6 months ago today Jeannie became part of our family forever. We celebrated her "anniversary" with 6 lit candles in her favorite snack - cream puffs! Yum. We sang to her, and she thought it was her birthday!
She is doing so well. In the 1st grade and loving school. She has been involved in soft ball, dance classes and most recently "cheer camp". She loves anything that gives her an excuse to dress pretty and have her hair in two pig tails! She is such a girly girl. She cried tonight at bed time because tomorrow is a PE day. Jeannie says "pretty girls do not wear tennis shoes!"
Jeannie and Gia are your "typical" sisters. They compete for attention, fight over toys, share their clothes, can play for hours together without a sound, and most importantly love each other very much. When they stand together - they hold hands. They shower together, eat together and always go to bed together. We couldn't be happier!
We will admit that this experience has not been perfect. We had a very difficult first 6 weeks at home. Jeannie had major melt downs and temper tantrums. Gia was miserable sharing her parents and her "things" with Jeannie. More than once Gia told us "I did not know it would be this hard to have a sister".... She still occasionally has this complaint.
Bob was planning on staying home for several weeks, but after seeing what a difficult time Jeannie was having - I stayed home instead. Jeannie went to school after about 6 weeks, and loved it. She almost changed over night once she was going to school with Gia! If we knew that it would be that easy - we would have sent her much sooner!
Once summer arrived, Bob took a leave from work and stayed home with the girls for the entire summer. They had a great time swimming, riding bikes and playing outside. We had several small trips to water parks, baseball parks and also a visit to Vegas to visit their Aunt Laura.
We can't believe how blessed we have been. Our busy days are filled with laughter and pure joy. We don't want to think what our lives would be like without them. We are forever grateful for this precious gift!!
Enjoy the pictures,
Theresa
Gia and Jeannie
Jeannie's beautiful smile
Jeannie and Gia eating macaroni at Omaha Zoo
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Home Sweet Home
We arrived home on Wednesday night as planned. We had no flight delays or problems along the way. The girls slept most of the way home. We were greeted at the airport by 22 family members with flowers, balloons and stuffed animals for the girls. Nana and Papa decorated our living room with a "Welcome Home" poster and balloons. Thank you everyone!
Jeannie seemed to recognize her big brother Ben right away. She went right up to him and gave him a hug. She was overwhelmed with the crowd though, and hid her face in daddy's shoulder. Everyone understood that she was confused and tired, and tried to keep their distance from her.
We hope to have her meet her family members in the next few weeks.
It has been a rough transition at home for Gia. Everything that Jeannie sees - she wants. Gia is trying to keep her away from her things, and we are trying to explain to her that she needs to share with her sister. Jeannie is very frustrated with the language barrier, however she is reluctant to try to say words in English. We are very lucky that we have a neighbor girl that speaks Chinese, and she has been helping a little with translation. Both girls are still very tired and slept 14 hours last night. They still woke up crabby and emotional.
We know that things will get better, one day at a time. We have only been home for 2 days and the change has been hard on all of us. We look forward to life returning to "normal". Gia will return to school next week and Bob will stay home with Jeannie. We are not sure when we will start her in school. We are going to wait and see how she does, how her language development goes, and if she acts like she wants to go to school. She will go with her dad to take Gia to school and pick her up every day, so we are hoping for a sign from her that she is ready.
Again, thanks to all of you for following our blog and wishing us well. We are so lucky to have the two most beautiful girls in the world!
Theresa and Bob
Jeannie seemed to recognize her big brother Ben right away. She went right up to him and gave him a hug. She was overwhelmed with the crowd though, and hid her face in daddy's shoulder. Everyone understood that she was confused and tired, and tried to keep their distance from her.
We hope to have her meet her family members in the next few weeks.
It has been a rough transition at home for Gia. Everything that Jeannie sees - she wants. Gia is trying to keep her away from her things, and we are trying to explain to her that she needs to share with her sister. Jeannie is very frustrated with the language barrier, however she is reluctant to try to say words in English. We are very lucky that we have a neighbor girl that speaks Chinese, and she has been helping a little with translation. Both girls are still very tired and slept 14 hours last night. They still woke up crabby and emotional.
We know that things will get better, one day at a time. We have only been home for 2 days and the change has been hard on all of us. We look forward to life returning to "normal". Gia will return to school next week and Bob will stay home with Jeannie. We are not sure when we will start her in school. We are going to wait and see how she does, how her language development goes, and if she acts like she wants to go to school. She will go with her dad to take Gia to school and pick her up every day, so we are hoping for a sign from her that she is ready.
Again, thanks to all of you for following our blog and wishing us well. We are so lucky to have the two most beautiful girls in the world!
Theresa and Bob
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Final night in China
It is Tuesday night in China. We are getting ready for our final night of sleep, and an early morning. We leave at 6 a.m for the airport, and will arrive home 28 hours later.
This afternoon we went to the U.S. Consulate for our "final oath" and received the necessary paperwork to bring Jeannie home. I didn't expect it, but became quite emotional when it was all over. They mentioned our family along with several others that have adopted more than one child. We all applauded each other - and cheered when the ceremony was over.
