cow and Bridge restaurant in Guangzhou). It was very special to be on this exciting adventure with a wonderful family like their's. Their daughter, Ruth, also came from the Anhui province, but a different city. We are blessed to know them and look forward to meeting up with them again.

Gracee is home!!!

After nearly 22 hours of travel on three airliners, Gracee is home! The little girl from Bengbu was greeted by loving friends and family at the airport who had come to celebrate her homecoming. Dear friends had supper at the house for us already (picture shown demonstrates Gracee likes Mexican food, too) and breakfast for us this morning.

Gracee did very well on the flights: taking naps, sitting on the floor and tearing up airline magazines, eating airline meals, and most importantly, gobbling up Cheerios. She is doing well at home. She's not sure about our dogs (Winston and Noah in the house). The dogs are excited to have this source of table food. She's probably perplexed at these baby-sized creatures covered with hair. She finds the chickens and the cats interesting. She is exploring the house by 'walking' with the assistance of her brothers and sister and has pulled the first book off a bookshelf, a commentary on the book of Galatians (good choice). Since she got us out of bed at 5:30 this morning, we've been busy 'baby-proofing' the house. Since it's been a while since we had a little one in the house, we are learning all over again what havoc a 30 inch little person can do. Gracee is remarkably flexible and is already 'right at home.' We are so glad to be home. Thank you for praying for us. What wonderful friends and family we have that care so much for us.

Secure in her Mommy's arms. Gracee proved to be a great international traveler, sleeping for many miles on her journey to her new home. 

Little Gracee traveled to America on this 747 airliner. She became an American citizen after leaving the customs hall at the Minneapolis airplane where the U.S. visa in her Chinese passport was stamped.  

One last post in China...

The bags are packed and most of us (except Drew and I) are fast asleep, not looking forward to the 4:45 am knock on the door to pick up the luggage. Yet we are anxious to get our little girl home. It has been a long two weeks in many ways; but in other ways the beginning of Gracee's Big Adventure has zipped by. We are marveling at how she is opening up to us, as a flower slowly blooms at dawn's first light. We are grateful that God invited us on this adventure and that He has blessed us each step of the way (just as He promises). We can't wait to get home to ice water, free refills of cola at restaurants, napkins on the table, leftovers in the refrigerator, and most all, to put our little baby girl to bed in her very own home. We could not have done this without the fervent prayers of those who love us and care for us. We would not have taken these steps of faith without those who went before us and promised us that God would provide and He would direct our steps. We serve a mighty God who takes pleasure in blessing us. Thanks be to Him for what He is doing for Gracee and thanks be to Him for what He has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Gracee's Big Adventure... What wonders lie ahead for this little one from Bengbu? To God be the Glory.

The Red Couch...

A traditional pose for Chinese children before leaving for their new home in the U.S., Gracee joins her fellow Anhui adoptees on the red couch at the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou, China. Gracee (far right--just like her Daddy :)) sits pretty and calm on the couch (thanks to Cheerios in both hands.) Her good friend, Ruth, just to her left, stands ready to protect Empress G. We just returned from the American Consulate where the final processing of Gracee's visa is at hand. An emotional moment as we reflected on the fact that in a matter of hours we will be home, and perhaps most importantly, our little girl will be an American citizen. In the footsteps of the Cecil and Kelley family before us, we have attempted to work over the store clerks and street vendors in the local wheeling-and-dealing commerce style. But to be honest, I'm sure no matter how "good the deal," the store owners made out well. And in reality, I'm pleased to see capitalism at its finest flourish. We bought a new Chinese suitcase this morning and just finished filling it up with many of the prizes from China. But of course the most wonderful gift is the one God has blessed us with--little Miss Gracee. Big flight tomorrow morning early and an arrival at the Nashville airport late afternoon. We value your continued prayers for safe and peaceful travel, and a never-ending supply of Cheerios. See you soon!!!

Looking back toward the White Swan Hotel from the Pearl River.  

Dad and Gracee on the famed Red Couch at the White Swan. Looks like Gracee is in need of a Cheerios fix... Dad could use a nice glass of ice water (and maybe a good cup of coffee)! 

Don't tell this girl to smile...

Gracee was anything less than "all smiles" for her visa photo this morning in Guangzhou. Despite the efforts of local CHI guide Li and others, Gracee showed them who was boss by flashing her now-famous "upside down grin" look. She was all smiles later after being poked and prodded in her medical examination. Gracee was pronounced fit and ready to leave the country for her new homeland. A little bit of shopping on the way home, a bite of lunch (leftovers in the hotel room), and our Bengbu beauty was out for her nap (to the silent cheers of her Mommy.)

Looking out from our hotel window on Shamian Island (Guangzhou). We don't have the premium Pearl River view, but we can keep an eye on many of the merchants and see all the deals our friends (especially the Twogood family) are getting!