Our Daughter

“An invisible red thread connects
those destined to meet,
regardless of time, place, or circumstance.
The thread may stretch or tangle,
but never break.”
~Ancient Chinese Proverb


Alexis Nicole has just been the most joyous blessing to this family and it is truly amazing how much love we have for this precious child.Enjoy the pictures.

One Month With Alexis Nicole

Wow! We have been with Alexis for one month now. We can’t believe Alexis is here! At times this still seems surreal that she is part of the family; but at times it feels that she's been with us forever.
We are doing well and loving the new normal in the house. We are getting into the new routine. We already started our post placement reports, sent the info. our agency needed, had an assessment at Joe DiMaggio (I will talk more about it in a future post)and it went amazing. We are very pleased with their services. We also scheduled Alexis' palate surgery. It will take place in a couple of days and we will let you all know how it went.
Alexis Nicole is a sweet loving silly little girl. She is busy, busy all the time. She is very strong but a princess. She LOVES shoes and accesories.
Because we knew our wait was going to be long and we didn't know our daughter's age before referral, we did not buy anything. I know it is hard to believe but by the time of referral we just had a blanket and a swimsuit for her. We painted the room 6 months before referral and got the crib 4 days before leaving to China. My mom sent me a dozen outfits and half didn't fit her. Now we are enjoying taking her to get clothing and toys. We don't want to overwhelm her with toys so if a toy comes in to the house then a toy has to come out.
She LOVES her brother and gets so exited when her dad comes home. It is a beautiful sight to watch. She is very comfortable at the house and things are getting better with our Maltese little dog. Now they are best friends and the dog realizes that Alexis Nicole is the best chance she has to get some snacks. As soon as Alexis goes to the high chair, the dog goes for some droppings. She is still eating like there is no end and sleeping her 12 hrs straight and we love it.
Every time we go out we forget the camera so all the pictures are in the house. We may go to Orlando for a weekend before school starts and we will take lots and lots of pictures, I'm sure. Here are some pictures.

Blessed

Today Alexis meet her pediatrician. She is my son's pediatrician and she is great Her office is 10 minutes from the house :-).Everything went well and no vaccines for the moment. The Dr.said that she was very healthy and on target for her age. I gave her the medical report and the vaccines history. She said there is just one vaccine missing. She change the milk to whole milk and order a hearing test and speech evaluation. She wants us to have the results ready for our visit to the Joe DiMaggio Hospital for her assessment. The appointment at Joe DiMaggio will be the 28th. Alexis will be examined by a plastic Surgeon,ENT, psychologist,physical therapist and a pediatrician. The appointment will take four hrs. I will let everybody know how it went.

Things are getting organized around the house and sleeping schedules are getting better. Alexis always sleep for 10 to 12 hrs. but when we came home she would sleep for 14 hrs. Yesterday she woke up at 1pm and today she woke up at noon. Much better.

What time is it?

Alexis is getting used to the time change but has been a bit of a challenge. I'm sure it will take couple of days to get used to the new time zone. She's full of energy, loves the pool and love to take baths. So far we tried the car seat and stroller and no problem. She just want to do something all the time. Does not like to watch TV but loves to talk on the phone.


Busy Aexis

Home Sweet Home

Great to be home! We arrived Thursday night and we are doing well. We are not over from jet lag but trying to function the best we can. Our son John Francis is doing well and he already started music lessons and is getting ready for basketball camp.
I (Amanda) besides souvenirs from China also brought a nasty virus and a throat infection. I lost my voice so I communicate with Alexis thru sign language. And it is working!
Alexis is doing well and loving sunny Florida. Family and friends are so excited and happy to see her. Well, God is good, we have a beautiful and healthy girl. It was wonderful meeting so many families and spending time bonding with our baby with all of them. What a great group of families. All the children were beautiful and very special!
Well, we finally were able to update our blog, at least with pictures, we will add text each day.

Our friend Lenore picked us up at the airport.

Day 16

Guangzhou - Beijing - Newark - Fort Lauderdale

It was a trip of a lifetime. We loved China and hope to go back someday with our son and daughter.












John Francis and Alexis Nicole eating together at our home.
After 3 planes,19 hrs. of flying time we needed a warm homemade meal. Thanks Lenore for such a delicious fresh,organic and yummy food!!!We were eating at 3am, but who cares! We were starving!

Day 15

Oath at the ACS - Get Visa