June 23, 2011 - Recent pictures

I know I have been slack in posting in the last few days.  Connie, my personal tech person, has been busy.  I have definately been busy.  We have visited with family in Corinth including Finley's Uncle Ed, Uncle Tim, and cousins Sheena & Trey, Jen Jen, Dylan, Jay, Mary Margaret, and Ginia Kate, and Zack.  Finley and I were excited to visit with my friends Jo and her family and Greg & Cindy.  We also introduced Finley to the work people.  She handled it quite well, for the most part.  We have also been handling insurance, securing daycare (big yay!), and scheduling MD appointments.  There is an aweful lot to do after getting home.  Finley is down for a nap, so this is how the blog is being updated!  She is still spending about 50% of the time in my lap or in my arms.  Meltdowns that I previously described are gradually turning into tantrums of a 2 year old.  It is no longer primarily about insecurities, but about cookie and clothing preferences.  How is that?  We've only been home a week and a half and she is not only figuring her world out but has an opinion about everything!  I love to see the wonder and the excitement of all the new experiences!  My good friend Jo gave her many great gifts, but gave her a balloon (her first) and it was so fun to watch.  Sleeping is much better, as we have introduced a more regular routine.  However, she is still very restless at night and sits up in the bed several times and sometimes whines.  She is beginning to self console and will usually remain in the bed until the sun rises.  Finley still need me with her to fall asleep.  A challenge for another day still.  She has started using the potty occasionally again and will let me know when she is soiled.  I thank God many times a day for the undeserving grace and love that he showers freely.  His love is so very evident to me in the eyes of Finley, but it is not exclusive love.  It is the same love that is offered to all...it is there for the taking. 

      "The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you."   2 Corinthians 13:14


Finley wearing Momma's red shoes.  She stared at them for a good 30 sec when I put them on!




Finley with cousin Maddie.  Her first sleep over.



Sassy pants!



Finley and Ava.  They love each other.  So sweet.  So thankful. 



Loving the sucker Trey gave her. 

June 19, 2011 - Catch up

Hi all.  The last few days have been catch up for visiting with family, bonding with Finley, and catching up on sleep. 

Most impressive (or at least most relieving) is that Finley has slept through the night for the past 2 nights.  Yay!  It makes for a much happier child (and Mommy) during the day.  She has been waking with the sweetest spirit, smiling and playful.  She probably has a better sense of safety and predictability.  She still requires me to sleep with her (or at least hold her till she is asleep) at night and during naps,  and does wake briefly during the night.  So happy.  We have only been home a week today! 

My sister Leta, my nephew Zack and my great niece Maddie were with me from Thursday night until Saturday afternoon.  I was so nervous about Finley's tolerance, but it turned out to be great.  Finley took a couple of hours to warm up, but she played with everyone and even ventured into the other rooms to play several times.  I specifically encouraged her to play more independently, but was close when she called for me.  My sister, Leta, was thrilled to finally meet Finley and loved that Finley allowed Leta to hold her several times.  It was really great having my family visiting. 

Finley has spent more time with the Credilles this weekend.  She is loving Ella, stroking her head and poking her eyes (I don't know what that's about).  She and Ava love each other, but also are having some power struggles over toys. 

Here are the latest new things from Finley...

• Finley ate Mexican.  Loved it, but perhaps a little early for her system (yikes!).
• Finley has now been to Walmart, Toys R Us, CVS, Kroger, Pizza Hut. 
• Finley said "I Love You" in demonstration and spontaneously.  The sweetest thing yet!
• Finley loves Ramen noodles. 
• She continues to be very frustrated when trying to communicate, which inevitably leads to a meltdown. 
• She has now said, "Ava", "Ella", "nanna" (which is really her aunt leta), "Connie", "all done", "eat", "hello".  
• She pretends to talk on the phone.   
• She loves veggie straws and on occasion has chosen them over cookies. 
• She is sharing and not sharing at times, but is learning good toy play. 
• She has run to Leta and Connie, even though she then looks for me.   
• She helped Connie unpack groceries. 
• I left her at Connie and Jeff's to go check on Charlie (Finley's canine brother) and for the 15 minutes I was gone, she didn't even know I had left.  Progress!!!

