Finding a New Normal

So, I couldn't start this blogpost without posting a new family picture! It isn't the best but will have to do. This is before leaving my sister's house who still didn't have power. Not exactly sure what Ben was doing but that is typical.

We made the trip home from Westerville, OH to Washington, WV after finally getting some gasoline. Mariah slept almost the whole way. For a child that has never ridden in a carseat before she seemed to like it. 

While in Ch*na we found it difficult to hold a child while in a car. Neither the adult or child stay comfortable for long. A carseat was a welcome addition to our car. She seemed to like her own space. She never fights the carseat either.

We came home and our neighbor welcomed us as he admired our Mariah. Tom took care of our house while we were away. He got our mail for us too. We love our neighborhood. Tom also kept a key to our house and cut the grass once. Our other neighbor, Marvin, was on vacation for one of those weeks but kept on eye on things once he got back. Friends of ours came over and took care of the pool and cut the grass another time as well. 

So the time came for us to distribute the souvenirs. The kids were super excited! We found some swords that collapse just like the light sabers we have. So, all three boys got one of those unique treasures. Here are a few pics. Just a fair warning......silliness included!

So as you can see, weapons were a huge part of our shopping in Ch*na. The weapons that caused a little bit of trouble in Ch*na were not the kids'. Well, unless you consider Jeremy a big kid. He bought a sword. It also bought him a place behind the security counter in Nanjing! All was good though.

Here are the cutest little chopsticks! We bought each of them a set. They are connected on one end to help learn how to use them.

Here is Mikey just hanging out. And yes, he has spaghetti sauce on his white t-shirt. They showered before supper and let's just say that Micah enjoys eating his pasta.

Okay. So this is not a typical traditional Ch*nese souvenir. Jeremy found this at TrustMart (Ch*na's Walmart) in Guangzh*u. Ben loves Transformers and this one we have never found in the US. This is Devastator, Ch*nese style. Ben loved it! He has played with Jeremy's old one but it is broken.

Since we were not here for Becca's birthday, we got a few things for her that were intended for her birthday. Right now, Becca's favorite color is orange. She is also loving purses. So an orange purse seemed perfect!

This is a piece of candy made out of glass. We bought one for her and Mariah. We found these at the glass store in Be*jing near The Great Wall.

Then we had to get one for Mariah. These were the only souvenirs we bought while in Beijing. My mom bought a beautiful vase and carried it on each plane as if she were carrying a million dollars. It was funny to see mom with that vase.

Okay, so not really a souvenir but just thought I'd share a very cute picture. Somehow she has learned to smile when she sees the red light on the camera. This is not the clearest picture because Mariah kept moving closer to me while I tried to snap the picture.

Our suitcase of souvenirs remained in the livingroom for a few days and Mariah was fascinated with it all. I'd be lying if I said I left it there for her to enjoy. I was just too tired, exhausted, spent, etc to do anything with that suitcase. After all, everything in that suitcase needed to find a home in our house. Not an easy task. Mariah loved her purple backpack and loves to wear it. Just ignore the disaster behind her.

In the picture below, Mariah even decided that the extra Lysol wipes were fair game. There is that smile again.

Interesting thing here. She found the three bottles that we took to Ch*na with us. She held it up and started playing with it and wanted to drink from it. Jeremy filled it up with milk from the fridge and she took a few drinks and that was it. She was done. Funny that the orphanage gave her nothing but a bottle for breakfast and supper yet with us she completely rejects it. Oh, well. Straws for this little gal. We are definitely getting the best results with a straw. She is not interested in a sippy cup either. Well....whatever way we can get liquid into her works for me.

You will be happy to know that my livingroom is once again free and clear of that suitcase. It only took me several days and knowing that Jeremy's parents were coming to get up enough ambition to clean it up. Now the livingroom is filled with the few toys we have for Mariah. But who cares about toys. Mariah believes the picture frames, my piano, and the remote control are good enough!