Amazing Ellie

Big brother Rorey, Little sister Ellie, and ringo the dog!! In their PJ's ready for bed!!

Still posing every time we get the camera out!!

Our new family picture

Things are going well! We have been getting used to each other, getting back into a "normal schedule"......well at least Riley and Rorey!! They both are back to their regular activities. Riley is in 5th grade, and Rorey is in pre-school three days a week. Rick and I are still off work and I will not be going back until December, so plenty of time to let Ellie start to feel at home here with us. Rick will be going back to his normal work as of November 2nd. (many of you will understand what I'm saying!) Hopefully we will all get along well and things will be under control sooner rather than later! We are taking Ellie to DR. Laddage in St. Louis this Tuesday and we are praying that she will not act like she did in Guangzhou!! WOW crazy girl!!! Also I'm going to get a dentist appointment for her ....and Rorey who has never had a "successful" dentist appointment either!! Which would mean he would sit in the chair and or let them look in his mouth!! HAHA At church today Ellie went into the 4 & 5 year old class with her brother with no problem!! She spent the entire time in there and was just fine!! I was very surprised!! We spent the rest of the day out and about at the park, apple barn, and then another park. It was soooo windy I've got windburn on my face and chapped lips!! Ellie took a big dive at the park off of a piece of playground equipment and fell face first into the dirty mulch! She had dirt in her mouth and her feet went up over her back and head!! I thought she broke her neck!! She has NO FEAR!! She is like a loaded gun, constantly running from one thing to the next, with no regard for her safety. You should see her in the pool!!! I will NEVER be able to take her and Rorey swimming by myself, one of them would end up dead for sure!

Our friend James and his wife made Ellie some "pig feet with eggs" over rice and brought the left overs to our house for her. It looks disgusting, but smells really good and she LOVES it! They have helped us so much by talking to her, explaining things, and calming her down when she was totally consumed with grief!

Also we went to visit my parents on Saturday in my hometown, and ended up going out to lunch at one of the Chinese restaurants there. They where talking to Ellie for 20 minutes and the son spoke very good English so he was telling us what she was saying. She is very funny when she sees other Chinese people, and they all tell us she is very smart! Ellie seems to know that they are her grandparents and is giving them hugs and kisses when we leave. Luckily since my father is our babysitter when I'm at work....three days a week. Hope she gets really really used to Papa Jim before December hits!!

Ellie has been sleeping great the last 5 or so days. She isn't even crying when it is time for bed. She lets me rock her in the rocker for a few minutes, then gets up and gets in her bed willingly and goes to sleep until morning!! Can you guys believe that? Also you might have noticed the haircut....Rick's Mom cut her hair for us, and Ellie seems to like it! She was always pushing her hair out from her face, and now it doesn't bother her. I'll try to keep up with the blog, as much as I can so keep checking in!!