I have now ran into a few people and realize how many people are looking forward to meeting Finley.  Just knowing that is endearing.  I am so excited for everyone to meet her.  I truly believe that all prayers for this endeavor have been heard and so many answered already.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.  Pictures to follow tonight or in the morning!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads!

To God be the Glory.
Love, Lydia

June 16, 2011 - New Skills

It was a better sleeping night for us.  Finley went to bed about nine and although she was restless and had to be held some, we were able to stay in the bed until 4 am! Yay!  She even went back to sleep and we finally awoke at 6.  The new techniques... a fan for continuous noise and turning off all lights to indicate that it isn't daytime when she wakes and wants to get up.  


This morning we paid a visit to the Hope Church office and is was so sweet.  Finley got to see Dianne and Meredith and all the other staff that have been praying diligently for us.  It was emotional for me.  Finley shy'ed away and then fell asleep while we were talking.  

Other new stuff that we did today was took a ride in the buggy at Kohl's and Kroger, which was pretty exciting for Finley after the initial adjustment.  We also went to our first shoe store (Payless).  You would think she was well schooled at this event.  She argued with me in Nepali to get the ugliest pair of shoes in the store.  I refused and she melted.  We purchased our shoes and left.  She clung to the shoe bag like it was her best friend, as you can see in the picture.  

New skills for the day....  Finley responded to her new name multiple times.  This is a big deal to me.  She is imitating many English words such as train, Ava, all done, thank you, tv.   She ate cereal with milk in it with a spoon all on her own (lots of spilling).  


Tonight Finley is meeting Aunt Leta, Zack, and Maddie for the first time.  She is also meeting Charlie, Finley's canine brother.  He is returning home after an extended stay.  


Praying for a good night.  Good sleep makes for a much better day for Mommy and Baby.  


Lastly, I just have to thank God for a tremendous day and a terrific support system.  I value all of you so much for your "over the top" love and support.  Big love.  

June 15th - Jet Lag

The last couple of days have been challenging with the sleep patterns..  Finley started waking at 11:15 pm last night and we finally got up at 2:15 am this morning.  She is so sweet, but just wants to play and requires my active participation.  I tried to keep her up today, but she fell asleep sitting up and took a 2 hour nap.  I was able to sleep for about an hour, due to her waking periodically and crying.  Hoping to keep her awake this afternoon and just start to get her on a better routine. 

 

Finley is still very much attached to me.  I spend a lot of the days with her in my lap.  She follows me to each room and stands at my side until any task is complete.  She still has not regulated her feeding times either.  She is on a 2 hour snack schedule and has figured out where the fig newtons are kept.  Her activites of preference have to do with personal hygiene - brushing her teeth, washing her hands, taking a bath.  I had to close the bathroom door because I found her standing on the closed toilet rubbing candle wax (she raked out that was behind the toilet) and was trying to wash her hands.  I think she thought it was soap.  She also continues to diaper anything she can get her hands on. 

Aunt Cindy came to visit to see if Finley would play with her so I could rest yesterday.  Finley woke and cried.  She did eat a couple of the cookies Aunt Cindy brought, but remained upset.  Aunt Cindy left so she would calm, but Finley did give her a smile and a wave as she was leaving.  We know that adjustments take time.  I do feel that when she is resting better, that she will not be as distraught. 

