One Month Ago Today ...

Hello Everyone,

This past month has been such a blur! But it's been the most wonderful blur of our lives. That's because not only do we get to enjoy the presence of a new baby in our home, but we get to watch our son grow in his maturity as he interacts with her and with us during this most blessed time. Every day, we come to realize more and more how awesome our God really is.

It's been exactly a month since "Gotcha Day," the day that God brought Lily Grace fully into our lives. It didn't exactly go down the way we thought it would ....

I had this image of Lily Grace being brought down a long hallway slowly as we anticipated her arrival. The cameras would be rolling, maybe she'd be crying and looking intently at these strange people. But certainly since we'd sent pictures, she'd recognize us immediately and fall into our arms. We'd all be standing there together as a family, smiling, neatly dressed and groomed, comfortable, certainly the most welcome sight to a poor, neglected little girl. Riiiiing, riiiing, riiing ... Oops, there goes the reality bell. Here's what really happened ...

When we left the hotel room, the thought occurred to me that this would be the last few minutes that my family would consist of just the three of us. Therefore, we decided to take a picture before we left the hotel. As soon as we left the hotel lobby, we began sweating (you do alot of that in Nanchang this time of year) because it was so hot and humid. Certainly, we weren't nervous? I decided to test the video camera out before we got to the Center for Adoption, you know ... be prepared. Uh oh, humidity sensor goes off ... please shut camera down immediately to avoid damage. Ugh! Now what? Maybe it'll work again in the cool confines of the Center for Adoption (hahaha). Not. No air conditioning. So no cameras rolling. That's ok, we'll get lots of still pictures. Anybody seen the camera? Oh no!

When we first saw the team bringing Jiang Yong Xing (Lily Grace) in to us, they were quite a ways from us. But it seemed like the next half hour went by in a split second. There was Jiang Yong Xing (Lily Grace) being held by someone we recognized from previous pictures (thank you Laura), while the director and our guide were asking us for our passports. What do you need those for, just give us our baby, she's crying ... anybody getting any of this on video or camera? After verifying that we were indeed the parents, the director began showering us with gifts (tell you more about those in a later post) and in an instant, Connie moved in and took Lily Grace (Jiang Yong Xing) from the lady who couldn't seem to stop her from crying. We shook hands with the director and his team and exited the Center for Adoption as Green, Party of Four. Did anybody get that on video, camera, who has the camera, nevermind ... What a most amazing few minutes. It was very much like the first few minutes that we had with Austin when he was first born. But at least then, we had the luxury of 48 hours in the hospital to learn how to comfort this new little being! It was hard to believe that it happend so fast after months of paperwork and preparation. As a footnote, it turns out that Granny and Memaw had their cameras in full blown picture taking mode, so we did get some good shots. They also took pictures with our camera.




The Director of Lily Grace's Orphange presents gifts to us - gifts that have very special meanings!










Fast forward by one month. Lily Grace has become very much the princess of the house (the director told us they called her the princess at the orphanage!). She loves her mommy, her brother, and her daddy. She is now giving all of us kisses and hugs in abundance - God is so awesome! She has been sleeping in her own bed by herself for over a week now and she eat's everything in sight - run Little Cav, quickly!! Just kidding, she calls him kitty kitty and points to the basement door where he hides from her. Things are going very well for her, so our prayers now go out for all others who share the joy of adoption with us. Especially those who have seen pictures, but are still waiting for Gotcha Day. Our advice ... take lots of deep breaths, breathe in, breathe out and enjoy the day. It is a day that your life will change for the better.





Mommy, I love you this much!


God is a Wonderful God.

Love,
Jerry, Connie, Austin, and Lily Grace
Green, Party of Four

Lily Grace (Sing)

Lily Grace Xing Green.

When we adopted Lily Grace, we decided to keep her given name as a part of her English name. Thus, poor Lily will have to deal with having four names all through school. We thought that would be the best way to continue to remind us of her heritage and to provide a nugget for her curiosity as she grows up. We won't yell Lily Grace Xing when she gets in trouble though, because Xing is pronounced Sing! Wouldn't that be confusing!









Gimme some sugar Mommy!

This week has been another week of firsts. Lily Grace had her first peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She had her first visit to Mommy's workplace. She had her first American pizza. She had her first play in the sprinkler system (not too good at the beginning, but loving it by the time we quit). She had her first official tea party (with Austin and Kaitlyn) and made her first official movie - Kaitlyn brought over her video camera so that she and Austin could document Lily's day. Don't know what the got, they're being very secretive about it, but there's lots of laughter.



