Early Bird Liam

Erin sent me (Laura - the message relay operator) around 3:00pm today. All it said was "Yes, it is stinking 5 in the morning!" I guess Liam is a morning person!!

Day 1 with Liam

Liam is amazing! He hasn't slowed down yet. We are hoping to all crash when we get back to the hotel tonight. I am expecting the new to wear off and the sadness to hit soon. He has been on a communication high you might call it. He LOVES Jay! He is playing with all his new toys, but only for a few seconds before moving on to the next. He has been introduced to French fries and ketchup (as was Jaci on day one), and he is a big fan! He loves to clean up after himself. The orphanage was phenomenal! We got to interview one of the caretakers for a long time. She gave us her email address and is expecting updates. The kids are VERY well cared for! I will text Laura a few more pics to post here when she gets a chance. The comments and prayers are so helpful. Thank you! I love you Aidan, Colin, and Jaci! Your little brother is checking out your pictures very carefully. You guys are going to love him!

He's Here!

Update: little man is a bundle of energy! He is smart! He is already mimicking signs and understands no. He is allowing us to hold him for now. Full of smiles! Points to everything! Note to self: Liam proof the house!

Coffee Houses Rule!

Found free wifi! Just a 15 minute walk from hotel so now life is grand! Tomorrow morning we go to the orphanage to meet and pick up Liam. We should have plenty of time to visit and interview his caretakers since we are the only family. We know it'll be a hard and confusing day for him. We are bracing for the storm, but we know it will all be okay. Thanks for all the comments and well wishes! Pray hard over the next 24 hours or so.



(Posted via Laura's message relay)

News from China

We are here! We will get to go to the orphanage to pick up Liam on Monday am. We will be getting settled and caught up on sleep between now and then.

Packing Day!

I'm officially off work now! We leave tomorrow afternoon to fly to Chicago. Friday it's Chicago to Shanghai! We'll arrive there Saturday afternoon (their time) and get Liam on Monday morning.

The hotels look incredible! I especially love the "pillow menu" at the first one in Shanghai. We will stay there six nights and then go to another awesome hotel in Guangzhou for six more nights.

Today is all about packing. I'm hoping to go with just one checked and one carry-on. Good thing I have space saver bags!

Wish us luck and keep prayers lifted on our behalf!

Travel Plans!

We've booked our flights to China! We will fly from Houston to Chicago to China on March 4. We'll arrive home on the 18th. We are waiting for information on our in-China travel, then we'll get to write the big check!

I am trying to get all of my ducks in a row at school for my sub. I'm still not sure exactly how it will work without using family medical leave. I haven't been with the district for a year, so I won't be able to use that FMLA. Luckily I transferred 20 + days from Longview ISD when I moved. I will not be able to use them all in a row, so I will be docked for at least a few days. At least one of the weeks we'll be gone will be Spring Break!

One of my projects for the next two weeks will be to learn how to cook a few good authentic Chinese meals. Any recipes would be appreciated! I'm sure Liam will get used to our food, but I want to avoid a major culture shock if possible!

I am also working on getting a doctor that specializes in international adoptions. I think we've found one, but we're trying to make sure the insurance we have will cover everything.

There's so much to do to get ready for Little Man! Keep us in your prayers!

Erin Stokes