 

I do find it helpful to have her around Ava and Ella (Credille).  She seems to enjoy watching them and is doing some play with them.  She is also warming up to Connie and Jeff more with each visit.  Yesterday I introduced her to the water sprinkler that was running at the Credilles.  She was impressed.  She ran her hand through it several times and then looked at her hand.  I love seeing the wonder on her face at the most simple of discoveries. Today I am posting a few pictures of her at home and at the Credilles.  Although this is a time of adjustment, I do  realize what an awesome responsibility and blessing this child is.  Can't wait for her to understand that too.  Just today she is understanding blowing kisses and is waving consistently.  We have also began saying our prayers at mealtime and bedtime.   Thanks for your continued support.  Love.

 

 

 

June 13, 2011 - 1st full day home

Today the jet lag hits.  Both Finley and I have altered sleeping patterns.  She woke up at midnight but stayed in bed until close to 3:00 a.m.  She went back to sleep from 6:00 - 10:00 a.m.  She took another 1 hour nap this afternoon.  I am hoping she sleeps better tonight.  She rode in her car seat for the 3rd time and there was no crying.  Prior to this, I can only describe it as throwing a cat into bath water.  Very happy to see that she is adjusting to the car seat.  Her first restaurant outing was to Abner's, where we met Connie for lunch.  Discovered she loves sweet tea and can drink from a straw.  She continues to play with Ava and Ella, although she is somewhat guarded.  She refused to eat pizza pasta for supper so I gave her rice and apples, yet again.  :)  Cookie count is 1!!!!  Aunt Cindy is coming tomorrow to meet Finley and can't wait to see her.  Here are a few pictures from our trip home.

Finally Home

I can't begin to describe my thankfulness to be home.  I enjoy travel and loved my experience, but am very excited to be home and hope to settle in over the next few days.  Finley and I are both a little jet lagged.  We have cleaned ourselves from the 36 hours of travel and took a 4 hour nap.  We have had McDonalds, sweet tea, and Connie's sonora chicken pasta.  Feels good to be home.  


Let me first tell you about the travel home.  We left from Kathmandu 2 hours late due to mechanical problems.  Our layover in Bangkok was only 1 hour 15 minutes.  We sweated bullets the whole flight, worried that we wouldn't make our connection but continually reassuring ourselves and each other that God's timing in all of this is perfect and making our connection would be no different.  Thai held our connecting flight for 30 minutes for a small group of us.  When we got to Bangkok, there stood a gentleman holding a Los Angeles sign.  Seeing him gave us a momentary sigh of relief.  It was short lived as he told us to run, because the plane would leave in 10 minutes.  We ran.  Finley was on my hip and laughing.  Erin was loaded with carry-ons.  I was sucking wind, trying not to cry.  It seems we ran for about half a mile (I'm sure it wasn't, but in the moment...).  We made the connection and off to LA we went - 14+ hours on a plane with a 2 year old that had just been introduced to a plane a few hours earlier.  


Finley was amazing.  She ate on the plane, the food they provided and the cookies we brought for crisis intervention.  She slept for about 6 hours laying in the middle seat, but woke every hour or so for me to hold her.  She was preoccupied with the remote control that was in her armrest, which she used to operate the tv, call the flight attendant a couple of time, operate the light, and use as a play phone.  She was happy.  She did have to make every trip to the airplane bathroom with me while she was awake.  I'll just leave the details out of that experience.  Erin and I were soooo  thankful to land in LA at 9:15 pm (earlier than we expected) that we didn't know what to do.  Even standing in long lines for Immigration and Customs, Finley was in a good mood, and very cooperative.  We had our first American meal at McDonald's in the airport as we were waiting on the last leg of our flight to Memphis.  Weary, but excited we arrived in Memphis at 7 am this morning!  Connie and Sarah Davis greeted us in baggage claim with a "Welcome Home Finley" poster.  Finley greeted them wearing her "coming to America" dress and waving her American flag.  Pretty sweet.  The trip home was a little tumultuous, considering Finley has never been confined to a car seat.  She had moment of quiet, but was quite distressed.  We did make it and are in really good spirits.  


