Bree Mei age 4yr

Bree Mei    age 4yr

OUR HEARTS ARE FILLED WITH JOY

OUR FIRST DAY WITH BREE

QIU QI - AGE 1

QIU QI - AGE 1

BREE MEI - AGE 3.5

BREE MEI - AGE 3.5

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

SHE IS AN ABSOLUTE ANGEL


We were a bit nervous about last night. We stayed in and ordered Papa Johns pizza which Bree seemed to like. Hard to know what to feed her but thus far she hasn't refused anything. Adhering to her orphanage schedule of feeds will be impossible due to appointments. At 8:30 we put her in her PJ's and turned off the lights and I held her with a bottle of milk. When she seemed like she was done (only took 2oz) I put her in her crib. She fussed for about 5 minutes and then she was out. She slept all the way until 4a.m. and then we she fussed I picked her up and put her in bed with us, where she still is sleeping peacefully. Hard to know as both a mother and pediatrician if I am doing the right things with Bree. Feel free to comment those of you who have been through this. I just want her to know how much we love her and make her feel secure. Have appt. this a.m. back down at Civil Affairs Office, then we need to do some shopping for Bree. Thank you again to everyone who has commented and read this blog, although it makes us miss home, your love and support mean the world to us.

10 comments:

kathy marsh said...

Oh, my gosh. She is absolutely beautiful. Grandma Carolyn must be busting at the seams! We are keeping up on your adventures here at the VA. Give her a big kiss from all on the 9th floor
Love and Kisses
Kathy and gang

Donna Forrester said...

Tracy,
As you know, Patrick and I are "first time parents"(so we do not have experiences to draw from). We met Lily when she was 8 months old. For 10 months, we visited your office,about every 2 weeks, with chronic ear infections and bronchitis-like symptoms (which required breathing treatments). She slept in a crib in our room. For 2 weeks she slept upright in her stroller, due to the congestion and difficulty breathing. After the "stroller episode", we moved her into our bed, because we wanted to closely monitor her breathing. Lily had tubes put in her ears in January (thanks to you Dr Tracy)and is doing great. She still sleeps with us and all three of us love it!! This is not a good idea in everyone's mind, but it really works out well for our family. Patrick and I both work full time and we feel that this "family bed" gives us more time to be close to each other and for Lily to feel loved and secure. Patrick and I can not imagine her sleeping in her room (in the expensive crib that we purchased and that she has never slept in) at this time. Of course the day will come when this stage is over. We want to cherish every moment while it lasts. Again, this is not for everyone, but for us it is a wonderful experience. We both feel that it has really helped Lily to feel loved and secure. Follow your heart and you will know what it will take to help Bree feel loved and secure. Our heart always knows these things. I would have done the exact same thing that you did with Bree. Follow your heart! From the picture, Bree seems very comfortable and happy. What a precious and sweet baby girl!!! We have closely followed your journey and very much enjoy and look forward to the updates. Thank you for sharing this wonderful adventure with us!!! Enjoy every second!!!

Love and prayers,
Donna, Patrick and Lily

Anonymous said...

Tracy and Doug,

Your doing awesome! Just let Bree take the lead and do what feels right. There is no right or wrong. Each child and adoption is so different. All your posts indicate she already trusts you and feels safe with you. She is such a sweetheart. Just trust your heart and instincts. Even if it seems silly, do what you think she needs. Isabella refused to sleep with me at first. Now after being home almost five months, she wants to sleep with us. It makes mom tired but it is what she needs. I prefer for the kids to sleep in there own bed, but sometimes the kids just need that closeness. Isabella reaches out frequently through the night to make sure we are still there. Most traditional parenting goes out the window during the beginning. Our kids have been through so many changes that we just need to be flexible. Just trust that you are doing the right things.

Stephanie

tonya said...

She is such a beautiful girl. My kids are really enjoying the pictures and me reading to them eveeryday aboout Bree and you guys. I was going to say you need to let her cry for atleast 90 minutes. LOL You and Doug are wonderful christian parent and God will help you through. Taryn can't wait to meet her new best friend she thinks her pictures are cute. I can't wait till you get home. Between you and the Olympics, I'm getting nothing done!!! I am just so excited for you.
Love,
Tonya

A Lin said...

I just got home from work, it is 130AM,and of course,I checked in,and happy to hear from you all,hope the next few days go as well. The human touch is amazing,I love the cuddling time Markie and I have,enjoy every single moment. Love, A Lin

Rina said...

Ok, here's my 2cents..
I have 3 boys back at home. Ages 4,5,and 7. Everyone and their mothers told me not to have them in bed with me. That they need to stay in their room and get used to sleeping in there. Well my response was "mamma knows best". My boys still sleep with me and I wouldnt change it for the world. If I ask them to sleep in thier room they will obey (along with a little whining). i dont think i ever heard of a 12 year old still sleeping in their mamma's bed..so until then..pile on in kids..the more the merrier.

Robyn said...

Hey Tracy and Doug-
Your little Bree is an angel as all of your girls are. What a fabulous addition to your family. I am praying for everything to go well and your safe return. You have been truly blessed. Can't wait to see her when you get to the states. Luv ya-
Robyn

Debi said...

HI TRACY DOUG AND GRANDMA, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CHILD. I CAN'T IMAGINE HOW EXCITED YOU MUST BE. I REMEMBER MY NIECE'S JOURNEY WITH HER DAUGHTER JADYN FROM CHINA, SHE ALSO WAS 2 YRS OLD.I LOVE THE WAY SHE KNEW WHAT TO DO WITH A CELL PHONE, IT MUST BE A GIRL THING.HA! ENJOY YOUR SPECIAL TIME WITH HER. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. DEBI C

The Grammar Snob said...

I think that just doing what feels right IS what's right. You're all learning and I'm convinced she's going to realize very quickly how much you love her.

She has to fell better already without that *shudder* gauze up her nose.

Sending good thoughts your way. Heard from Anna that the 1st day of school went well.

Take Care,
Amy

dr. toni said...

Greetings from hot dry sunny Ohio, except from my front yard where my sprinkler ran until 3 am when I remembered to turn it off!! oH WHAT BEAUTIFUL PRECIOUS FIRST FAMILY PHOTOS!!! Try to do what's right for the moment and remember you are experienced loving parents and God will help you do what's right for your precious angel.You can't spoil her if you put her needs first....notice I didn't say wants first...she is two!!! Tracy relax ,enjoy and soon you will be home so we can love your precious bright darling angel in person...all send their love Toni

Dear Family and Friends
We are so happy to share with you this wonderful journey we are taking to bring home our daughter
.

Those beautiful rosebud lips!