Sophie and the kitty

So cute!!

Sophie is fitting into our family so well. I cant believe how well she is adjusting. We had such a wonderful family day yesterday. She has discovered the refrigerator and the pantry. She loves to open the fridge and browse the shelves!! Wow can this girl eat! Every morning she has at least 2 pancakes for breakfast and then eats a little more off of my plate. She woke up at 4:15 this morning and would NOT go back to sleep. She was not fussy at all, just ready to start her day. She finally loves Bert! She has went to him several times now with her arms outstretched. Talk about melt your heart! She is also sooo smart. She can do sign language for eat and more. We are working on book right now. (are you proud Sis. Bedwell). I will have to get a picture of her doing her signs. Bert went back to work last night. We really missed him.

Christmas Pics

Sorry I havent posted in a few days. Christmas was wonderful. God has blessed us so much and we have so much to be thankful for. Sophie had a great time. My parents bought her a the new Tickle Me Elmo, she enjoyed it from a far. The kids are doing so well adjusting to their new little sister...they love playing with her.
Sophie had a very rough night last night. She was up most of the night. She would only sleep if she was on my chest. Needless to say we are all exhausted. Our social worker called today and we had a long talk. We think it is in Sophies best interest to not have any company for a week or more. Sophie is getting confused with all of the people in and out. I think that was a lot of her problem last night. She has also been very clingy today. I really do want everyone to meet her but we just need to wait a little longer. Thanks so much for understanding!!!

A few pics

Yesterday we had Christmas with one of my best friends ever!! Misty and her family. We had so much fun and it is always an enjoyable, relaxing time.
We are still jetlagging it around here. Sophie fav time to wake up is between 3 and 4 am. Well yesterday we had a plan to try and get more sleep. Sophie woke up at 3:30am. I didn't let her go down for her nap until about 10:20. Then she slept till about 1:00. Well I was going to try and keep her up until 8:00pm but she was falling asleep in her highchair so at 6:00pm we gave it up. Well guess what!? She slept through the night and she is still asleep right now at 6:43 am. I am thinking we will all start feeling better in the next few days if we have more nights like this.
Sophie still seems to be adjusting well. We have had company every single day since we have been home. She has been such a trooper. She still prefers her momma but will go to other for a quick photo op. She loves EG and went to her from me which is a big deal..and I am SOOO glad. She also really loves her grandma. She and Bert are finally becoming buds too! She is such a sweetheart. I dont know what I would do without my mom and dad here. My mom has been cooking for us and doing laundry. My dad has been doing dishes and dusting! They have been such a blessing. And we couldn't make it without them. Sophie even gave grandpa kisses yesterday! I still haven't forgotten about the homecoming pics..maybe I will get them today.

At home with Sophie

Here are a couple pics from today. I promise to post the homecoming pictures soon. I am waiting on my Sis-in-law Amy to email them to me. She was so gracious to come take pics for us and meet her new niece at the airport. Its a good thing b/c we were so exhausted we did not even have our camera out. But as soon as I get them I will tell you all about it and send the pics.
These new pics are especially for all Berts co-workers and friends at UAB who told him if we didnt keep sending updated pics they would all come see us. Well you can all come see us we dont mind!!! But if you cant here is your "Sophie fix" for today!

WELCOME HOME!

Bert, Tina, and Sophie are home!! Sophie is beautiful, tiny, and smells wonderful. A huge crowd was at the Birmingham Airport to welcome the newest member of the Pierce family home.

Last post from China!!

We are going home!!! We have to get up at 4:00am in the morning get ready and head to the airport. Tyler, Micah and Elizabeth Grace here we come!!
Today was a great day. We had our consulate appointment this afternoon. It is hard to swallow the lump in your throat as you do the final swear that all the info you have provided is correct and that you will never abandon this baby. We also took the the "red couch" picture today. Actually we took it twice. Once with Ee Dan...dont know to spell her name only say it. She was the little 6 year also adopted from Chengdu. Ee Dan simply adores Sophie and we will miss her, Kristin, Stephanie, Helen and Joanne. (our Chengdu travel group)
Our second set of red couch pictures was with my friend Cynthia and her girls. We have had so much fun hanging out with the Farleys, I cant wait until we meet up again this spring.
Thanks to everyone for following along on our journey to this precious gift from God. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel home. God Bless!!

pictures

Zoo and Dinner Cruise

Yesterday morning we went to the local zoo. It is very nice. We bought Sophie a stroller..she hates it. It took so much bribing to get her to ride in it. She excepted her fate in the end! lol.
Last night we went on a dinner cruise. It was very beautiful. Sophie was a social butterfly. She was just walking around playing with the other kids it was so cute. She and another little girl were holding hands.
Sophie is finally warming up to daddy. Bert is actually holding her right now! Hooray! I am taking as much advil as possible..I dont know if it was from holding Sophie or from playing "ride little horsey down to town" with Sophie but my lower back is killing me!!! We leave to come home in the morning. I will try and post one more time before we leave.

Peek a boo

Sophie and mommy playing peek a boo

Shopping

Today our group went to a shopping mall. I bought ummm 3 more pair of shoes for Sophie..and I am embaressed to say what my total shoe count is... I think I have a sickness. lol. Bert and Sophie are getting along better today. She is really warming up to him. He still cant hold her but she is realizing how fun he is. Tomorrow we are going to a zoo here, then Tuesday is our consulate appt and Wed we come home. Please start praying (you can even fast) for our trip home..I am TOTALLY dreading it.

Ice cream party

Our friends the Farleys came to our room tonight for a little ice cream social!! The girls had fun together. Keegan and Romy both love Bert. Sophie was quiet but did well sharing her toys.

menu pics

A few interesting menu items at the Thai restaurant

More Pics

Sophie spotted flowers in the hotel lobby..I smelled them and she started to follow suit. She is such a sweetie!!
Tonight we went out for Thai food and Bert had Ostrich meat in green curry coconut milk sauce...he loved it. I had......fried rice! Tomorrow we go shopping!!