Walked in the door shortly before midnight Friday night. It's good to be home and we're ready to start the hard work that is adjusting a baby to a 15 hour time change (not to mention the jetlag adjustment for all the rest of us!). Alex is still on Taiwan time. The rest of us are probably also still on Taiwan time, but are pretending to easily adjust.
The flight home was long, but not terribly difficult. China Airlines moved us to a bulkhead row upon checkin (thank you!!!!), which gave us floor space and a bassinet. Melinda slept quite a bit in the bassinet, and Alex stretched out on the floor at our feet. The rest of us didn't stretch out much, but we all managed to sleep some during the flight. The last couple of hours seemed endless. Then the New Immigrant line at customs was at a standstill. I thought we'd never get out of the San Francisco airport. We made it home just before midnight (after two stops on the way homen- one for formula and one for burgers).
I've got some 'home at last' photos but they're still in the camera...will post them soon.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
We've been to Tainan
Monday was Forever Family day for us and Melinda Hui-Min. We arrived at St. Lucy's shortly after 10am (closer to 10:30, actually) and had her in our arms before 11. We took the high speed train down from Taipei. The train was amazing. It took no more time than flying when you factor in all the time in the airport. And was so much easier than navigating airports these days. Last time we spent a few days in Tainan before gotcha day, but this time we went down and back in the same day, which meant our suitcases could stay in one place. It worked out really well.
This time I knew to bring a going home outfit for the baby, and so when we arrived they asked for her clothes. Fifteen minutes later, there she was! She's a peanut but already mobile. As in walking. At 10 months. Yikes. She's afraid of strangers but has handled the transition unbelievably well. She's in my arms and as long as she stays there she's a brave little girl. Dad is anxious to hold her, but is being very patient as he waits for her to be ready for another new set of arms. We were at St. Lucy's until shortly after 1pm. It was wonderful to see everyone again and to see the new facility. When we were here in late 2006 they were still in their original building, so this was a whole new experience for us. Alex was a huge hit. They were happy to see how much he's grown and what a happy little boy he is. Here are some photos from the day.
Melinda Hui-Min meets her mom and dad
The briefest of moments in dad's arms. We'll treasure this one, she hasn't let him hold her since.
Melinda meets her biggest brother
What? She's walking?!
Back in the hotel in Taipei she discovers big brother Alex has some fun stuff to steal
This time I knew to bring a going home outfit for the baby, and so when we arrived they asked for her clothes. Fifteen minutes later, there she was! She's a peanut but already mobile. As in walking. At 10 months. Yikes. She's afraid of strangers but has handled the transition unbelievably well. She's in my arms and as long as she stays there she's a brave little girl. Dad is anxious to hold her, but is being very patient as he waits for her to be ready for another new set of arms. We were at St. Lucy's until shortly after 1pm. It was wonderful to see everyone again and to see the new facility. When we were here in late 2006 they were still in their original building, so this was a whole new experience for us. Alex was a huge hit. They were happy to see how much he's grown and what a happy little boy he is. Here are some photos from the day.
Melinda Hui-Min meets her mom and dad
The briefest of moments in dad's arms. We'll treasure this one, she hasn't let him hold her since.
Melinda meets her biggest brother
What? She's walking?!
Back in the hotel in Taipei she discovers big brother Alex has some fun stuff to stealSaturday, September 20, 2008
We're in Taipei
We arrived in Taipei early Friday morning after a long flight from SFO. It's been two days of getting adjusted to the time. Lots of naps on Friday. One big long nap yesterday....but I think we'll make it through today with no nap at all. Alex is doing really well with the travel. He slept well on the flight over and has been enthusiastic about all the trekking around we've done in Taipei.
Yesterday we rode the MRT all over the place. Alex loved it and is eager to be riding the train again today. But today we left the stroller at home and opted for a cab instead. After breakfast we spent some time at the jade market. Now we are spending the afternoon in our air conditioned room. It has been unbearably hot, which, I will say without naming names, is making some of us a little cranky.
Tomorrow we will take the high speed train from Taipei to Tainan and finally meet our little girl! In less than 20 hours we'll have her in our arms!
Yesterday we rode the MRT all over the place. Alex loved it and is eager to be riding the train again today. But today we left the stroller at home and opted for a cab instead. After breakfast we spent some time at the jade market. Now we are spending the afternoon in our air conditioned room. It has been unbearably hot, which, I will say without naming names, is making some of us a little cranky.
Tomorrow we will take the high speed train from Taipei to Tainan and finally meet our little girl! In less than 20 hours we'll have her in our arms!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Happy Birthday Alex Chien-Lu
Today is Alex's 3rd birthday! Happy Birthday big guy!
Alex, 4 months
Alex, 3 yrs
Alex, 4 months
Alex, 3 yrsFriday, September 12, 2008
Final Decree!
We have a final decree. Melinda Hui-Min officially joined our family on August 18, 2008. Welcome baby girl! We will shower you with love and the companionship of siblings as you grow into adulthood. I can't wait to hold you in my arms.
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