The Aftermath
We've been home for 5 days now, and we are all still very tired. When does this jet lag end? I'm hoping we right ourselves soon so we can get back into the normal routines of life. Zoe's been sleeping well, but has been running a fever which has been making her very cranky when she's awake. She's also not eating much at all, and is pretty lethargic. Katie got sick throughout Monday night and missed school on Tuesday, but whatever bug she got seems to have passed. Doug has been tired, but hasn't gotten sick (yet). Lisa is also not feeling well, and we're all just exhausted. With hope, tonight will be peaceful and restful for everyone.
Zoe had her first visit to the pediatrician on Monday. 6 shots - poor thing! He also said her rash is scabies, so we re-slathered her in Elimite cream to kill any remaining mites. The itching may continue for a couple of weeks, though, so he prescribed another cream to help with that. Hopefully, her skin will clear up, her fever will go away, and she'll return to the happy-go-lucky baby we had in China.
Zoe still has not warmed up to our dog, Rosie. The good news is she doesn't cry when Rosie gets near her any more. Rather, she looks at her and sort of wimpers. I don't blame her, though. Rosie is a big, black, furry labradoodle who stands taller than Zoe does. I would freak out too, if when set on the floor, a huge beast with fangs and a long tongue came bounding toward me.
A note from Lisa: This week reminds me of the first week home from the hospital after Doug & Katie were born. We are so tired, and everything seems kind of foggy. I had all of these plans for the things I would do while on maternity leave, and now I feel good if I can just get everyone fed, and stay awake until 9 p.m. It's got to get better, right?
We realized we did not update anyone on the family from our group who could not keep their child. They did get another child. A 3-year-old girl from an orphanage in Anhui province. We met her before we left Hefei. We also ran into them at the White Swan at breakfast on our last day, and she seemed to be adjusting well, happily watching the boats go by on the Pearl River.
posted by Anonymous @ 9:56 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Dearest Friends,
Thank you so much for including me in your once in a lifetime experience. Your Pulitzer worthy blog allowed me to live vicariously through you and feel not only that I was once again a part of your family but a part of something much more important than my everyday life.
We all have been friends for most of our lives and try our best (or not so best) to keep in touch. Often we find ourselves drifting in and out of each other’s lives over the years as we try to keep up with the minutia of existence. It is these types of experiences that define why certain friendships are life long no matter how near or far you may become. This is what life is about, knowing there is still genuine kindness, love, and compassion left in humanity. It was a cleansing of the soul to be able to look forward to reading “NEWS” that gave one hope that individuals can make difference and impact the world in a positive way instead of hearing about one senseless death or human suffering after another topped off with a shameful political scandal involving deception and selfishness.
Thank you for reminding me that life, family and good friends are precious and should never be nurtured and never forsaken. You all have done a wonderfully kind selfless act that involved a great deal of sacrifice even though you may not see it that way. Those of us who were lucky enough to read your wonderful accounting of the experience need to recognize the sacrifice you have made and the impact this simple random act of kindness will have not just one Zoë, but the entire World.
I hope to see you all very soon and cannot wait to meet Zoë.
Dale
I came to the comment section to write you a note, saw you had a comment from sweet Dale, and decided to read that first. My comments now are on his beautiful letter, also "Pulitzer-worthy": how blessed you are, dearest Lisa and Jerry, to have your wonderful family - now even more complete with this magical addition of Zoe - and to have friends like Dale, whose spirit truly soars and who makes our hearts fuller and our everyday lives more precious. Love, purely offered and wrapped in the gift of priceless friendship. Another treasure for those of to share on this most special site.
Sandy
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