WEEK THREE: February 9 - 15 Getting Checked Out by Doctor and the Fam!

Eating Cherios at the pediatrician's at Children's International Adoption Center.  We were told Tesla was the most well-adjusted child they've seen.

Meeting the grandparents for the first time.  Yeh Yeh (Grandpa in Mandarin) and Nana!  

And the cousins.....

Laughing with Yeh Yeh!

WEEK TWO: Feb. 2 - 8, 2011

This week, we learned some things Tesla likes and doesn't like:

She likes wearing mommy's shoes.

She likes My Vintage Baby

She likes strawberries.

She likes spaghetti!

Mmmmmmmmm!

She likes receiving flowers.  Thanks Assaf, Gangadhar, and the Texas Instruments Wireless CTO Team!

She doesn't, however, like snow!

In fact, she hates snow!

WEEK ONE: January 25 - February 1, 2011

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Welcome Home!   Zsa Zsa picked us up at the airport and had dinner waiting when we arrived.  Our sweet neighbors came by to say hello and brought more gifts.  This week we met the Wurdemans, Andersons, Sparkmans and Zsa Zsa.  We went to Albertsons, Wal-Mart and even Costco.  We introduced Tesla to the dogs and the horse, which she took in stride.  In less than one week, she's sleeping in her  crib, eating in her high chair, riding in her car seat and enjoying bubble baths in her tub!  What an incredible week!

Playing in my playroom. 

My first outing in America.  Hamburgers and fries.  More Ketchup please.  

Loving my high chair. 

Making friends at Wal-Mart.  Love you Mr. Williford!!!

FINALLY HOME

It took 24 hours, but Tesla travels so very well. Other than the egg salad sandwich meltdown, everything went smoothly.

It took us nearly a week to recover!! But what a great week!

DAY 10: 23 hours to home

Up at 5:30 a.m. for the 23 hour trek home. We're now in Tokyo, just 1/3rd of the way home. Two more hours and we board a plane for Dallas.

Only one melt down so far...at the Admirals Club. NEVER NEVER NEVER let your toddler hold her own egg salad sandwich, even if it is a finger sandwich.

DAY 10: Leaving for America

Today, we leave for home. What a magical 10 days!

DAY 9: Meeting My Brother and Sister

Today, we met Sun, Chuan's (Tesla's) brother and sister.

DAY 8: Visiting the Tea Museum

DAY 7: Celebrating my Culture

We had a great evening celebrating with Mr. Yeh, his family and 400 other Taiwanese. Everyone is getting ready for the Chinese New Year, which is just around the corner. We enjoyed a 12 course meal and listened to Karaoke all night. Sun, Chuan (Tesla) was enthralled with the lights and would not sit still. I had to keep chasing after her as she dashed for the stage.

DAY 6: Getting My Visa and Passport

Today we went to the American Embassy of Taiwan.  Look what I got!

Take a closer look.  What a great pic! 

Celebrating with some apple juice!

Look out world, here I come....

DAY 6: Shopping

Today, we went shopping for toys and clothes for Tesla.  It was cold and drizzling, but the mall was just a short two block walk.  After shopping, we lounged at the hotel until dinner where we dined on Chinese cuisine in the hotel restaurant.  Tomorrow is "Gotcha Day" where we go to the American Embassy in Taiwan to finalize our adoption.  We plan to celebrate at a nice restaurant tomorrow night.  Tesla is a great eater and hardly a fuss at restaurants, so we hope to try a nice place to celebrate. More pics to come...

This is the way to shop!

Why is everyone so formal here?

DAY 5 1/2: She Speaks!

Last night, Sun Chuan (Tesla) kept me up late chattering.  This is the first time I heard her speak:

DAY FIVE: Official Hand Off

January 20.  Here we are at Cathwel to pick up our daughter.  It's been a wonderful experience working with the team here and the  Gladney Center for Adoption back home.   Sun, Chuan (Tesla), has been here for just over 2 years and we're so anxious to have her home with us.

DAY FOUR: Touring the Taipei Zoo

Today, we took Tesla (Sun, Chuan) to the TaiPei Zoo with one of her careworkers helping and serving as an interpreter.  Pray for us, tomorrow we take custody of Tesla from Jonah House at 10 a.m.   Tonight, daddy and I plan a romantic dinner at an expensive Indian Food restaurant in TaiPei.  Yummy.


Me, Tesla and Jean strolling through the zoo!



Stopping to stare at the Panda's.  There's one in the tree!!

Here's a closer look.

Tesla loves elephants, of course.

DAY THREE: Meeting Tesla (Sun, Chuan)

DAY TWO: Lounging at the Agora Hotel

Today, Leo and I spent the day lounging around the hotel trying to get some rest.  I'm feeling a little under the weather and want to be at my best for when I meet our daughter tomorrow. 

DAY ONE: Sightseeing in Taipei!

 

Today, we toured the Grand Hotel, National Palace Museum, Shihlin Official Residence (of Chiang Kai-shek) and the Martyr's Shrine (which is dedicated to the fallen heroes of the Chinese revoluion and the war against Japan, 330,000 in all).  Here's a short clip of the changing of the guard, held like clockwork on the hour.

At the Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel

Staying warm at the National Palace Museum

We're Here!

After two flights, a long layover in Tokyo and an hour's ride to the hotel from the airport we finally made it to our hotel -- a mere 22 hours after leaving Dallas.  Now, if we can just do the same on the return...with a toddler.

21st Century Adoption; Meeting Our Daughter Via SKYPE!

Meeting Tesla for the first time via Skype.  We head out to Taiwan today!

The Good Chaps at Liberty Threw Me a Shower Today. Thanks amigos!

I'm overwhelmed by the many gifts from my Liberty family.  Thank you all!

Tesla's Treasures from today's shower.  We can't count the blessings, must be Heaven sent!

 

The cake showcases Tesla's safari playroom theme.  Other highlights from today follow...

Ooh la la; from MyVintageBaby.com.  

So cuddly and perfect for the safari room!  

Oh, and look what Aunt Cindy bought...