We also took the famous "red couch" photos. Our girls were just beautiful and many people commented on how loving and helpful they were to the other children and babies. We have had several people approach us this week and tell us that they have heard about the girls story, and how they were reunited. We have also overheard people talking " those are the two girls that have the beautiful story..." We are so proud of them!
We would like to thank all of our families and friends that have encouraged us, and supported us on this journey. We can't wait for you all to welcome Jeannie home!
I would mostly like to thank my wonderful husband - who loved me so much that he traveled half way around the world 2 years ago to fulfill my dream - not his. He, however fell in love at first sight with our beautiful Gia, and has never looked back nor had any regrets.
And lastly, to my dear mother Jeannie - who from heaven has guided our Jeannie Fu home. I can't wait to show her all of our favorite family traditions and love her as you have loved all of us.
Happy birthday Mom.
Theresa, Bob, Ben, Gia and Jeannie
Theresa
This afternoon we went to the U.S. Consulate for our "final oath" and received the necessary paperwork to bring Jeannie home. I didn't expect it, but became quite emotional when it was all over. They mentioned our family along with several others that have adopted more than one child. We all applauded each other - and cheered when the ceremony was over.
We also took the famous "red couch" photos. Our girls were just beautiful and many people commented on how loving and helpful they were to the other children and babies. We have had several people approach us this week and tell us that they have heard about the girls story, and how they were reunited. We have also overheard people talking " those are the two girls that have the beautiful story..." We are so proud of them!
We would like to thank all of our families and friends that have encouraged us, and supported us on this journey. We can't wait for you all to welcome Jeannie home!
I would mostly like to thank my wonderful husband - who loved me so much that he traveled half way around the world 2 years ago to fulfill my dream - not his. He, however fell in love at first sight with our beautiful Gia, and has never looked back nor had any regrets.
And lastly, to my dear mother Jeannie - who from heaven has guided our Jeannie Fu home. I can't wait to show her all of our favorite family traditions and love her as you have loved all of us.
Happy birthday Mom.
Theresa, Bob, Ben, Gia and Jeannie
Theresa
Monday, March 30, 2009
Dinner
We changed our plans at the last minute and joined several families for dinner at the local Chinese Restaurant. The same restaurant that had the advertisement for the photo shown in the last post. I am sure the picture is of a baby pig, but Bob is convinced that it is a rat.
We had a wonderful meal with several courses; fried noodles, rice, dumplings, green beans, broccoli, hot spicy potatoes, sweet and sour chicken and a beef dish ( we did not try this one).
A standard part of our meals include a visit to the restroom for the girls. Almost all of the bathrooms in the past 2 weeks are equipped with a "squatty potty". The girls were so cute, I just had to take a picture.
Good night from China,
Theresa
We had a wonderful meal with several courses; fried noodles, rice, dumplings, green beans, broccoli, hot spicy potatoes, sweet and sour chicken and a beef dish ( we did not try this one).
A standard part of our meals include a visit to the restroom for the girls. Almost all of the bathrooms in the past 2 weeks are equipped with a "squatty potty". The girls were so cute, I just had to take a picture.
Good night from China,
Theresa
Home in 2 days!
Yesterday we shopped all day and then went to an Italian Restaurant for dinner. It was great.
The girls did not take a nap yesterday, so they were very tired and did not eat much. We went with several other families. Today we again shopped and played outside. Both girls have been playing with their Barbies, so we did some Barbie shopping. You should see Bob and the girls picking out dresses. It was too cute.
Tonight we are going to Lucy's for dinner. They have a lot of American type food. Great french fries and mashed potatoes!
The girls have been playing great together. Except right now - they are wrestling over the "mouse" to the computer. It is getting more and more difficult to find time to post on the computer. I really need to get up at 3 a.m. and do it then!
Jeannie is becoming more and more relaxed with us. She is a very happy girl. She sings and dances all the time. She is saying more and more words in English. Some things we have learned about her:
She loves chocolate! She chooses desserts over anything else to eat.
She eats great.
She loves to take naps and sleeps well at night also.
She is a girly girl. Loves hair bows and jewelry.
Her favorite toy is her Barbie
She tries very hard to copy Gia.
She loves her Mama, Baba and Gia.
We can't wait to start our journey home in 2 days,
Theresa and Bob
The girls did not take a nap yesterday, so they were very tired and did not eat much. We went with several other families. Today we again shopped and played outside. Both girls have been playing with their Barbies, so we did some Barbie shopping. You should see Bob and the girls picking out dresses. It was too cute.
Tonight we are going to Lucy's for dinner. They have a lot of American type food. Great french fries and mashed potatoes!
The girls have been playing great together. Except right now - they are wrestling over the "mouse" to the computer. It is getting more and more difficult to find time to post on the computer. I really need to get up at 3 a.m. and do it then!