"Where are the brakes on this contraption?"











But the biggest first of all, was going to the doctor! Lily Grace, Connie and I ventured to the International Adoption Clinic at UAB in Birmingham. Everything went well, after Lily got used to the idea of being poked and prodded. Funny thing is that the worst part of the visit was measuring and weighing her. We didn't even pay attention to what the metrics said about our little miracle. But later we were told she's very tall and very thin. So we'll work on putting some meat on her bones. Now, about that pizza!

This morning, we gave our church a porcelan vase we bought in Jiangxi as a gift of thanks for all they have done since we got back. We were kept in plenty of food the first week - it kinda spoiled us, but that was ok. Later, I think I will ask the pastor if I can speak one Sunday night about our trip. That way, I can encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for orphans everywhere, that they too might find a home and a place to learn about Jesus.

We have had much contact with the couple adopting Lily's best friend in the orphanage. The little girl's name will be Hannah and she will live in Illinois. We were able to send them pictures and I plan to send them a video as soon as I can get it made. They are very excited about their adoption and we just tried to encourage them all we can and offered to answer any questions they might have.





Austin and Kaitlyn serve up a "Chinese" breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and fruit cocktail!










Love,
Jerry, Connie, Austin, and Lily Grace
Green, Party of Four

Dinner and a Toy Store?

Tonight, Lily Grace got to experience her first outing at an American restaurant. We took her to Ruby Tuesdays in Madison, AL. Of course, we were nervous about how she would react, what she would do, would she cry, would we have to leave before we got to finish our dinner, would she sit in the high chair, etc... But of course, we were worried over nothing. Lily Grace enjoyed her outing very much. She had chicken fingers and french fries, ahh good ol' American fare. She didn't even so much as whimper while we ate. One of the waitresses came over to offer Lily another crayon. She held out about 5 and asked what color she wanted. Of course, Lily Grace took them all! There were several other babies in the restaurant who were crying and I wondered if that would trigger Lily Grace to cry. But she just looked around to see what all the fuss was about and then continued eating (they probably didn't have any crayons!). She played with each of us, teasing us with her food, asking for food from our plates, just normal stuff. Only problem, forgot the camera!!! Sorry, no pictures of dinner!

Some friends from church happened to be at the same restaurant and came over to visit. Lily seemed really at home the entire time. I know it's hard to believe, but it seems that Lily Grace was especially meant for us and for North Alabama. It's like God has already told her that was his plan for her and comforted her for us. We keep worring and He keeps telling us: "I've got this, just relax and enjoy, and teach her about me."

Other noteable events: First football practice, first visit to an American toy store (remember the toy factory in Guangzhou??), first ride in new car seat, and oh, by the way, first night in her own bedroom.

Last night, we took Lily Grace to East Limestone's football practice to pick up Austin (he's one of the managers). She got to see for the first time what American football looks like. She was wearing a pair of squeaky shoes and one of the dads watching practice asked me if that noise was her shoes or my knees! Do I look that old? Connie took her on to the field after practice to meet some of the players and the coach. Austin was very proud to show her around. Several players took a long look at her as they exited the field. They smiled and then looked at Austin as if to say "Good job, Austin."

Lily Grace also got to visit a toy store in Huntsville. We took her to Toys R Us to begin spoiling her, I mean to get some toys, and she was amazed. She mostly liked the toys that spoke to her as we walked past. She couldn't figure it out. Connie bought her and Austin a few toys each. On the way home, she began to whine a tired whine, but eventually just started singing!!

Jerry finally put the new car seats in both cars (we've been using Austin's car seat that was about 10 years old). Boy these new-fangled things are hard to manage - so many snaps and buckles. Lily likes the new seat, because she sits up higher and can see out of the window. Seems to be no problem to ride in a car seat.

And finally, the big one. Lily Grace spent her first night in her new bedroom. She slept upstairs last night and I got to regain my old, comfortable, bed for the first time since before China. Yea! She is now taking her naps there and sleeping there (Connie is sleeping up there with her for now). Keep your fingers crossed, so far , so good!

Well, that's all for now. Time to go to my old, comfortable bed.

Love,
Jerry, Connie, Austin, and Lily Grace
Green, Party of Four

Wow, God is Awesome!!!!

Hello All,

Sorry no one has heard from us in a few days. I got sick this weekend, and didn't even attend church Sunday. The doctor prescribed some things to fix me up and I'm beginning to get better now. Connie keeps saying she's going to get blogging, but she's so busy chasing Lily Grace around that any little technical difficulty prevents her from posting.

