Went to Germanfest (played at the park)

We went to Germanfest yesterday and we met up with my boss and family. Their son Chaz just turned 3 and we wanted to see how they would react. Olivia is so much taking things all in so it takes her time to react to things. Chaz loved the park and just jumped right in and showed us his talents. She finally went on the jungle gym and she loved it. The slide she liked but we had to hold her hand but that was a big start. So now Daddy wants to get her a jungle gym.

Our 1st trip to the zoo with Olivia

Make a Smilebox slideshow

1st Parade

Make a Smilebox slideshow

She loved the best american food the hot dog!!!

Swimming in the pool and Gifts from Oma

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

HOME!!!

We are home and what a great feeling it is. Olivia did great on the plane for 14 hours. She slept most of the way and was up probably a total of 3 hours of the total plane ride. The car seat she didnt like at first but then fell asleep for a few minutes. Grandma and Grandpa were so excited to see Olivia. Grandma made a great first impression with Olivia bringing her a baloon to the airport and then we got home and there were more balloons. Then the florist came with a bunch more balloons. They were from Mike and Marie. The dogs have done better then what we expected. Olivia isn't sure about them yet. The first night sleeping was a little rocky and she ended up in bed with us. We were all up at 3:00 in the morning.
It will take a while for the time change.
We just want to thank everyone that supported us while we were in China. Your thoughts, prayers, and comments kept us going while we were in China. We will keep posting on here time to time to tell you all about our progress with Olivia as she grows and as we grow as one big happy family. Thank you

Olivia is a WI girl

Olivia had to try Daddy's drink last night. She had a taste and really didn't like it too much. She just had to try it.

Famous Red Couch

These pictures are all the kiddos in our group. Everyone that stays at the white swan takes pictures of their group on the red couch. Olivia wasn't to happy leaving her daddy. I tried to get as close as possible but it is hard to get them all in

Little smiles

We are finally on our last leg of this trip Thank God..Our hotel in Nanning was ok but nothing like we are at now. This hotel is very busy and the food at the breakfast buffet is outstanding compared to what we had. Olivia is doing better she is still attached to Normans hip. We have a few moments but all in all still wants Norman. These pictures are where just Olivia and I are in the room and we bought her a Olympic doll. We were both suprised when it spoke thats how I got these pics. Then she realized Norman was gone and all hell broke loose.
We also got our first night of sleep that was great. She didnt like when I slept on a bed so Norman and I had to sleep on one bed and let me tell you these beds are smaller than a twin. She wanted the whole bed to herself. Well last night we had to finally put her in the crib and screamed and yelled for a good 1/2 hour and finally fell asleep we had a great sleep. we will see how tonight goes. Of course I am not feeling well so that makes it worse. I caught a cold and yesterday I finally could not take it anymore and had a break down but now I am feeling great and can handle it. It just takes a toll on you and you have to have a breakdown once in a while. We slept almost 15 hours so now we are good to go. It does help in this hotel that the air conditioning is working just wonderfully. I am so sick and tired of humidity and always sweating. I hope all this makes sense I am rambling because there is so much. I just remind all you soon to be parents and that you are coming to China be prepared to sweat your ass off!!!!! If you think you can get away with only one shirt a day or two think again. Bring a lot of T-shirts that are cool. Because I am telling you I have never felt humidity like this in my whole life. I am warning you....If need be bring T-shirts you can throw away at the end of the trip to make room for new ones I wish I had. Love you all and miss everyone so much...

1st swim and liked it

Today was so hot and humid we finally went to the pool. We were a little nervous that first she wouldn't take off her shoes or go in the water. She did both to our amazement. She loves splashing around with Daddy but for me still not too much. It will in time. She also loves her magnadoodle that Auntie Cindy and Uncle Shane gave her.
One more day here in this Province and off to our final destination. We are looking so forward to that. We can't wait to come home. I know what home sick is from living in FL and RI but this is unreal.
Tomorrow we will do a little more sightseeing. Oh and by the way Olivia had to use the squatty potty and let me tell you that was not fun. On that note we are signing off and will post soon.

Wal-Mart

Well we went to Wal-Mart today. No matter where we go in the world we always have to go to a Wal-Mart. We bought Olivia today a few more outfits, cheerios her fav, legos. I am having a hard time posting pics at this time so I have given up on that until we go to our next stop which will be Saturday. It is crazy here how these people have are so curious about us Americans. We feel a little like Rock stars. I have come to the conclusion I dont want to be a star. It again was so humid here. It poured for about a hour today but that was ok. we pretty much just took it easy. Olivia took a 3 hour nap today and we still had to wake her. (Boy she loves to sleep) who does that sound like. So we are getting ready for bed. Just gave her a bath. She doesn't fight me on it but cries the whole entire time she is in. That is all for now hope everyone is doing well and thank you everyone for your post it keeps us up and not too bad being home sick but cannot wait to get home.

more pics

daddy's little girl

We finally have our little girl. Sorry having trouble downloading it is taking forever. Yesterday was a day like no other. All the families received their children and it was crazy. Each child is announced seperately by the time they announced Olivia she was last. She is attaching to her dad just wonderfully and me not so much. She lets me take her to the bathroom and give her food. thats about it. She sleeps with Norman, walks with Norman and Norman does the carrying. It hurts the ego a little but I know in time she will come around I am not pushing her. We asked the orphanage director regarding her Thalassemia and her recently having bronchitis and everything is great.
She loves her mangadoodle and loves cheerios. she also is very organized. she is very stubborn.
What a difference a day makes.