The Guys and Lucey in Guangzhou

Journal Entry 7: 28 Feb. 09

Yea! We are in Guangzhou! Lucey had her first flight ever and she did great! She loved the stomach drop feeling when the plane landed. Our hotel room is absolutely gorgeous! Lucey is enjoying the spacious accommodations. The shopping in Guangzhou is fabulous. Great prices and variety are available. There are adopting parents everywhere. We ate dinner with the Garey family tonight at a restaurant called Lucy's. Other families recognized Adam and I from following Beth's Blog. It is very interesting to hear people say your the father and son who are adopting when you have never met or spoke with them before. We are going to visit the Guangzhou Zoo tomorrow with other adopting families. Talk with you all tomorrow after the Zoo visit.

Ron, Lucey and Shinko.

Ron and Adam have had so much fun with Shinko. Shinko will be going to Beijing soon to be with our friends. Michelle--the guys can't wait to see you and your family. I thought it would be neat if Abigail, Anna and Lucey could pose on the red couch together. I'll be praying for a safe trip for you and that Anna will do well on the flight. Take care of yourselves.

Lucey loving the magazine. So much to look at.

Shopping in Guangzhou. So much to choose from. Ron sent me so many pictures of things he thought I would like and has asked me to make some choices based on what he sent. He has found some beautiful dresses for Lucey.

Lucey is being strolled through the shops. She loves the stroller. A kind shop owner has loaned this one to Ron for the week. Once again, Praise the Lord--there has been so much kindness poured upon my guys and Lucey.

If any R.Q. people are out there and you see my guys...introduce yourselves. They would love to meet you.

Click on the arrow and see a little clip of Lucey enjoying her magazine. :-)

Journal Entry 6: 27 Feb 09

Today was a big day in Fuzhou. We received Lucey's Passport and Adoption Registration. We are now packing our bags and flying to Guangzhou in the morning. We did some additional shopping today for basic needs. We also had fun eating in some of Fuzhou's restaurants again. We had fried rice, noodle soup, dough buns with meat and Lucey had Conchi. Lucey had a wonderful day today just laughing, playing, hugging, holding and blowing multiple kisses to Mommy through the Skype video camera.

See you all in Guangzhou!

Another Great Day

February 27, 2009

On The Boardwalk

Lucey loves going for walks.

Taking a stroll with Daddy.

I was watching Lucey yesterday morning while she was "reading" a book I packed for her...

'I Love You Like Crazy Cakes" (click on the link if you would like to learn more about the book)Ron has been reading it to her...showing her the Mommy in the story and showing her the plane and how she will fly home to live with her forever family. I watched Lucey point at the pictures and smile. I just can't get enough.

Ron was telling me about a game they play. "The hug game." They go in the hotel hall and Ron gets down on one knee and Lucey runs into his arms and he says..."hug!" She is very affectionate.

Journal Entry 5: 26 Feb. 09


Today was shopping day for Adam. He purchased a leather jacket and some other kind of oriental persuasion jacket that looks cool on young men. Lucey fell asleep while shopping. We had a great noodle lunch in downtown Fuzhou. The afternoon had a lot of table tennis for Adam and I. It was a great match. Lucey chased Ping Pong balls all over the place. She is extremely tired. She also had a great time brushing her teeth with Daddy today.

Nite Nite Lucey--What an angel.

The Home Front

We got a package today! They are so beautifully wrapped. But not as beautiful as the gifts inside. And what's inside is not nearly as beautiful as the two women who sent them to me. Thank you Catherine and Nita.


Thank you for the books Catherine...I can't wait to open them and be inspired by Brother Yun--A radical Christian who's vision is to grow the Christian Church in China and complete the Great Commission.

The boys' silver baby cups hang on the wall in a prominent place in our home. Every time we move, I always look for the perfect place to hang them. Catherine, I love the beautiful cup...it's perfect and I love the silver spoon for the handle. I can't wait to hang Lucey's cup with her brothers'-- So sweet. Nita, the Feltman Bro. smocked dress is adorable! I know it will fit Lucey perfectly. Do you know what I thought immediately after opening the package....yes, Baptism. It's perfect.

I added this crazy contraption today...yes, I hear that Lucey is quite the busy girl. Very smart and very inquisitive. We have handles like this in our house. So this kind of handle takes an expensive child lock. This is the door to our basement. It definitely needed a safety measure.

