Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Tuesday, Sept, 3







Well, where to begin. It has been an overwhelming 24 hours.
Our flight landed in Nanjing and we headed straight to the office where Emma was. It was supposed to take an hour, but it was only about 25 minutes. We walked in and there were babies everywhere. I couldn't spot her at first, but then one of the boys said "There's Emma". She did okay when they handed her to us, but then she started whining. She is pretty sick. A very bad upper resp. infection and I wouldn't be surprised if doesn't have pneumonia. She had a fever and was very pitiful. They had her on medicine, but I immediately changed it.
It is a very high stress situation to be in that room surrounded by people who speak no English and babies that are crying and it's so hot in the room. It's a very claustrophobic feeling. It's very rushed and I was about to fall apart. Bo was doing very well and handled all of the major decisions. He was wonderful. The boys have been great as well.
She slept great all night after finally going to sleep. She didn't want to be held. She wanted to be in her crib. She woke up around 6 p.m. and today we had to go to the Civil Affairs Office again to do the paperwork. She was whining the entire time. I have given her Tylenol and Motrin for fever and I think her ears may be hurting as well.
We then went to some fabric place with all the silk tapestry. It was a blur because she was so fussy. We didn't want to go, but we felt like it was required. We finally made it back to the hotel (without being in an accident - the driving here is out of this world) and she took a bottle and went to sleep.
She isn't walking yet and is only taking a bottle. I am very upset about the fact that she isn't eating anything else, but I guess it will come with time.
Bo and the boys are going to the orphanage tomorrow, but Emma and I are not. She isn't well enough for the trip, approx. 2 hours. I just don't want to put either of us through it.
Please pray for all of us. It's much harder than I imagined. I knew that there would be some problems, I guess I just wasn't prepared for all of it as well as I thought. I really need the added strength right now, so please pray hard.
She is a cutie. Very skinny, but after we get her home and give her some real food maybe that will improve.
We love you all and will post again when we can.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mayme: She is absolutely beautiful! I can't wait to see her in person. I hope she is feeling better and I can't wait for you all to be back home.

I love you all-Dede

Anonymous said...

I'm up early and checking the blog! I was so thrilled to see the pics of your beautiful daughter! We are continuing to pray.

Naomi said...

Oh what a little dolly!!! She is so petite and perfect. I cannot imagine how hard it must be. No amount of reading can prepare for this I am sure!! Only the Lord. I know I won't be ready when we go to China for Lydia!! I am praying for you and will continue.
Blessings to you all

Anonymous said...

I've got to work today but got up early to check your blog. We are so thrilled. Emma is absolutely beautiful!! We continue to pray as all adjust and especially for Emma's health. Love you all!

Melissa said...

Oh, she's so, so sweet!! Hang in there - things will be better! We are praying for you.

Your site meter is probably sky rocketing these days. We checked dozens and dozens of times yesterday! :)

Anonymous said...

Guys, we are going to "kick it up a notch" in praying for you all. You have a lot of friends and a lot of support. We are all waiting to help you through the adjustment. Hang in there and lean on the Lord. "His grace is sufficient".

Joy said...

Prayers to you all for a smooth adjustment and that your precious Emma is feeling better soon!

Congratulations - she is so beautiful!

Carla Lewter said...

Mayme,
We are praying for you, and for Emma that she feels better soon. I know that must be worrying you. Don't fret about the bottle feeding, Charlotte is 2 and we are still working on the solid foods with her, she came home at 16 months. It is a process, but she is healthy and happy so that is all that matters. The eating will come with time, but I totally understand your frustration there. But enjoy the bonding while you are feeding her with the bottle. It was one of the only times I could get Charlotte to really give me good eye contact at first and I used it to my advantage.
Dont be afraid to tell your guide if you would rather stay in the hotel and not do something. They feel obligated to take you places but are very understanding if you need time to rest. Even if they are not understanding it is your descision, especially since little Emma is sick. We are praying, praying!!! And Emma is just precious.

Dawn said...

Praying for you and your precious Emma! I hope she feels better soon. We had a hard time adjusting with our first, but after a few days, she was fine!! You will be able to enjoy the next couple days of down time too! Take care and we love watching your story. She is an absolute cutie!!!
In Him,
Dawn (AWAA waiting family!)

Wife of the Pres. said...

Oh Mayme. She is precious! I love seeing the SMILE!!! I have no doubt you will get her eating soon enough! I hope you and Emma can enjoy some quiet time together and that this time will help her heal in many ways. Thank you Mayme for sharing honestly from the heart. I "feel" like I am trying to be prepared for the reality of it all but a good reminder is what I need.

