Thanks to everyone for EVERYTHING! I'm sorry I've been so quiet...your emails tell me you are being as patient as you can be!

This one is going to be very brief...I promise when things even out a little I'll let you know all the wonderful little details.

You remember that Claire was sick in China...snotty nose, cough, coughing so hard she was vomiting? Before she got home, the cough had lessened so no more vomiting. She still has a snotty nose, she's still coughing, she's in a brand new country, in a brand new house, with a brand new family...she went to the doctor for her first visit last Friday...she also has an ear infection. SO, she's been getting Tylenol, antiobiotics, and did I mention they started her re-vaccinations too? So she spiked a fever and had pain in both legs. There was little to no sleep the first couple of nights...and now we know it was due to the ear infection. Once the amoxicillin kicked in she's sleeping through the night. Let's not forget she's getting over a mild case of scabies too. So all in all, she's one of the toughest kids I've ever known...along with her sister. She's giving us smiles and waves and she's decided that I'm pretty swell. I don't think she realizes that I'm Mama yet, but she likes me.

Hope is doing well. She was the only member of the family besides the kitties who slept through the night the last few days. She has her moments...mostly small meltdowns when she feels like she's being left out. But most of the time she just wants to be next to her sister. Claire cries when Hope cries...and laughs when Hope laughs. Garry said she did NOT cue into other babies in China, so this is definitely a sister thing!

Me, one day is excellent, another day isn't. I'll survive. My family is home and together and we can get through anything. My house is still a mess. You know what? I've got two kids now. I think it's probably going to be a mess for the next 20 years or so. Humphrey has his surgery tomorrow, so those of you with a soft spot for kitties, please say a little prayer for him.

Garry, the Uber-Dad? There are NO words for how proud I am of him and how he handled everything while he was gone. He's got what Claire has. He went to the doctor today...came home with a couple scripts and some chicken soup. He needs to rest and take it easy for awhile! He had a minor meltdown earlier today because he couldn't find something...thinks he left it in China. It is so not important. Chances are it's buried under one of the many piles in my kitchen! LOLOLOLOL

My girls are napping...I think I'm going to do the same. Thanks for your patience!

Sorry for the lack of updates...however we've...and I say "we've" like I have anything to do with it other than worry...we've had a sick baby.

I guess all of the girls have colds to some degree and Claire had the unknown rash on her back. Dr. John (thank you so very much from the bottom of my nervous Mama heart) checked her out on their Tuesday morning. She had been coughing so hard that she was throwing up...a lot. Dr. John said that she felt a little warm, she was NOT dehydrated, he felt it was just a snotty nose, and the rash, well, he said it looked more like impetego but since she had been in an institution to go ahead and use the scabies cream that Garry had brought. In Garry's words? "She's just like you! She coughs and then she throws up!" Awww...she really *is* my baby! LOL

Garry also said that he felt incredibly sorry for the maid who had to come in and strip every single piece of linen from the room covered in baby puke.

Their Tuesday was pretty laid back. I think he called me a half a dozen times. By the last call we were all feeling better. She was coughing less, keeping the Tylenol down, keeping her bottle down for longer and longer amounts of time, and sleeping more. Thank you God. Before he told me goodnight he told me what they were going to do on Wednesday...yes, they've already HAD their Wednesday. Again, in his words, "We're going to go puke on the pandas!" ROTFL!!!

He said the trip to the zoo went VERY well. She didn't puke on the pandas, but she did "spit up" a little. Hey, this is the first time he's used that term. I'm thinking we've turned the corner.

Also, at least two of the other girls have started the severe coughing/throwing up cycle and two more have presented with "The Rash". Dr. John has recommended that they all go through the two treatments of scabies cream and that if there is any left, the parents should use it as well before going home.

There is also a sign posted in the hotel lobby that Internet usage may be limited or down due to the earthquake in Taiwan. I know Garry told me this morning that he had sent me an email which I've yet to receive. He said that Kristian was complaining about not being able to post pictures as well.

The gal who lost her passport, I believe has her temporary visa. She can't travel to Guangzhou without it. As for the passport, I'm guessing that's being taken care of as well.

So what's Claire like? Through it all she's always smiling! He said the only time she's screaming or upset is when he tries to wipe her nose, or bathe her! Hey, *that's* normal, right? She doesn't have a clue yet about solid food or eating from a spoon...again...just like Hope. She's got the two bottom teeth, one coming through on the top, and ANOTHER top one appearing just below the surface. So on top of being sick and having a new Daddy, she's teething. Several of the other families have commented on what a great personality she has. Sorry to keep saying this...we heard the same about Hopie! I don't think it's anything *we* did, I just think we've been blessed beyond measure. Sandy! Remember how Garry kept calling Alice "Baby Alice with Kung-Fu Grip"? Well, Claire has apparently inherited her Kung-Fu grip. He said even Zhou has commented on how strong she is.

Garry played the DVD for her that Hope and I made. He said she sits perfectly still and watches while I sing to her, but as soon as Hopie comes on she tries to grab the camera. How perfect! She's already going after her sister! This morning he told me that he had given her the book with all of our pictures in it. He says that every time he tries to turn the page away from my picture, she turns it back...and pats my face. Oh crud...I really was fine until I typed that!

He holds the phone to her ear and I talk to her. I know very little Mandarin, but what I do know, I use with her. He said that she was trying to kiss the mouthpiece just like she gives him kisses. How awesome is that? They've been together for three days and she's already giving Daddy kisses!

The move I personally can't wait to witness is the head-bob. He says she's got this emphatic up and down "yes" deal. One is very slow and serious, and the other is two very short yet firm up and downs. He said if you watch the Chinese, it's how they greet each other. In any case it sounds too cute for words.

Thanks to Rick for watching her so Daddy can partake of the breakfast buffet without a baby on his hip. And I *know* he would without complaining, but it's just nice that Rick is there to help too! I'm not sure I could balance a plate and fill it AND hold a baby...but I'm willing to try!

The grandmother who is traveling with the family from Tennessee picked Claire up. She said she couldn't help herself! I completely understand...I can't wait to get my hands on her either. Garry reminded her of my "No women get to hold her rule"! LOL

I guess my shopping list is a big hit too. At least one family has asked if they can have a copy! LOLOLOLOLOL

Well, it is time to feed jie-jie! Thanks to all for your prayers, emails, and support through this entire journey.

Later y'all! ")