Chapter 3: Population 605 !

Rubbermaid containers make the best bathtubs for teensy-weensies who weigh under 20 pounds. Many more pictures below ... but first a little explanation:

Our time in China was mistakenly named Chapter 1 ... we were tired. It really was Chapter 2, with Chapter 1 reserved for the time period encompassed by dreaming about, then waiting for, The Little One.

Chapter 3 will comprise our initial time home as a new family, in a new house, in a new state. The title "605" will be explained below.
When we last wrote, we were preparing to fly home from China. The last day in China was spent packing, saying goodbye to new friends, and, of course, last minute shopping! After beginning our homeward journey on 1/16/09 at 4am (China date and time), it only took three flights and 20 hours of travel from Guangzhou, China to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. But, "WE MADE IT!" (to use an Elle Woods quote)., with Willow on Meryl's lap all the way, except for a couple hours break on the flight between Tokyo, Japan and Portland, Oregon. As long as the little one was held close to mom on the flights, all went well. I won't get into the projectile vomit that Willow covered us with on the first flight. She just wanted to make sure we were properly prepared for the remaining two flights; not that she did it again, but..."it" lingered on our clothing. No ear troubles on take-off or landing on any flights. On touchdown in Portland with her Chinese passport stamped by immigration, the United States of America welcomed its newest citizen: Wu Chun Qi (aka: Willow Noelle Chun Qi Stein).
We arrived back home in Minnesota at 2pm on the same day, Friday 1/16/09 (remember, China is in tomorrow while the USA is in today). On the plane, Chris was somewhat worried about the freezing cold weather we were traveling in to -- i.e., How would the wee one react to frigid weather?, Would the car start after sitting in a hotel parking lot for 3+ weeks covered by ice and snow?, etc. To our surprise, when we arrived "home" at the airport, Minnesota was experiencing a "heat wave" (our taxi driver told us it was 15 degrees above zero, which sure beat the 20 below it was a few days before). Our car also started without a jump. When we crossed the Marine on St. Croix, MN border, the population of the town rose to a whopping population of 605! (by the by, Meryl and Chris were residents number 603 and 604).

Chloe and Gus gave us such a warm welcome (only capable by members of the four-legged kind). But, they did think "who is this strange little creature in mommy's arms?" In China, our time spent familiarizing Willow with photos of Chloe and Gus paid off on Willow's end...she recognized them, yet remained very tentative...because, here the two doggies were (in the flesh).

The next few days were spent succumbing to "intense' biological clock adjustments. No one went to bed at a decent hour, but...when we did, we all slept for many hours (most importantly, the little one sleeps for 10-12 hours each night).

Chris also discovered a new place to take Chloe and Gus for a walk/run...out the backyard onto the frozen St. Croix River. He often takes a daily stroll over to Wisconsin (in the background); the St. Croix River forms the boundary between the two states where we live. Chloe and Gus are pictured above, on the river behind our house (note the snowmachine tracks ... also used by cross-country skiers. In checking with an ice fisherman if "walking on the river was safe?" , the fisherman said that "The ice is 16 inches in the middle of the river and 8 on the sides." So..."What's safe?" -- "4 inches" (or so they say).

For now, the river is a new playground for the dogs, although Chloe is fixated by a deer carcass and seems to become quite "primitive" after pulling on it for a while. "Wild" as she doesn't want to listen, and doesn't. She definitely has "deer on the mind," can only be pulled off the carcass (bones, hide, and hair at this point -- the Bald Eagles made good work of it earlier) by leash, and often brings a mouthful of hide/hair back up to the house with her.

On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, little Willow watched the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, with mom and dad. She even wore an Obama button. Hopefully, great things for the USA and many people of the world will result from this momentous day! (apologies to my republican friends).

Inauguration on the tele in the background.

These past two weeks have seen Willow truly blossom. She walks, runs, walks backwards, laughs and cackles loudly and wildly, vocalizes quite a bit (like "uff-uff" for the dogs), climbs, plays tag, dances, pretends, rolls and kicks a ball, uses sippy cup, likes to feed herself, gives hugs & kisses, and is just an all round very special, precious little human being. This, despite the fact that she had to be taken to the doctor three times the first week. First, to have her skin bumps/rash attended to -- turns out she had a antibiotic resistant staph infection. Second, to have her physical as an international adoptee -- she screamed when receiving a TB test, flu shot, and blood work. Seems like she has a previous aversion to doctors?? Third, to return and have her TB test read. With all these trips to Stillwater, MN (and other nearby cities/towns) to visit the doctor's office and stores for needed equipment (like medicine, tub, etc.) and supplies (various ointments, formula, diapers, etc.), Willow is learning how to accept her car seat. She sits in the seat with the tip of her "ladybug" blanket shoved in her mouth alongside her thumb (to soothe herself) while we play a Chinese children's CD of nursery rhymes. Willow is also becoming a good "signer." She loves the "Baby Signing Time" dvd that we play for her at least once a day and actually signs as the dvd plays. She also independently signs for various objects (or ... it seems she is practicing). Her favorite signs at the moment are "daddy" and "horse".

Here is Willow perched on her pink throne, watching her Signing Times video. For those of you who don't know it, please make note of the fact that we haven't unpacked our boxes yet, as we are only temporarily in our house (thus things might look weird in the background of most photos).

1/27 - BIG DAY! This day was Willow's first medical appointment with Dr. Robert Wood (her surgeon) and Dr, Cheryl Cermin (her orthodontist) at Gillette Children's Hospital, St.Paul, MN. Now that the doctors have seen the wee one, we know what Willow's surgical schedule will be. First, Dr. Cermin will insert a fixture to the roof of Willow's mouth to pull back her little "bill" (top of lip). This could happen in two or so weeks. After a couple of weeks with the fixture, Willow will be "ready" for surgery, where her bilateral clefts will be repaired.

1/30 - After receiving a very special toy (a large wooden activity center called the Busy Zoo)from mom and dad, Willow showed her appreciation by running over us to plant kisses on us and giving us hugs, over and over again. Incredible!

1/31 - Willow kissed Chloe this morning. First time!