Praying for you and all the families in China!!! Take care of yourself and keep us posted on how to pray if you can. Blessings to your family.

Maria said...

First off -- praying hard. Second, and probably just as important -- she is beautiful!!! You all look so happy (even though I know you are stressed). I know the delays are worrisome, but take it one day at a time and you'll see remarkable changes with proper love and attention. You all will give her what she needs to thrive and she WILL catch up and be FINE!! Know that many many people all over are praying for you all and care about you. I can't wait to see more photos!!

IrisH said...

What a beauty! Looks like she may have 2 brothers who like her just a little!

We are praying for you all. Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

She has the cutest little face. Can't wait to see her someday in person! Remember Ps. 121:1-2, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." I'm praying for you every day! Love you!

Anonymous said...

She is absolutely precious!! She will for sure flourish when you get her home! Thank you for blogging. We are an AWAA family waiting to receive a referral (LID 9/28/06)!! I look forward to following your trip. Also I am praying for Anna.

Shari
AWAA Family

Denise said...

Oh, I am praying for you all. He will get you through this time. Try to enjoy each precious moment with your new little one~

Heather said...

Mayme,

Our Claire was very sick at first too, she perked up around day four, ha! She was a different child then - hang in there. What Emma needs is just your attention and love, rest when you can and do what she needs not what the planned schedule is. (the guides really do understand - we missed a LOT when our Claire was sick). I will continue to join with so many covering you in prayer - God will bring you through this.

Heather
AWAA family

Heather said...

I forgot to tell you how beautiful she is (but I think you probably already know that, ha)

Praying for the spirit to be so evident today and for quick healing in Emma.

Heather Selinger

babslb said...

Mayme it is such a joy to get to follow your family. I am so sorry Emma is sick that defianlty complicates a complicated process. Praying for healing and rest. Our daughter did not eat at first and really not much at all the whole time there. She even refused bottles. Remember when we grieve we don't feel like eating - kids do the same. She looks so petite and beautiful. I am sure you feel under attack - Remember you are on a battlefield - Satan doesn't want to bring families together he doesn't want you to turn to jesus. But Jesus will not abandon you keep turning to him
Love in Christ
Stefanie Bishop

Anonymous said...

She is so sweet. I saw the pics at work today but couldn't post a comment until I got home. Im praying that the Lord heals Emma and gives you all strength.

Stacey said...

Mayme,

We will keep you in our prayers. Just hang in there! When we brought the twins home at 14 months old, they were on powdered cow's milk and nothing more. From our picture updates we had known that Ephraim had been running a fever for a couple of months before we picked him up, and he was sick as anything while we were in Vietnam. They rubbed oil on his head for the fever! He was 10 months old, couldn't sit alone and couldn't suck a bottle because he was used to free-flowing nipples. He ate no solid foods. We had several miserable days before the antibiotics kicked in and he learned to drink out of a bottle, but now things are wonderful! We've been home less than 4 months, and the changes are nothing short of a miracle! Once you get home you'll forget the stress and weariness -- just like labor amnesia! Try to have an amazing time while you are there just for the memories for Emma. She really is beautiful!!

Erica said...

She is beautiful! It was through tears of happiness for your family that I was able to read this post. Hang in there and know that God will give you strength. We are praying for each of you and especially for the quick healing and adjustment of Emma.

God bless!

Anonymous said...

Mayme,
She is soooo beautiful!! You all have been on my mind every day.
I am praying for you, and remember, God's perfect love cast's out ALL fear!!
You guys are walking in His light
and living your lives out-loud, which is a scary place. Just know that He is with you and you have so many praying for you. God has brought you so far on this journey and He's not going anywhere, just hold on to Him, cause He's already holding you and carrying you through all this.
I can't wait until you guys are home and she gets adjusted to all her new family. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!
Jenny Patton

Anonymous said...

Hello Mcgowan family
Congratulations on your precious daughter I am the mom of one of your travel families, Barbara & Edgar Figueroa. Been checking your blog along with theirs, God Bless you and your beautiful family. Have a wonderful time in China and a safe trip home.
Carmen Miranda

Lindsey Carney said...

Mayme, I woke up in the middle of the night last night and you were on my mind! Funny how we've never met, but have so much in common with adoption! We are really praying for you and your family. Emma is so beautiful, what a blessing. Things will get better, God is on the throne!

Lindsey Attebery-Carney

Karen and Dennis said...

Mayme and Bo, your daughter is so beautiful and we can't wait to meet her! We miss you guys and will see you in Guangzho!

The Heinze's