Finley was initially apprehensive about coming into the house.  Once Erin and Sarah were on their way and Connie got the suitcases into Finley's room and began to unpack, Finley was bonding with the stuffed elephants and attempting to diaper them.  She was quite the assistant to unpacking!  Within 30 minutes, Finley was exploring and laughing.  She is so happy at home.  Although it was becoming abundantly clear that she had no intention of napping and I was fading quickly.  So, although it was intimidating, I loaded Finley back into the carseat and we drove 4 minutes to Connie and Jeff's.  Connie was willing to watch her while I slept.  I could not wait to see Ava and Ella! I was a little nervous to see how Finley responded to the girls and vice versa.  Finley and I walked into the Credille's and Ava looked at us and said, "hey Finley".  After a few minutes, the girls were playing with the large legos together.  Finley is definitely guarded and doesn't want me out of her sight.  


So very thankful for safe travel and Finley's exceptional tolerance for travel (I do believe that she will be a world traveler) and I am truly thankful for each of you that has prayed for us and continue to pray for us.  Pictures to be posted tomorrow.  Love to you all.  God is so good.  

Day 15 pictures - June 10

Day 15 - A small Miracle

 

Received the email I had been waiting on.  April emailed this am and said to be at the embassy at 12 to pick up Finley's visa!  As she said, "It will take a small miracle."  Amazing chain of events.  We got to the embassy and April explained everything clearly, as there are many things to know in the process of getting back into the US through customs and USCIS.  Bobby then took us to the Thai airlines where arrangements were made for us to fly home tomorrow!  We were under the impression that flight was full.  Had we gotten to the Thai office even 15 minutes later, it would have been closed for the day.  They then sent us across the street to travel agency where I actually had to purchase Finley's ticket.  Since she is over 2, she doesn't qualify for a lap fare.  Probably better given the long flight.  So, my friends, we are coming home this weekend.  We are finishing packing right now and buying our last few souveniers.  We are meeting Bobby in the lobby at 9:00 am, even though our flight leaves at 1:30 pm.  I don't want to leave any room for error.  It may be a couple of days before there is another entry since we will be in route.  The plan is to fly from Kathmandu to Bangkok to LA to Birmingham (still have to book the last leg).  Thanks to all who have prayed.  Please pray for safe travel and that Finley has good tolerance for travel as well.  See you all soon!  To God be the glory in making this happen, as in this whole process. 

Thursday... 6/9/11 (day 14)

 

Met with April at the embassy this morning at 11 am.  Getting into the embassy is not like you see in the movies.  You don't go running into the safe haven of a gated building and people rush to your every whim just because you are an American (unless someone is shooting at you, I guess).  There are lines and thorough security checks.   We were actually the only Americans there.  Ironic, I know.  Other than April and the other people working in that department (I don't know what you call it), everyone else working there that we encountered was Nepali.  My only reaction to that is surprise.  Nice people though. 

 

The interview process was painless, other than not getting a conclusive answer as to when the visa will be issued.  There was paperwork provided on my end, questions from April and an embassy officer.  Finley had to be present with me.  She did quite well for the 1.5 hours that we were at the embassy, other than a little figiting.  Just to explain things more clearly...  Today's visit was to apply for Finley's visa for travel.  The travel document that was issued yesterday was required for today's appointment. She does not qualify for a passport b/c she is not yet a US citizen.   Now, we wait for the visa to be approved/issued.  April says that 48 hours is allowed for processing, but it COULD be sooner.  They close tomorrow (Friday) at lunch and are closed Saturday and Sunday.  It remains a big IF that it would be issued before they close tomorrow b/c it will only be 24 hours.  Even if it is issued Monday am, it will be difficult for us to get on a flight that same day.  Every family has to go through a similiar process, depending on the country.  It is a nail biting time, but part of the process nonetheless.   All of these steps have been taken by many who have adopted from the paperwork to the travel to the bonding / adjustment.  Adoptive parents are tough cookies and I guarantee a lot smarter than they were when they started!  I digress....anyhow, April should email me as soon as she has an indication of the time and day the visa will be ready.  So I am attached to the computer, just waiting for some word.  It will come soon.  As an act of faith, I have already started packing my bag. 

