Finally, an Update

I am having trouble uploading all the pictures I wanted, but will hopefully have more to share later.

So sorry about the delay in posting. While we were at New Day we had NO Internet access. We are in Nanjing now and have total access so I have been checking my e-mails (I had over 200). I am uploading pictures now and will post soon.

The good news is we are OKAY! Again, I apologize for those of you who have e-mailed and commented wondering if all is okay.

We met Drew on Friday morning at his foster families home. He is as adorable in person as he is in pictures. He is very skinny (the layers are very deceiving), but his cheeks are SO chubby and So kissable. I have already stolen many kisses and a few "pinches." Drew was so excited and was waiting for us to arrive. He was a bit shy at first, but warmed up after a bit. His foster mom had some fruit, nuts, and cookies laid out and Drew was quite the gentleman in making sure we had several of everything. He was so eager to show us where he sleeps (in a crib next to his foster mom and dad). We were there for about two hours and were able to ask his foster parents many questions about Drew and his routine.

I have waited over a year to get my hands on this little guy. And yes, his cheeks are SO kissable.




Being a good host and making sure daddy has enough to drink.

Drew's foster dad. They really love him and are going to miss him so much. Their house is going to be very quiet in a few days.

Drew with his foster mom and dad.



He is going to fit is so well with Gabe and Blake. Blake kept saying how much fun they were going to have with all the Nerf guns we have at home.


After lunch we met with the New Day staff, doctor, and pre-school teacher. They were able to go over Drew's medical history as well as his progress in school. They were able to answer question we had and gave us all of Drew's artwork that he has done while living at New Day. It was incredible. We are so blessed and thankful to have had him part of such a wonderful organization. I had no idea of the impact they have on these kids until I saw it first hand.

After that we walked into the village to exchange money and get some stuff to make a packed lunch for Saturday. The village in rural China which was so neat to see. We got many stares, but just smiled and waived. The people here are so happy and content. It is truly amazing!

He wasn't too sure about riding on Matt's shoulders at first, but it didn't take him long to figure out how fun it was.








New Day was having their Spring Fling on Friday so we were trying to hurry back so Drew could make it back in time for the egg hunt, but we missed it. Fortunately he was able to play with his friends, especially Adahlynn. I have so many pictures of those two together. The interns at New Day described Drew and Adahlynn like an "old married couple." They said they are so cute together and wherever one is, the other is not too far behind. One of the interns told Adahlynn that she liked her and Adahlynn's response was "I like Drew." They joke about the two of them getting married some day. I told them I would definitely sent them all an invitation to the wedding. Adahlynn is a beautiful little girl and has about as much energy as Drew. In fact, I think one of the main reasons those tow get along so well is because they are the only two that can keep up with each other. I was also able to visit with Adahlynn's foster dad who is a wonderful man who truly loves Adahlynn. I was taking pictures of him and her and he asked if I would send them o him. He also asked me to pass on a few things to Adahlynn's mom (which I am more than happy to do).
Drew is definitely ALL boy and is full of energy. He is very spoiled by his foster parents and does not like nor seems to hear the word "no" often. He pretty much does what he wants, and can be very stubborn. He is in for a rude awakening once we lay down the law. Seriously though, he is a super great kid and a lot of fun. He is extremely smart and very curious. He will ask questions about EVERYTHING!



Petting a chick that Karen was holding.




Drew is very close with Elva who works for New Day. He is going to have a very difficult time saying good bye to her. She is an absolute treasure and we are so glad she and Drew have such a close relationship. We were fortunate enough to have Drew and Elva go with us to The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tienanmen Square on Saturday. It made for a VERY long day, but was so worth it.

We went to a part of the wall that you ride the cable car up and then ride a toboggan down. I will admit I was terrified at first, but the views from the lift were priceless. Once on top we walked on the wall for awhile then went down on the toboggan. Again, I was no too sure, but once I got going it was actually alot of fun. The only hang up was the Matt was behind me "yelling" at me to go faster.

We were at the wall for a couple of hours then headed over to The Forbidden City and Tiennamen Square. I don't think I have ever seen anything so beautiful in my life. The architecture is amazing and absolutely beautiful. The Forbidden City is big, no huge. There is no way you could get through the whole thing in one day. It goes on and on and on.

On the way back to New Day we stopped at a little Chinese resturaunt for a traditional dinner. We had Beijing Peking Duck as well as many other dishes. Believe it or not, I stepped outside of the box and tried most of it and it was really good.

Once we got back to New Day we said our goodbye's to Drew. We will not see him again until we get to Hohhot. Elva will take him there by train and stay with him until we get there. My heart just breaks for all those who have loved and cared for him for so long. Elva and Drew have a very special relationship and as much as she says she is happy for Drew, it is also obvious that she is going to miss him very much.

As I am typing this I just realized that today is Drew's last day at New Day and with his foster family. Please pray that he is able to understand all the changes that are about to happen. Although he "knows" we are his mom and dad, I don't think he fully understands the changes that are about to take place.

Signing off for now, but will be back later today with more pictures and to officially introduce you all to our newest and oldest son.