These pictures were taken with my camera phone so the quality stinks. We do have a life going on back here and I really miss my camera. So I'm settling for the phone.

We have received so many beautiful things from many beautiful people. I've been taking photos as we receive things. All of those photos are on my laptop so when the guys and Lucey get home, I'm going to share with you the lovely things Lucey has received. Since this is our family journal, and it will be made into a book, I think it will be great for Lucey to know all who showered her with love, prayers and beautiful, thoughtful things. Thank you my dear family and friends for everything.

Love,

Beth

Ron's journal:

Ron has written several journal entries that I want to share with you:

Journal Entry 2: 23 FEB 09

Today we signed Adoption papers at the Civil Affairs Office and then traveled to the Notary Public Office. In addition to signing adoption papers we conducted two separate interviews on why we wanted to adopt from China. Lucey and I watched a tremendous table tennis match. Both players would talk trash to each other in Chinese and each time a player would score a point he would come over and touch Lucey’s nose as we stood on the sideline. They enjoyed her watching the game. Lucey laughed and played a lot today. We all got a very good night sleep as well.

Journal Entry 3: 24 FEB 09

Today was free of official adoption procedures. We started with a big breakfast in the hotel. Lucey loves the breakfast buffet. Her favorite foods are French Toast, Pancakes, Eggs and Watermelon. She also loves pureed prunes so you know where that lead to, yes her first big movement. She does not like pineapple. Adam wanted to visit a famous Buddhist temple today. It was a fabulous sight to see. The temple land mass was extensive and it took us most of the morning to cover all of the ancient buildings on the grounds. Buddhist Monks were eager to stop what they were doing and take pictures with us. They enjoyed seeing Lucey’s happiness. Lucey and I spent the afternoon walking in the park while Adam went shopping the local market with our guide Shinko. Lucey is starting to respond to her name and we are surprised it is happening so fast. It almost sounded like she was saying Da Da but we are not sure. We are back resting in our hotel now. Tomorrow we are going to the Panda Reserve.

Journal Entry 4: 25 Feb 09

We went to the Panda Reserve today. It was awesome and the Pandas were very active. There were about 10 black and white Chinese Pandas and quite a few Red Pandas. The Pandas climbed trees, laid on branches and ate lots of food. Bamboo and carrots seemed to be their favorite. The Red Pandas were smaller in size and put on quite a show for us. They did gymnastics, rolled on barrels and pushed carts around. The Panda Reserve officials were afraid Adam and I would think they were abusing the animals so they asked if we would be offended by the display of tricks. Of course we said we wanted to see the show. They treated the animals with lots of love and care.

We received Lucey's Official Chinese Birth Certificate and Adoption Registration Forms today. Very exciting. We receive Lucey's Passport on Friday afternoon.

Adam went shopping with Shinko our guide today. They found many articles of clothing at very reasonable prices and Adam tasted the local cuisine of noodles and Chinese dough buns with steak inside.

Lucey crawled up on Ron's chest and fell fast asleep. It was a big day with lots of activity. She really needs to be next to Ron when she is sleepy. I think I will have to make room in our bed for Little Miss Lucey Lu :-)

I'm not exactly sure what they are up to today. They must be gone because they are not answering. I hope it's a fun day!

I get to go to bed early. Maybe this is a good thing. I'll be jumping out of bed in the morning to hear all about what they did!

Happy Girl

February 25, 2009 (In China)

Lucey is having breakfast. She is just so happy. She loves her bib too!

She is doing very well with the fork and spoon that I packed. Hey, why not use them both at the same time?

Ron told me today that she loves using the key card. She is a busy girl!

She loves her talking purse. She loves to play with the toys I packed. She is so much fun to watch. Click on the arrow and watch the short video clip.

I have to say, I am in awe of my husband. Ron, you are so amazing. You are so sweet with her and I just love that you are remembering those details, her utensils, bib and of course....the bow. I did hear that Lucey won't let him forget the bow. She's a girlie girl and loves her bow. I miss you Honey! I miss you too Adam. I enjoyed watching Lucey tickle your toes this evening.

They went to the Panda Reserve after breakfast. They had a fantastic time! Here are a few photos they sent to me:

Everyone loves Lucey...someone passing by....