 

 

On a lighter note, we had the most fabulous meal at Woodstone Pizza.  As close to American food as we have had.  Bacon, spinach, garlic pizza with sizzling brownie and ice cream that we shared. This is the most self indulgent meal we have had and the first without hesitation for Erin since being sick.  Erin is all better.   Finley is also a fan of ice cream.  I can see that I should better pace her at the rate I am introducing her to the luxuries!  She says, "momma, momma" and opens her mouth like a bird.  When she gets a bite of something she likes, she rocks her head from side to side and her eyes get big and you can see the smile across her face.  Beautiful.  She is also turning into a singer.  She is still at about 40% with pottying, She will  need to learn table manners and manners for wearing a dress when we get home.  I am learning that it is difficult to fool Finley even with a language barrier.  However, I seem more subject to being duped by the 2 year old.  How is that? 

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sweet messages and for keeping us in your prayers.  Be home soon!  Love to you all. 

 

 

Day 13... June 8th

 Bhaktapur, Nepal

It has been a very busy day.  We started by siteseeing with Bobby by car to the mountain of Nargakot .  On a clear day, you can see Everest.  Not a clear day today, but the curvy and a bit scary drive up was worth it. Kinda like a thrill ride at Disney.   It is the best scenery we have seen yet in my opinion.  Lush greenery and perfectly tiered mountainside that is perfect for people to plant crops of corn, rice, and beans.  The housing was scattered, mostly made of imperfect brick work.  There was scattering of very rustic cafe stops, water buffalo (that looked like horses at first glance), goats, people working the crops and just standing around.  Great picture op's.  We then drove down the mountain to the city of Bhaktapur (I assure you I do not pronounce that anywhere close to the way it should be!)  Bhaktapur is a beautiful, historic town dating back to 7th century A.D.  It is the town has a royal palace and many temples.  People still live and work there.  It is a page out of time.  Finley was amazing, but wanted to be carried most of the time.  While she is enjoying Bobby and Erin, she does not allow them to hold her for any period of time. 

 The historic city

Bobby received an unexpected phone call while we were out and asked if I wanted to see if I could get the Embassy appointment rescheduled so we could go get the Travel Document.  I said "Let's Go!".  Through some phone calls, we were able to get the appointment at the embassy moved to tomorrow at 11.  We then walked with Finley in arms to the Foreign Affairs and waited a couple of hours.  The ending result is that I have a travel document for Finley.  Just have to make 2 embassy visits and then  we can come home.  Checking on flights, but it may be Monday before we can leave.  Still, very thankful.  Maybe a small miracle in store after all.  Thanks for specifically praying for our travel. 

  

Things I have learned about Finley today...

- She can poop in the floor, but it was in front of the toilet. 

- She is beginning to immitate a few words, "shoo wee", "thank you", "bye"

- She is in love with cookies, really. 

- She is beginning to bond more with Erin, which is very appropriate that she still relies on me for most of her needs.  I am glad for her new bonding though. 

- She really likes to be carried. 

- She is fearless, adventurous.  Running to the edge of the mountain, etc. 

- It is so sweet to see her run at me with arms wide open, saying "mommy". 

- Her only pair of shoes is rubbing a blister on her heal, but she wears them anyway. 

       Finley running toward me!    

   

  Finley at the mountain top.

She is a very tired girl right now and can marathon cry.  Even at her most exhausted, she keeps pointing at the cookies. 

Tomorrow is our first embassy visit. Pray for favor and a quick turn-a-round! 

TOMS shoes at the mountain overlook

Day 12... June 7, 2011

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the first born among many brothers and sisters."    Romans 8:28-29

 

It appears that the travel document will not be available until the 9th (Thursday).  April at the embassy has graciously scheduled our appointment there at 4:00 the same day.  Due to the processing time (& the consular and the embassy are closed Friday afternoon as well as Sat and Sun), it appears that the final visa will not be ready until Monday.  April said, "barring a small miracle".  Well, I believe in miracles so we shall see....

