Home 5 Weeks!

It has been 5 weeks since we returned home with our precious little man!  In some ways, it seems like we have had him for a long time.  He has melded into our family so easily.  It amazes me how quickly he is picking up the english language.  He says little sentences seamlessly like, "Can you get me a drink of water?" or my very favorite, "I love you mama!"  He gives us hugs and kisses all the time.  Man, how truly blessed are we to have Jason part of our clan!

Christmas with Jason was incredibly special.  We celebrated our Christmas on Christmas Eve.  On Christmas morning, we got up early and headed to Steve and Paula's to celebrate.  It was so nice to get to introduce Jason to our family.  Later, we went up to Grandma and Grandpa's house to visit and stay the night.  Jason learned quickly to open his presents and say a hardy, Thank you! It was truly the best Christmas ever as we have the most amazing addition to our family!

Jason has visited our Pediatrician, Dr. Poppalardo a couple of times.  The first time was for an initial screening.  Samples of stool was taken to rule out any parasites, as well as a background medical history check.  Jason's second visit was much more involved.  The Doc took several vials of blood for a thorough check on his health.  Thank God, everything came back great.  Our next visit with the Doc is scheduled for this week to move forward with immunizations.  He will see the Urology surgeon for an initial consultation the first part of February.

Some of the most precious times spent with Jason occurs at night.  We all gather around Gianna's bed to read a book and then prayer time.  The last couple of weeks, Jason says his prayer with everyone else.  He thanks God for us as well as a host of other things. WE are so incredibly thankful for this sweet, charming, intelligent, passionate, sincere, little man we call Jason Elijah Jian Mangas!

What a ham!!

Home!!

We got home with Jason on 12/4 around 9:30 PM. We were met at the airport by grandma, grandpa, kiddos, Susan and Kaitlyn. It was so nice to get to see everyone. I can't even explain how much it meant to see those bright, shining faces and to be in Louisville, KY!!  Jason did wonderful, for the most part. We are so very fortunate that God takes such good care of us!

Going Home

Yesterday, we took a van to Hong Kong. It was raining and difficult to see, but the driver got us there. We stayed at the Rrgal Airport Hotel. This morning, all we had to do was check out and then walk across the sky bridge to Hong Kong Airport. We made it through Hong Kong customs and then walked on the plane. We cut it a little too close for comfort.  

There was a ton of turbulence on the flight to Dallas. Jason did wonderful, however. He preferred to be seated on my lap. He probably slept a total of two hours. It's so nice to be in the USA!  We are one step closer to home!!

Consulate Appointment

We got up this morning at 5:30 AM,  got dressed, and headed down for breakfast.  We took a large bus to the consulate building for our  8:30 AM appointment. We finished up Jason's paperwork for his visa.  Joel held Jason as he swore that all of our documents were correct. Once our plane touches down on US soil, Jason will be a US citizen!  Woo Hoo!! It feels so good to be done with Jason's paperwork. Our CCAI reps will deliver Jason's passport tomorrow to us. We will then be headed to Hong Kong.

All of the families met in the lobby for group and individual pictures of the kiddos. The kids did a great job!  Joel had a meeting with the other families and CCAI reps to discuss departure. After pictures, Joel went to McDonald's and brought food back for us. Jason is eating a little better each time we have a meal.  

We decided to venture out and go to a place called One Link Plaza which was only 20 minutes from our hotel. There was a ton of vendors on at least six floors that sold bulk goods from toys to water fountains and home goods. It was definitely a unique adventure. 

Later at the hotel, we found out Jason absolutely LOVES hummus!  There is a wonderful Mediterranean Restaurant just down the street from the hotel that Joel got take out from. It's been a very long day. We are ready to go home with our little peanut!

Pearl Market and Shamian Island

Yesterday we got up early and headed to the Pearl market. We went to a different section of the pearl market this time.  

Afterward, we took a cab back to the hotel to grab lunch at a nearby restaurant.  After lunch we headed to Shamian Island. The cab dropped us off at The White Swan Hotel. It was neat to walk through the hotel which was gorgeous. We walked up and down a couple streets and went into a few stores. One of the stores was named Jenny's. It was a husband and wife that ran the store. They were super nice people. We bought a couple of engraved stones from them. We had dinner at the Rose Garden. The food was OK but the atmosphere was beautiful. We took a cab back to the hotel and got some needed rest. Jason was wonderful the entire day. He's kind of quiet and serious at times, but normally full of laughs and smiles!  

Our Perspective...

God has given us a wonderful sense of well-being as to who we are.  We are forever thankful. Adoption is not short-term; rather, it is a lifelong commitment to raise Jason and our other beautiful children in a safe, healthy, and happy environment.  Adoption is beautiful and sometimes difficult.  It's tough to travel for two weeks and be away from loved ones at home. In perspective, it is a short time compared to a lifetime spent with each other. We have given love and our hearts, but what we have received is so much more.  It's more precious than anything money can buy. Each child is unique and dynamic. We are very thankful that God chose us to raise each of our five kiddos. Be strong! Be courageous!