I'm not sure what is going on here....but I do know that Lucey looks a little nervous. I bet they are looking at the Pandas.

Catherine, this one's for you....I "died" when I got this photo!!! I hope you are calling in the morning!

Ron is going to email me more pictures and I'm going to bed....zzzzzzzzzz

A Quick Pic

Ron caught me as I was heading to bed. I wanted to see my baby on digits so I'm still awake. She is precious. Ron is going to work on sending me more photos while I sleep. I need to be up at 6:00 so I can catch them before they go to bed. I thought you may want to see her too. :-)

It's 11:30--I hate to leave the computer but I want to hear about the rest of their day in the morning. Good Night--

Loving Lucey

It's Tuesday, February 24th--In China

(I'm begging my guys for digital images--maybe before they go to bed?)

Ron, Adam and Lucey got a great nights sleep last night. They were up by 6:00 a.m. and looked so refreshed. Adam said he slept 15 combine hours yesterday/night...he was taking lots of naps. Ron gave Lucey her first real bath in the tub. She cried. Ron is a clean freak. He was very eager to scrub his little girl. I could tell she had a bath....her hair was all fluffy. She just loves her bows and her socks. I watched her bring her socks for Ron to put them on her and she wants that bow in hair. I packed quite a few for her and Ron is doing a great job of doing her hair. Lucey loves to cuddle, especially in the morning. I just love watching her lay her head on Ron's chest....she plays with his fingers and rubs his arms. It's so dear. She loves Adam...he's all about play and she is quite spunky. She points to what she wants and she is serious.

Ron called me from their crazy cab ride to tell me they were touring a Buddhist Temple. I talked to Adam too and he was very excited. I can't wait to hear more. Lucey fell asleep on the ride and Ron said all was well. They may also be going to a Panda Reserve and Adam and Shinko are going to do a little shopping. I'm so glad they are getting out and seeing the culture and the history.

I'll be up early so I can chat with them. I can't wait to hear about their day.

Several of you have given me advice to pass on to Ron. Thank you. We appreciate everything everyone has to say.

Love,

Beth

Lucey Louise Yue--

Wu is part of Lucey's Chinese name. We thought that it would be nice for her to keep part of her name. Our guide told us that Yue, which is also part of her name, means--Joyful. Oh my goodness, we changed her name yesterday. She is pure joy.

I never made it to bed last night. I was so excited about meeting my daughter and talking to Ron that I was pretty wired. Ron came back on the computer after he put Lucey to bed and Adam was asleep. This is Ron's Skype pic with the lights out. Look at that smile. He is feeling so blessed and gives God all the Glory. They had a great afternoon.


Ron and Adam took Lucey out for a walk in the very populated city. Ron was told that it was possible that some folks would not receive her well because of her facial deformity (Lucey has hemifacial microsomia--an under developed right side of her face...I have not talked about it much on here. I'll have to address it soon and explain what she faces medically). Some may point and say mean things and give nasty looks. For those of you who were praying for that specific situation...once again answered prayers. Lucey means "LIGHT" and Yue means "JOYFUL"--Ron said she was all of that yesterday. They passed hundreds of people. She was waving to everyone and smiling big. Ron said people were smiling back and giving them approving looks. One lady approached them and said something sweet by the look on her face. Ron said it was amazing. He was in awe. Lucey took a bottle and fell fast asleep. She slept through the night and at one point put her little hand on Ron's face and slept like that. Ron didn't sleep much; he was too busy thinking about Lucey.

Once again I was there, via skype, as Lucey was waking up. Ron had to really talk to her and give her affection to get her to wake up. It was so cute. She did great. She took her bottle in Ron's arms and looked so comfortable there.

Lucey sees herself in the reflection of the mirror.

Look at that smile. Her big brother, Adam, is making her laugh.

Tired girl, resting on Daddy's shoulder.

From Ron:

Yea! We brought Lucey Louise Yue Tucker into our family today. Meeting her did not go as expected! I anticipated a rough first day followed by gradual acceptance as the days go by. Instead I was greeted by a little girl who was unsure and cautious of an unfamiliar face, yet two hours later she was hugging, hand holding and giving us the biggest laugh I have heard from a child in a long time. Adam, Lucey and I mingled with a crowd of no less than 300 Fuzhou, China residents and we couldn't get enough greetings and genuine pleasure on their faces as they saw Lucey squeeze my neck with one arm while she tickled Adam with the other laughing out loud on a one and a half mile stroll down the board walk. Our family has truly been blessed by God today and Jesus was walking with us. He must have been laughing as much as Lucey. We have a long day of paper work tomorrow working on Lucey's Passport and VISA. Talk with you all when we finish.