We have been blessed way way beyond anything we deserve. They say that mercy is not being given what you really deserve and grace is being given everything you don't deserve. Well, with our little Lily Grace, God has certainly given us a healthy portion of grace!! And we are so humbled by what He has allowed us to do.

Speaking of healthy portions, boy can Lily Grace eat!! We've only found one thing that she doesn't like - sliced apples. Everything else we've set before her, she has gobbled up. When she finishes something, she holds her hands upside down as if to say "Where'd it go?" She puts her food in her mouth and swallows, then looks on the floor to see where it went. We took her to church tonight for family night fellowship meal and she really did great. However, half the church now thinks that we don't feed her at home since she cleaned her plate - three times! Then she ate cake for desert and went to work on the pastor's strawberry pie! We had to hide the green beans from her for fear she would split her dress open!


Check out the cross-stitched picture of Lily Grace that Tracie did for us and the fresh Lilies that Regina placed in her bedroom before we got home. Thanks


After dinner, a wonderful couple from church came up to us and asked if we would like to have their grandaughter's baby carriage. Of course, we said yes and so they went home to get it. When the Hudsons brought it back, Connie got real excited. It was an old-fashioned baby carriage (the kind with four big spoked wheels). That they would give something so special to them to our little Lily Grace says alot about their love of children. Turns out, their grandaughter was adoped from Bolivia - God is Awesome!!

Let's see. How's Lily Grace been doing around the house? Well, she's finally beginning to warm up to Little Cav (our cat). She even touched his nose tonight and squealed with laughter. Little Cav ran away frightened. She seems to know that this is her home now. I really believe the visit we had with the orphanage was of great benefit to her in realizing that we're now her family. I think that for her, seeing us together with her nannys and caregivers created a bond and linked us to them, making it easier for her to attach to all three of us. She doesn't seem to show any signs of longing for her previous environment. I'm not saying that's the right thing for everyone to do, but for our circumstances, it certainly seems like the right thing to have done. She's comfortable with me coming and going for work and with Austin coming and going for school. When I leave in the morning, she flashes me a big smile and when get home in the evening, she comes running with her hands held high wanting to be picked up. When Austin gets home, he immediately wakes her from her nap to play. Sorry momma.

She's sleeping well - better than me right now. Speaking of sleeping, my new bedroom is pink with a lavendar ceiling. And with dolls all around. The entire family has occupied my bedroom and refuses to budge. Oh well, they're bonding real well. Maybe when Lily graduates high school I'll get to move back into my bedroom.


Momma, can you show me how to throw a circle changeup?





Surprisingly, Lily Grace rides very well in a car seat. She's been in one about three or four times now and other than about 15 minutes after leaving the airport, she seems to be getting along fine. Austin keeps her company and keeps her laughing. Sometimes she sings while riding. She has ridden in her stroller up and down the street and seems to enjoy that just fine - unless you stop moving.

Austin is finally beginning to settle into more normal sleep patterns. For several days after we returned from China, Austin slept for 12 to 14 hours at a time. It began to worry us, but the doctor says that he's just readjusting. I wish I could sleep for 12 hours!

He has started school (7th grade) and is liking his classes and teachers. He took pictures of Lily Grace to school to show his friends and teachers. He went shopping in China to get some things for his friends at church - boys and girls - and presented them at church tonight. We're so proud of him.

God Bless You,
Love,
Green, Party of Four

More later,

Finally Home

Hello Everyone,

We're finally home! We have truly found out that we are very blessed to be citizens of the greatest nation on earth, the good ol' USA. Clean water, clean air, and the freedoms we enjoy are no longer something that we will ever take for granted.


Lily Grace became a US citizen at 12:47 pm CDT on August 2nd in Detroit, MI when the US Customs official stamped her immigration card and passport!!! Then we arrived at 4:30 pm at Huntsville International Airport and were welcomed by an awesome group of family and friends. Even though Lily Grace, our little miracle, doesn't know it yet, she is already very much loved in her new community. That was evident by the number of friends and well-wishers at the airport. Thanks to all of you who were able to come and welcome Lily Grace home. That really meant alot to all of us. We were very tired and so maybe didn't seem coherent or didn't get to talk to everyone, but please forgive us for that and know that we love and missed every one of our family and friends here in the good ol USA!









Thanks to everyone also for the flowers and decorations and the GOOD AMERICAN FOOD!!!! We have already had three meals brought to us. Now we know why Lily Grace ate so much her first few days with us!