Jeannie is becoming more and more relaxed with us. She is a very happy girl. She sings and dances all the time. She is saying more and more words in English. Some things we have learned about her:
She loves chocolate! She chooses desserts over anything else to eat.
She eats great.
She loves to take naps and sleeps well at night also.
She is a girly girl. Loves hair bows and jewelry.
Her favorite toy is her Barbie
She tries very hard to copy Gia.
She loves her Mama, Baba and Gia.
We can't wait to start our journey home in 2 days,
Theresa and Bob
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Jeannie's Medical Exam
Yesterday we went to have her Medical Exam. It was quite an experience. The place was packed with families. It was hot and very noisy. Many of the children were screaming and crying. Of course, Jeannie did great. She had to have three shots, but did not cry or even flinch. Gia was a great big sister, holding her hand the whole time and she have her a big hug when it was over.
Last night we walked to Lucy's for dinner. There was a huge thunderstorm so we waited for the majority of it to pass before we left. We walked in water that was up past our ankles. Bob carried one, and I carried the other.
Jeannie got her famous Adoption Barbie - and the two girls played with it for hours. This is a doll that Matel donates to the White Swan to give to adoptive families. It is a Barbie with long blond hair, holding an Asian baby. Very cute. Gia decided that she does like to play with dolls, and could we please go and get her Adoption Barbie that is at home.
Today there is one more meeting about paper work, and then shopping and playing the rest of the day. We have been consumed with legal paperwork for the past 10 months. I can't believe it is finally over!
Enjoy the photos,
Theresa, Bob, Gia and Jeannie
Last night we walked to Lucy's for dinner. There was a huge thunderstorm so we waited for the majority of it to pass before we left. We walked in water that was up past our ankles. Bob carried one, and I carried the other.
Jeannie got her famous Adoption Barbie - and the two girls played with it for hours. This is a doll that Matel donates to the White Swan to give to adoptive families. It is a Barbie with long blond hair, holding an Asian baby. Very cute. Gia decided that she does like to play with dolls, and could we please go and get her Adoption Barbie that is at home.
Today there is one more meeting about paper work, and then shopping and playing the rest of the day. We have been consumed with legal paperwork for the past 10 months. I can't believe it is finally over!
Enjoy the photos,
Theresa, Bob, Gia and Jeannie
Friday, March 27, 2009
Guangzhou
We arrived in Guangzhou and the White Swan Hotel last night at 9 p.m. our time.
Jeannie did great on the flight. She was so excited when the saw the airplane. She was not afraid at all, and laughed and screamed when we took off. When they brought us a "box snack" and a drink, you would have thought she won the lottery! She was so surprised to have this given to her! We keep reminding ourselves that this is something that she has never experienced and everything is "new" to her.
Today we go for her "medical exam". We have been told that she will get several immunizations. We are hoping that she does OK.
Gia is doing great. She is watching me type right now :)
I will post photos later today,
Theresa
Jeannie did great on the flight. She was so excited when the saw the airplane. She was not afraid at all, and laughed and screamed when we took off. When they brought us a "box snack" and a drink, you would have thought she won the lottery! She was so surprised to have this given to her! We keep reminding ourselves that this is something that she has never experienced and everything is "new" to her.
Today we go for her "medical exam". We have been told that she will get several immunizations. We are hoping that she does OK.
Gia is doing great. She is watching me type right now :)
I will post photos later today,
Theresa
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Fu Cheng and Jia Fan
Jeannie and Gia March 2009
First night's sleep in her clean warm bed. She loves her new home and forever family!
Jeannie, Ben and Gia at home.
Our travel group
Jeannie, Mama and Gia
Jeannie loves her Barbie
This is what it is like trying to work on the computer.
Getting ready for bed, and sleeping with their Barbies
Playing on the monkey bars at an outside playground. Jeannie could not do it at first, but after several attemps, she was keeping up with Gia.
Advertisement outside a restaurant. Looks yummy!
Dressed and ready for breakfast.
Three girls waiting for the immunizations.
Jeannie getting a shot and Gia holding her hand
Jeannie loves her hair in pigtails, Gia had to copy.
Sldeeping beauties. Notice their arms locked together.
Dressed like "twins" in $1.00 Walmart shirts.
Jeannie Fu Cheng
New back packs from Walmart
Gia helping mommy make blankets for the babies in the orphanage.
Happy girls. Notice Jeannie's pig tails. She loves to have her hair done.
Photo from Gotcha Day
I got my sister at last!
Jeannie told us through a translater " Now I won't be alone, I have a sister and a family"
After bath and ready for bed. Notice the hair clips in Jeannie's hair. She is a girly girl!!!
Close up shot of the nicest port-a-potty we have ever seen. Electronic sign to tell you if "occupied or vacant".
Bob and Gia in front of the "birds nest".
The Water Cube
The Olympic Torch
Beijing Airport
Our airplane over the North Pole
Look who we found in the suitcase.
Gia and Jeannie
Dancing girls
Foster Mom
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Gia, Foster mom and Jeannie
Our Family
Bob, Theresa, Ben and Gia