Introducing......Lucey Louise

Let me tell you about a little sweetness.... Lucey is precious.

I could not sleep. My stomach was in knots waiting to hear the ring on the computer letting me know my guys had Lucey. Ron called at about 3:15 a.m. and this is what I saw....Little Lucey Lu sleeping in her Daddy's arms. All I have is Skype images right now so it's not very clear but you can get a little glimpse of our sweet baby girl.

She woke up a little bit later and whimpered. Ron distracted her with her baby doll. She loves it.

Ron was able to change her diaper with no problem. She didn't mind at all.

The twins and I were talking to her. She is just adorable.

She loves playing with her stacking cups. I watched her for over 30 min. Putting them together, taking them apart. She could even put them in order. She played with Adam. While he was spread out on the floor, she was touching him. She is very curious.

Ron just gave her a sponge bath and changed her shirt. She's all fresh. I just love being right there with them. Ron asked for a little advice on a few things. Even though I'm on the other side of the world....I felt so apart of the moment.

Daddy even put a bow in her hair. The size 18 months clothes even fit! I mean to tell you, it's amazing. Andrew's comment was....It's Jesus.

I agree. I want you to know that prayers are being answered. I had some very concentrated prayer time with several friends yesterday and prayers are being answered specifically.

Catherine--She loves Ron's touch. She loves to touch Ron and to be close to him. I couldn't wait to share that with you!

I watched them for two hours. I watched Lucey lean against Ron as she played with her toys. she would grab his hand and lead him around the room. She laughed when Adam played with her fingers. Ron got out her clothes and she held them and snuggled with them. She laughed when Ron threw her blankie on the bed. She was concerned when he walked away and she was also concerned when Adam walked away.

We prayed that we would receive the letter that her birth mom wrote when she left Lucey. We did! It's with her few things. What a gift for Lucey. She will know she was loved. She was prayed home to us. Her forever family.

I hope to have better pictures soon. Shinko, their guide, has been wonderful. She took pictures with her camera and they have been loaded on the computer. I was right there with them when Shinko arrived yesterday. We sat in on their meeting as they went over documents and signed papers. I'll say it again...Skype is amazing.

I'm going to go wake up my parents....I can't wait any longer.

Love to everyone! Thank you for your prayers!

Ron and Adam Are in Fuzhou

Ron sent me pictures this morning:

Ron and Adam at the St. Louis airport. Ready to go!

This is the Hong Kong airport waiting for their flight to Fuzhou.

Look at Ron drinking his coffee from St@rbucks ;-) The guys look rested. I don't think they know what jet lag is.

They had an hour flight to Fuzhou and look at the meal. Adam said it was delicious and that the sweet and sour sauce had a kick to it.

I am so happy for my guys that everything is going very smooth for them. I know it's because there are so many of you praying for them. God is so good. Thank you for standing in the gap for us.

I had a blessed morning and I have to share it with you . The boys and I jumped out of bed to see if the guys were on Skype yet. We didn't hear from them until 5 minutes before we had to leave for piano lessons. We said a quick hello and good-bye and off we went. When we arrived at Katies house, (my friend and piano teacher) she and her son Ben had Skype ready for us. She changed a few student's schedules so we could talk to Ron and Adam and the boys could still have their lessons. What a gift. We all had so much fun chatting and hearing all about their trip to Fuzhou. They got settled into their hotel and Ron was unpacking Lucey's suitcase. It was so sweet seeing him carry her baby doll and "pink things". Adam was showing us his Ore@'s which were square wafers. They had already made a trip to Super Walmart--what an adventure. I know they will have to make a trip again soon to pick up formula for Lucey and any other little things they need. Adam, remember, you need razors. :-)

8 1/2 more hours and they will have Lucey.