I am prepared to stay until Monday, but it would be so great to go home this weekend.  God's timing is perfect.  That is evident in this whole process.  I will say right now that this weekend is definitely my timing!  However, I will be settled in God's plan.  

 

Last night Finley put on her pj's and tried to get settled with me in the chair, but could not.  She pointed towards the bed and I asked if she wanted to lay down.  She nodded "yes".  That's big.  No crying.  We laid in the bed and she flopped like a fish for about 20 minutes until falling asleep at 8:00 pm.  She awoke 4 times and cried a little, but slept until 5:30.  Upon waking, she was happy and has had only a couple of minor meltdowns.  Today has been a day of exploration and play on our own.  No appointments and no real agenda, other than the basic necessities of a 2 year old.  We snacked in the room and then had a late breakfast.    Erin found frosted flakes that helped settle her stomach and Finley is a fan.  Frosted flakes may replace cookies. We just had a meltdown from being cut off from the flakes!  If it's not one thing....  Part of the appeal of the cereal in the bowl is that she stirs, adds water, and eats non-stop.  I have now replaced the cereal with coins.  Will have to watch closely.... Notice her ability to use a sifting spoon for the filtering of water.  Perhaps if we knew a couple of days ago that she had these skills, Erin would not have become ill.  Ha. 

 

Erin is close to 100% now.  Thank you so much for lifting her up.  She is back to eating, but with much guarding. 

 

 We also returned to the gardens today.  A lovely distraction.  Finley did run and play today.  A close call when she ran from me and almost ran into a fish pond.  Lovely.   A late nap for Finley today, but hoping that she has a long, restful night.  I am so blessed that she is sleeping as well as she is.   

 

A few new things we know about Finley...she is using the potty about 40%,  She loves animals (followed a turtle around the restraunt and pointed out the monkey outside our window).  She has excellent skills in pouring,  She has distinct fashion preferences.  She will undress herself and attempt to redress.   She is becoming a minor celebrity - everyone says "Diksha" when we leave the room and pretty sure we have never seen some of these people.  Some people still ask about the other American families that have come to adopt Nepali babies.  Sweet people here.  In this culture it is interesting to see how strong the man's roll is in playing / caring for the children.  All the men speak to her and pinch her cheek.  When we walk down the street, it's like a receiving line. 

 

Pray for a small miracle for the visa approval.  Thanks for your love and support.  Still amazed at this journey...

June 6th - Day 11

Today was the return to the medical clinic.  Bobby arrived at the hotel at 10:30.  We drove by taxi (small, compact Toyota with lace seat coverings and a cushy rug in the back) about 20 minutes.  In the medical clinic, Finley and I have to trade our shoes in for crocks (I guess so we don't contaminate the treatment areas).  We wait approx 2 min for a nurse to walk through and look and say "it's negative, you can go".  We were all stunned.  But good for us.  The medical report can now be sent electronically to the US embassy.  It is a critical component to the process.  Erin is much better, but not 100%.  She went with us, had a bite of lunch, and then we came back to the room for all to rest.  Finley resisted.  She argued in Nepali that she wanted a cookie.  I refused.  She cried and fell asleep.  Sounds harsh, but her cookie count is about 8 today.  I have to say no sometime.  Today's activity is pouring water from bottle to bottle.  She has a better than 50% success, but the rug in the room is taking a beating!  Laying low for this evening and tomorrow to allow Erin to recuperate.  Hoping tomorrow to get an indication of when the travel document will be issued.  We are praying for Wednesday. Some wheels turn faster than others here in Nepal, but Bobby and Indra continue to have our best interest at heart. 

 

"I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods." Psalm 135:5. 

