Amber Alert

No need to call 911. We are alive. Barely. Actually, more so than I thought we would be. Picking up where we left off with the addition of a bossy, Chinese toddler has been interesting for sure.

The flight home went really well. She slept probably 60% of the time and the other 40% she was talking (loudly) and laughing. She liked flying and thought that everyone was sitting there for her. She would walk up and down the aisles and touch everyone's arms or wave and smile as she passed. Of course if they responsed and motioned back she freaked out but she enjoyed the smiles (well, really, laughs) at the 4 stickers on her head.

It was great getting back home and smelling fresh air and feeling a breeze, neither of which were in China. Collins walked into the house a little overwhelmed at the 10 kids that were in her face calling her this weird name of "Collins." We've been calling her Mingjiao still. (What if someone started calling you Mingjiao all the sudden one day after being named Sally for 38 years.) After everyone got out of her face though she started playing and having fun with the toys and kids.

Right now I think it's just as hard for Connor, Jennings and Jeb as it is her. Jeb is no longer the baby and having a really hard time with that. I think they will be BFF eventually but now just too much competition for mommy time. They fight over my lap. If Jeb holds onto my leg, Collins comes over and slaps him and holds my other leg. Jennings has cried more than anyone else so far. Collins is, for whatever reason, not taking to her like she is Connor or even Jeb and it is breaking her heart. She'll come up to me in tears and say "She just doens't like me. She plays with everyone else and pushes me away." Jennings has been looking so forward to her and having a little sister her to love on and play with. I guess you're never to young to learn how dangerous it is to have expectations of people; they will always let you down.

Jerod and I are good. If we can get past the jet lag, I think we will live. Oh, I have to post our first family photo from the other night. It's a keeper for sure. Not because it's great and perfect but because it's really funny and kind of a disaster. It's on Jerod's computer though so it will have to wait. Until then, hope everyone is doing well. Can't wait to see you all and catch up soon. I think I'm going to take a nap now....