Ron and Adam are in Hong kong

I was up early praying for my men. I could hardly wait to talk to them! I also realized that I made a mistake with the time change. Oh brother...what was I thinking? They actually arrived in Hong Kong at 6:00 a.m. our time. They had a wonderful flight. They watched movies the whole time with a little sleep here and there. Their flight was very smooth. There was a seat empty between them, and they enjoyed the extra room. Adam sat by the window and love seeing Victoria Peak as they were coming in. He is ready to explore. They arrived at their hotel with no problem, and they said everyone has been incredibly nice to them. We tried out Skype for the first time and it was fantastic! Adam gave us a tour of their room and it's really nice. We could see each other and talk and it was so clear! I clicked a snapshot of Ron on Skype. Technology is wonderful! They are off to get a bite to eat and to walk around a little. Tomorrow they fly to Fuzhou. We are going to catch them again on Skype at 6:00p.m our time.

This is the imagine we see when we are on Skype. It's so clear. I can't wait to see Lucey Lu! I'm going to have to make myself look a little more presentable....I may scare her if I looked the way I look this morning.

Until next time....

They Made It To New Jersey

I'm posting for Ron and Adam. They have been sending us pictures with their camera phones. Their first flight was very smooth. Ron slept the entire way and Adam listened to music.

Text From Adam: Adam at Newark, NJ Airport, Hi Mommy!

Text From Ron: Hi Beth, We are boarding in 45 minutes and yes that is our plane!

Text From Ron: We board in 10 minutes, yeah!

Text From Ron: Loading the bird, TVs and all!

We won't hear from them again until morning. I have it figured out that they should land in Hong Kong at 8:00 p.m Hong Kong time. That would be 4:00 a.m. our time (CST). It will be hard to sleep tonight. I can't wait to hear about their flight and their first reactions to Hong Kong--especially Adam's. He is just beside himself with excitement. He has studied and researched this trip and the areas they will be traveling to. He knows exactly what he wants to see and do while he is over there. He said he is ready to strap Lucey in the side carrier and hike away.

And They're Off!

We were up at 3:00 this morning and managed to get out the door by 4:00. I have to say, everything went very smooth. All 5 of us were in the car together and we lifted this journey up in prayer. We feel covered--we feel your prayers and we very much have peace with the big changes that are about to happen in our lives. The boys are so eager to have their little sister home with us. Ron and I can't wait to be Mommy and Daddy to Lucey Lu.

Do not be afraid, for I am with you;

I will bring your children from the east

and gather you from the west.

I will say to the north, `Give them up!'

and to the south,

`Do not hold them back.'

Bring my sons from afar and my daughters

from the ends of the earth-- ---

Isaiah 43: 5-6

All The Details Coming Together

"Show Me The Money"

Much of this will go to the orphanage who supported Lucey for the past 20 months. It is with great honor that we pass this "paper" along.

My Dear Friend, Catherine, who also happens to be a super organized gal, gave me this tip--put the clothes in gallon sized Z*p Lock bags. It not only allows for extra space because of getting rid of the extra air and condensing the clothes....it keeps her things organized. Two guys traveling could use a little help. I helped them out a little more by writing suggestions on the bag ;-). A whole outfit in one bag. It may be a little cool in one province and a little warmer in the other. I put her bows, mittens, hat and undershirts in another bag. We have packed so much more but you get the idea.

This is the paper work--those Very Important Documents. Carol stopped by today and looked it over to make sure we had everything. We have it all! Ron has a very good system for traveling with the papers.

Lucey has her own bag which will be taken as a carry on. A few things needed to go in the checked luggage. A person is only allowed to carry one quart sized bag with liquid, gel, cream etc... product. Obviously Lucey has more than that. I packed for her a few toys, a book, blankies and the sweet little doll you see laying in the suitcase. I hope these will help with her transition. I also packed some Chedd@r B@nnies and a few other toddler snacks to help her that first day.

Adam set us up with Skype (We both have a camera and microphone on each computer so we will be able to see and talk to Lucey and she will be able to see us. We also have a Panda Phone (a company who sells their minutes at a cheaper rate)...we have our communications covered.

Just one more quick thing...some have asked about our travel arrangements. It was with prayer and lots of discussion that we came to the decision that it would be just Ron and Adam traveling. There were several factors involved but they are personal so I'll leave it at that. Thank you for asking though. We are overwhelmed by all those who are pouring out their love and prayers on us and especially on Lucey. We feel very blessed to have friends and family who care so much. We feel those prayers. Thank You. :-)