June 5... The Gardens (Day 10)

  

Last night (June 4th) was better than I expected for Finley, not so much for Erin.  Erin became ill in the night with vomiting and diarrhea.  She is still sick today.  She has now held phenergan down for an hour.  Pray for her, that she would be able to benefit from the medicine and that she will recover with proper rest.  Hard to see her not feeling well and know that she is so far from her friends and family. 

Finley (after going to sleep at 6:00 pm) awoke in the night twice for about 10 minutes each time.  She sat up, kicked around and eventually went back to sleep.  They told me at the orphanage that she will have to have her hand in my hair to sleep.  Boy, they weren't kidding!  I was pleasantly surprised to look into the mirror this morning and see that I had NOT been snatched bald headed as it had felt in the night.  It was like being in a school yard fight!  Anyway, Finley slept till 5 am!  Yay!  She awoke and began to cry, saying "mommy" as she often does when she is upset, but it hasn't been intended for me.  We tried to let Erin rest, so we got dressed (Finley's first time in a pull-up) and went downstairs.  I called Bobby to reschedule an outing we had scheduled for this morning.  Think I woke him.  Then we went to breakfast at the hotel and for a stroll to get Erin some Sprite from a deli.   There is a bottling company right here in Kathmandu for Coca-Cola.  Of course, it is different from ours, but really, really good when you are sick!  When I purchased a sprite and coke, I turned to leave and Finley dropped her sippy cup and her doll and just stood there planted.  I tried to coax her to come, but once again language failed me.  Then I realized she was protesting until I gave her some coke (very watered down for her).  Then we went on our merry way!  


We returned to find Erin resting and I was able to skype with Connie.  Connie and Mrs. Ann (Jeff's mom) were able to watch as I chased  Finley and she turned to run into my arms, smiling.  A first.  And she distinctly called me "Mommy" today.  Finley also slipped today and hit her mouth on the night stand.  It bled a little.  I gave her a sip of water and a cookie.  Now, I know that a cookie isn't the proper answer to all problems, but it is like my own little interpreter and peace keeper all in one while we are here.  When we get home, Finley is going to have to be weined from the junk food for sure!  Right after the 24 hours of flight that will get us there!  She and Erin are resting now.  Bobby will meet us (probably not Erin) in the afternoon to take us to a park so Finley can run!  Please pray for Erin today.  She needs to feel better and certainly does not need to become dehydrated.  Thank you for your continued support and prayers.  I treasure each message.  (Written at 7:30 a.m. - Kathmandu time)

                      

 Finley and I spent a lot of time out of the room to allow Erin time to rest.  Bobby met us and we walked to the Gardens, a privately funded in Kathmandu.  It is so beautiful there and peaceful.  It allowed Finley time to run, although it was more like walk a little and get carried a little.  It is crazy to me that there is this serene place in the middle of the chaos of Kathmandu.  There were couples and families and groups of friends just hanging out, enjoying the afternoon.  Finley seemed quite taken by the fish in the various ponds.  I am not sure that it wore her out, but it did me!  After grabbing a little dinner, we came back to the room to find Erin resting.  She had not thrown up since this morning, but said her stomach is still unsettled.  She has slept all day with the help of phenergan.  Thanks so much for praying for her health and for mine and Finley's protection from illness.  Hoping tomorrow is a better day for Erin.  

On a brighter note, a few points of interest today:

- Finley has been calling me "Mommy" specifically today.

- Finley has said "potty" today and I think she went, but I couldn't be certain b/c the water is kinda tinted anyway!

-Finley kissed me on my cheek for the first time. 

-We tried pullups for the first time today vs diapers with good success. 

-Cookie rampage has got to be tamed.  A meltdown ensued when I cut her off at bedtime!

- Finley once again donned her shoes before bed. 

Tomorrow is the return to the medical clinic for TB test to be read.  Tuesday I should get an indication of when the travel docuement will be ready.  Pray for soon! 

Have a great day, my friends and family.  I love you all.  (Written at 8:15 p.m. - KTM time)