We are Alive and Well!

I really don't have an excuse for the long time between posts other than life has been busy for us. Joy has been going back and forth to the hospital for bloodwork and to return different "samples" of one sort or another. So far all her tests have come back great with only her iron levels being of concern. So we will repeat again after the holidays. Our biggest issue right now is trying to get her to let go of my leg and play a bit here and there. Her absolute favorite activity right now is to go outside and play at the park. She is fearless!! She climbs all over and doesn't miss a beat. Matthew is playing his first flag football game of the season tomorrow night and is quite excited. We had Civil War day last Friday and Grace cooked us some lentil soup and shortening bread so we could experience how the soldiers may have eaten on a good day. Matthew also drew a map of the landscape of Chancellorsville and set up his Union and Confederate soldiers to represent the battle lines. We sure wish we could actually take a field trip to a civil war historical sight. Mark began applying for some government jobs this week so the process of transitioning out of military life has really begun. He attends his retirement class in January. We are looking forward to this next chapter in our lives and pray that the Lord will lead us in all aspects of this life change. Sorry for the delay in posts!!

Settling In

Step Away From My Food!

Poolside Princess

Record breaking french fry

Handsome Lad

We were able to begin school on Tuesday and I think everyone is glad to be back into our routine. Joy is sleeping 11 hours every night and taking a morning (1 hour) and a 2 hour afternoon nap. Her tastes have expanded to include steak, apples, grapes and yogurt. No worries here, now when she sees food she begins to screech. This was a little problem when we went out to dinner for Mark's birthday on Tuesday. Yes, he is getting closer to the big 4-0 turning 38 this year!! I love you Honey!! I don't think eating out is in the plans again anytime soon. Joy experienced the pool for the first time yesterday and really enjoyed herself. Mark has been busy getting Joy into the military system and next week will see the doctor officially to begin her shots and bloodwork.

HOME SWEET HOME

Can you hear us shouting? We are finally home and it feels soooooooo good! We arrived home today to a great welcome by many of our closest friends. We are so thankful for the little ways so many of them have helped us like vacuuming and spraying lysol so our house is nice and fresh smelling to shopping for a few needed items. Not to mention all the meals that are scheduled for us in the upcoming days. What a treat! I owe our avid readers an apology for not posting in regards to Joy's doctor's appointment sooner. The dermatologist gave her a clean bill of health and gave us instructions on sunscreen and watching for changes in her nevi. We already knew much of what he said, but we were happy to have a professional opinion. Now, she will have to have a lot of bloodwork in the coming weeks to check for or re-check for any unknown conditions. In essence she is a newborn to our US medical system as the Chinese system is very unreliable. We look forward to gaining an extra hour of sleep tonight (change clocks!) and completing our unpacking tomorrow. Please check back every so often as we will continue to post a couple of times a week.