We left the hotel in a shuttle with a guide to help us get to the train. We finally boarded the train after trying to figure out how to maneuver all the luggage while caring for and carrying Lily who was crying during security. We got to the train and boarded got in our seats when a Chinese family came and said we were in their seats. We figured out our tickets were for the wrong day. Cue the stress hormone. Praise God they let us stay on the train as there were extra seats. We had already went through the customs area of leaving China to go to Hong Kong. Wow.
We made it to the train station in Hong Kong about 7 and had to figure out how to get a taxi while Lily was pushing her suitcase. We got the taxi and Lily did not want to ride in it with momma so dad had to switch seats. I sat in front and Dan in back and both of us being exhaust at this point had to really focus on processing quickly our feelings and focus on our daughter.
We got to the airport and checked in and tried hard to stay awake for our 1145 flight. Lily was a trooper, and didn't cry much or throw a tantrum at all which was a huge blessing.
We boarded the 12 hour flight to London and all we wanted to do was sleep but the stewardess came around and served a meal right away. We were trying the let Lily sleep but she kept waking up. She did a great job of wearing a seat belt. In fact, she started putting it on herself. HUGE PRAISE!
She slept cross ways for about 8 hours which was wonderful which meant we were able to get some sleep too. We arrived in London at 530am local time. Our next flight was at 1115, so we had hours to kill and stay awake. We found a play area but she needed socks in order to play in it.
We got on our next plane a 8 hour trip which took forever. At least It felt like it did. Lily slept about 4 or 5 hours and was happy for the rest. We had been using pull ups on her at night but decided to put her in one on the plane This plane ride I realized she had filled her pull-up with poo. Ok, so for some you know how i have gagged in the past trying to change a poopy diaper. But, being the fearless mom I am, jumped in without hesitation. Once we got to the airplane bathroom, which is so tiny, I had to devise a plan. It was so comical trying to clean her on a closed toilet put her down to toss the wipes in the toilet and then clean her again. Repeat this 10 times in a supper tiny bathroom. We were both sweating when we were done. But, we made it through without gagging! Woohoo!! I know you might be think so what, it's a diaper... but after all these years of being stalled in this area with friends kids, I it was a big victory.
We finished the plane ride and got to Chicago. We made it through the customs line and immigration. WOOHOOO!! Lily is now an American citizen!
We met mom and we headed to the car. Lily was put in her car seat and freaked out as Dan was going to the other side. Since she was preferring Dan I was loading the car with mom. She finally got settled in the car and promptly fell asleep for the hour and half drive to Rockton. We came in as she was crying and decide to start a bath. Thankfully my parents were understanding and just let us care for her right away. The bath was what she needed to create boundaries and a safe zone for her. We are in the downstairs area of my parents house which is like a little apartment. After the bath we all gathered on one of the twin beds and snuggled. We whispered reassuring words both of us and then kissed her cheeks over and over again. This was what she needed to be calmed. She fell asleep pretty quick and then Dan and I hopped up into the upper trundle twin. We both passed out. We don't remember much. At that point we had traveled over 30 hours.
About 2am today I woke up starving so I went upstairs to get some food and when I came back down Lily was wide awake and next to baba. She came right to me and we cleaned up and then snuggled on the couch for a few hours.
Today has been really relaxed for her birthday. She has gone to 2 parks and met her cousin Kate. She gave her a high five as well as Caleb (her other cousin)
She is doing well right now since she knows the lower area of the house is her safe zone. It's creating boundaries for her and then she gradually becomes more comfortable. She has started smiling a little more to grandpa.
Momma and Lily took a nap today while dad was doing seminary. Lily was fighting taking a nap but was so snugly and happy with momma and we got great face to face time. She finally gave into the nap when I put on our Chinese lullaby music. I transferred to the upper bed and started reading an adoption of the older child book and fell asleep too.
Baba came in about 2 hours later and woke us up. That was really hard to wake up. Jet lag with no kids is no joke,but with kids is so Hard! I jumped down to the lower bed and snuggled and both her and I fell back to sleep. Baba had to wake us up again.
We got up finally and went outside to a park.
We are having an ice cream cake tonight for her 6th birthday. I will include photos in our next blog. Things have been hard, and amazing all at the same time.
At the park in Rockton. Baba went down the slide first to dry it from the rain!
(In Chicago finally!!)
In Hong Kong trying to stay awake!
On the train to Hong Kong.
At the park here in Rockton!
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