Lily Grace has already met her four big sisters, Emily, Amanda, Kristin, and Kaitlyn. She laughed and cut up with all of them and we hope that is a good sign of how she will adapt to her new family and surroundings.

Austin is really glad to be home and so is Little Cav - Austin's cat! Little Cav had to spend two weeks at the Vet while we were away (I think they fed him too much!). Austin will start school tomorrow and is anxious to tell everyone about his trip and his new little sister.

Connie and I are just trying to figure out where we are, what time it is, what day of the week it is, whether we need to sleep or eat, etc... Lily Grace does alot of exploring around the house, but doesn't stray too far from one of us. She seems to take to all of us now about equally, but I think Moma still holds the trump card!

Hopefully, as the days and weeks go by, Lily Grace will become more and more able to receive visitors and meet her new family and friends. We are all looking forward to taking her to her first high school football game Sept 2 when Austin and Connie's high school, the East Limestone Indians, takes on the mighty Athens Golden Eagles (Jerry's high school) for the first time ever! Austin will be on the sidelines helping the East Limestone coaches as usual, but his heart will be in the stands with Lily Grace. At first, I said I would spend some time on both sidelines, but with Connie and Lily Grace sitting on the East side, that's where I'll be also. No matter who wins that night, we will celebrate and Lily Grace will get a taste of good ol' small town America.

Thanks for all your comments and emails. It was really good to hear from so many people while we were in China. We're very glad that we kept a blog and would recommend it to any who travel down this same journey. It really helps you to know so many back home are praying for you and waiting for you to come home.

There are still more details that we'd like to share, particularly Chapter 3 which will describe the awesome job that Lifeline Children's Services, and particularly Karla, did after we decided to adopt Lily Grace. Karla has to be the most patient person we've ever met for the way she continues to support her clients when things get slow and frustrating. She is simply an awesome lady for accomplishing the work that she is doing. If anyone reading this is trying to find an agency to help them, you cannot go wrong by selecting Lifeline. They work with domestic and international adoptions in at least three different countries and their in-country personnel and contacts are nothing short of excellent.

After a few more posts, we'll post a little less frequently, but often enough to let everyone know how Lily Grace is doing and how Austin is doing as a big brother. Austin enjoyed posting so much that he'll probably continue more frequently than we will! Surprise Surprise.

Love,
Jerry, Connie, Austin, and Lily Grace
Green, Party of Four

PS. Yes, that's our bed! Her's is upstairs. Oh well.

Coming Home!!!!!!

Hello Everyone,

We are coming home and Lily Grace has a Visa to enter the United States of America. Praise God Almighty for that!! We took little Lily (sometimes I call her Lilo because she reminds me of the Lilo from Lilo and Stitch) to the US Consulate today in Guangzhou, China to get her Visa. We learned that if the US State Department has an office in a city other than the capital of the particular country, it is called a consulate instead of an embassy. But the functions they perform are the same. We swore an oath of truth regarding Lily Grace's adoption at 3:23 am US Central Daylight Savings Time on August 1st. We learned that the Chinese will still consider Lily Grace a citizen and will allow her to travel using her Chinese passport. However, the US Government would not be able to provide her assistance unless she travels under her US Passport. When we go through the US Customs office in Detroit, MI and they stamp Lily Grace's passport and immigration form, then at that point in time she becomes a full US citizen!! Unless you have seen how some other parts of the world have to live, it's hard to understand and appreciate all that means. Now we do.

Anyway, just finished packing and will need to get to bed to get at least 4 hours of sleep. We will see ya'll (there's a word I haven't heard in a while!) when we get home Wednesday night. We will be tired I'm sure, but will be happy to see everyone anyway. Hopefully, Lily Grace will not be so tired, but that's probably asking too much of her.

Austin is very excited to come home. He has been such a wonderful big brother here in China and I believe has learned a new appreciation for life in the good ol' USA. It's just a different lifestyle here. Things we take complete for granted are luxuries to the Chinese. We will never forget how much we have to be thankful for in our lives back home. God's word says that we are to give thanks "in" all circumstances and we can certainly see that now. He has opened our eyes and shown us the many blessings that we have back home that are not enjoyed here. So please pray for the Chinese people. They are very friendly and are probably the most humble people we have ever met.

Please pray also for a safe return for us and the other adoptive families. There are two others from Alabama on the same flights with us. One is from Huntsville and the other from Montgomery. Neither of their husbands were able to come, but both had boys just like Austin, so I know they have good helpers.


Hey Austin, How 'Bout We Go Home Now?

See all of you very soon.

Love,
Jerry, Connie, Austin, and Lily Grace