our trip to the doctor...

Yesterday we went to the doctor, for Kenzie's yearly check-up (because she just turned 2) and for Karli to get a check up now that she's home, plus I'm sick so I had to go too. (Let me say, it was quite an adventure having 3 kids see the doctor...we were there 2 hours.) Both the girls are pretty healthy. Kenzie has some fluid in her ears, but that's not that big of a deal, and she had to get a flu shot. She didn't even cry this time, with the exception of the shot, which is very good because she usually screams when we visit the doctor. For Karli, they were able to get a huge chunk of wax out of her ear (if I haven't told u already, we think that she doesn't really have a hearing problem, if so it's very minor, but that she just has a lot of wax build-up...yes I know, that is gross). She did very well for her first real doctor check-up (I don't consider the "medical exam" in China a doctor check-up, because they don't really do anything), and she only cried a little bit. The girls are a little over a pound apart in weight, Karli weighing more, and several inches apart in height (Karli's taller). I had to have a strep test and a flu test, but both turned out negative, and hopefully I should be better with whatever I have in a few days.

All Dressed Up With No Place To Go!

updates

Well, as you can see from the pics I posted a few days ago, we had a very good Christmas. The little girls got a playhouse, a battery-operated car to ride in, an Elmo! Live, some accessories for their doll houses, pajamas, and a lot more. Kylie and Keaton got a lot of stuff they had asked for and so did I (new iPod nano...score! =D lol), and we just had a really great Christmas. I'm soooo glad that we were able to have Karli home with us by Christmastime...it made it more special. On Wednesday, (as you can also tell from some of the pics I posted on Thursday), Karli got her ears pierced. She didn't cry too much, especially after we gave her a lollipop (her favorite candy). She looks so cute with her earrings! Also, after Kenzie learned to climb out of her crib and fell and hit her head, my dad took one of the rails off of her crib and made it into a toddler bed. I must say, it has been quite an adventure trying to get the girls to nap or go to sleep without them getting out of bed to play together or jumping on their beds...but it's been pretty fun. :-) Not many exciting things have happened lately...we're just having fun with and adjusting to Karli. She and Kenzie are getting along pretty well, and Karli is adjusting VERY well to our family...she has taken a particular liking unto me. (She's very attached to me.) Anyway, that's about it. So yeah...talk to you later when I find something else interesting (or at least semi interesting) I'll post it. TTYL.

Here they are....

Between going to get Karli, having her home, Christmas, and regular life, I forgot to post the pictures from Kenzie's birthday party. So...a few weeks late, though they are, here are the pics from that day. (November 27th.)

2 Little Monkeys Jumping On The Bed

Christmas Day Photos!

Family picture:

Kenzie now has a "big girl" bed (i.e. a toddler bed), because since Karli has one, she wanted one...and last night she learned to climb out of her crib.

their new playhouse...


oooh! Presents!

our tree...

toys!


playing around...

us all in front of the tree...


after the piercing...

Karli, getting her ears pierced...




Karli and Kenzie riding the carousel; it was Karli's first time...

It's Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have an amazing day with your friends and families...I know we are.

Music Prodigies in the Making?

Santa Sighting!!!

After waiting almost 4.5 hours in line, the kids finally got to see Santa. Miraculously, there was no crying this year.

giggling girls

This was taken at a bowling fellowship Friday evening with our church...less than 24 hours after being home. They are getting along great in this video, and that's how they are in real life too. It makes me smile to see how adorable these two are together.

We Made It!!!

After 34 hours of travel, we finally made it home. It was a close call in Newark whether we would make our flight, but God prevailed. Thanks to everyone for all your prayers. I have no doubt that God was working behind the scenes to orchestrate everything perfectly. Our plane from Beijing was early, the immigration official processed Karli's paperwork ASAP (She is now an American citizen.), and our luggage was some of the first out on the conveyer. We waited in the security checkpoint line the exact number of minutes our plane was early. We ran down the concourse and arrived at the gate as they were boarding. My intention had been to fly the next flight as standby if we missed our original flight. We found out that both flights were oversold, and most of the next day as well. Thank you God for answering prayers. The next day New Jersey was snowed in. My friend arrived 2 days after us, and she is still waiting in Newark for a flight home.

Below are pictures of our arrival at the airport.






Here are some pictures of Karli and Kenzie playing the night they met. They get along really well. It has been a long time since we have heard the pitter patter of 2 pairs of little feet running through the house.


We went bowling Friday night with many people from our church. Here are some pictures of the girls.



Saturday we went to Hutson's parents' house in Alto, Texas. The kids got to open their Christmas gifts from their grandparents while we were there. I am sure this is the first time Karli has opened presents, but she eagerly participated once she figured out what to do.







Here is a photo of their first bath together. Both of the girls love the water. They would have played for hours if we had let them. I think more water ended up on the floor than in the tub when they were done.

One last picture of Karli in her carseat on the way home from church. She has adjusted very well to being strapped in. I was dreading that first time in the carseat, but she did not even complain once.