The Sweet Life...

I didn't want to bore you with all the pictures of China without doing a last day post of our little China Doll.  She has been SO MUCH better today.  I don't even think she has cried but one time when we first put her in the stroller.  She is back to what we hope is her usual self.

She slept through most of our sightseeing today, and has spent the afternoon contently playing in our hotel room while we pack.  She has also found and tried a few exciting and new things today.


On our last night here I thought I would spend some time reflecting on how much Mercy has changed in a little less than two weeks time.

She came to us barley able to crawl and now she is cruising all over the place.
She could not stand up or stand by herself.  Not only can she stand herself up from a squatting position and stay standing alone, but she has also attempted the challenge of taking a few steps.
She says mama, dada, and uh-oh very clearly.
She had never drinken from a cup or straw, but has mastered both.
She had learned how to blow bubbles, or at least she has the blowing part down.
She has learned how to turn pages of a book.  The first time we gave her book it was very obvious she had never touched or seen one before.
Some of her newly learned tricks would include:  stacking blocks, giving kisses, giving a high-five, taking her socks, shoes and shirt off, and shaking her head no.
She has conquered her fear of short-sleeves!  (just for you Bevy :)
She is signing more, please and all done.

This girl has come a long way in a very short period of time.  We are watching a baby turn into a toddler at lightning speed and it's such an awesome thing to witness.

Here are a few pictures to wet your appetite for her homecoming on Friday.  Speaking of Friday we are hoping that many of you are free to greet us in our front yard when we pull up around 5:00 - 5:30pm Friday!

Everyday we attempt the sunglasses...

Everyday we get them on her face...

Everyday she takes them off faster then we put them on.
Notice the smirk of success.

Snuggle time in the van.

Oh Mercy, if you would only keep those sunglasses on this wouldn't happen.

I don't know who is more tired?

Sleeping Beauty

Playtime back at the hotel.  She has really taken off in the crawling department.

We found a way to get her standing.  Put food out on the table and the girl is up on two feet in no time!

Stretching for something yummy, notice the tongue sticking out?

Ahhh,  I found an apple slice within reach!

Never mind, I don't like the apple.

Hmmm, now what's that I see on the table?

Starbucks?  Sure I'll give it a try...

OK, now we're talking! 

More please!

Then she found a pack of Oreos that her daddy had been eating, but set down.

Oh yeah, that's good!

Playing bubbles with mommy.

All that leg strengthening I did today to get food is really paying off.
Look I'm standing all by myself!!!