Thursday, March 01, 2007

One step forward, two steps back


There is a toy room here at the White Swan. It is a great place to go to get together with other families and for the girls to play. It is sponsored by Mattel so there are a ton of toys for the kiddos to play with. This is another Maya in our travel group. She just walked right over and gave me a squeeze. Believe me, I needed it.


today we did some touristie things. This pic was taken at the Chen family ancestral hall. It's a beautiful place. All of the carvings on the roof are ceramic.


We also visited the Six Banyan Pagoda. We participated in a blessing ceremony for the babies. This is the monk that performed our blessing. It felt so peaceful inside of the grounds of the pagoda.


I think these eyes can see into your soul.


Maya fell asleep on the bus and I was able to sneak her into the stroller. The pink blanket is on the stroller because it is a borrowed stroller and it's pretty nasty. (we took it back tonight and bought our own) Kathy, our guide helped me get her into the stroller and she wrapped her all up in the blanket. It was really sweet. The Chinese people are all about keeping their babies covered. It was about 75 degrees today.


I know I've said it before but this girl loves her bath.


Really loves her bath!
We're hanging in there and that is about all. We want to come home. We miss everyone and especially Fisher. We miss his unconditional love. We miss running our toothbrushes under the faucet. We miss ice in drinks. We miss everything about home...everything.
Keep sending your prayers..please. And keep on posting comments. We love reading them and all of your encouraging words.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh! Maya is just too much. I was talking to Judy and she was just saying she wondered where the new pics were today so I looked and there they were! She had just looked a few minutes before and they weren't there yet. We just can't wait to look every day to see what you've posted.
Can't wait to see the real thing.
Love, Sissy

Anonymous said...

Hello Mcfees!!

Has anyone at all told you how beautiful that gilrly is? OK, just in case you have not heard it before--she is breathtaking!! I know you are ready to get home and we are ready to have you home!! One more week--hang in there.

Love you

PS--Are you getting my e mails?

Anonymous said...

Welcome to the "Maya Show"! I can't even begin to tell you how lucky that we are that you are willing to take us all along on this wonderous journey/voyage with you. I'm sure that I speak for everyone here in saying thank you, thank you, thank you. I love checking the other families blogs and reading a different or similar perspective, also it's fun to play "spot the McFee Three" in their pics!

We really miss you all! Know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers!

Remember to enjoy yourself and breathe!

Emily said...

Tried to post a bunch of times ... guess I forgot my password ... so I created a new account.

Maya is so darn sweet, sugar is beading up on my screen!! I love the pic of her in the bath - what a grin! I can't see yours but I'm sure it's just as big! SOO glad you're posting!!

Are Americans the only nationality that puts ice in drinks? When Jared & I went to Europe that was one of my biggest complaints!

Cannot wait to see you guys.

Love and luck,

Emily

Anonymous said...

The bathtub pictures are adorable! What a lucky little girl! Hang in there...I know it is a long trip but it will be over soon. Keep the updates coming!

Sandy Brown

Anonymous said...

Too adorable! Sad for you that amidst the joy & love of Maya you are having huge homesickness. Home is waiting & Fisher is playing....I'm sure.He will be all over you when you get back! Love your posts. Monnie

Lisa~~ said...

Love all the Maya piccies, she is so cute!!

Unknown said...

Jill, Mike and Maya. I can't wait to give all three of you a squeeze when you get home. Racheal and I are coming in to see our beautifull girl.
Love Judy, Chauncey, Chaunc and Racheal

Anonymous said...

I found this and thought of you.
Can't wait for you to get home so I can get my hands on her!!!
I Wish You
Comfort on difficult days,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart
Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
And love to complete your life.
God Bless you!
I asked the Lord to bless you
To guide you and protect you
As you go along your way....
His love is always with you
His promises are true
No matter what the tribulation
You know He will see us through
So when the road you're traveling on
Seems difficult at best
Give your problems to the Lord
And God will do the rest.
(Author Unknown)

Anonymous said...

Oh,

I forgot to add that the tiedyed dress looks fabulous!! I bet you were thrilled to put it on her. And in reference to the bath tub pics--umm, have you shaved those legs lately? he he he he

Hang in there, friend, you will be home before you know it!!

Anonymous said...

The tiedyed dress is too cute!!! Where oh where did you find it. One may be in Camryn's spring wardrobe if I can find one.

When you get back home (which will be here before you know it), if there is anything baby-related that you don't have (ha ha)let me know and I may have something you can use.

Love the updates. Keep your spirits up. You were always so encouraging to me in my time of need when Camryn was in NICU that I would love to do that for you as my family is ever so grateful. My mom said yesterday she was so happy for you and that when you were on shift, she never worried for a second about Camryn's well-being.

Just think of how full of love you house will be when you get home! Oh happy day.....

Karen Stricker

Anonymous said...

I love looking at all the pictures. What a joy and a blessing she is. I'm sure you are anxious to get home. Are you having a coming out party? Or should we schedule a time to drop in and see her. Can't wait
Love and prayers KarenE.

Anonymous said...

Maya continues to look happier and happier! You will be home before you know it. Don't feel bad about being homesick-I couldn't wait to get Lexie home-I think it is perfectly normal. It does get better, I promise!! The two weeks in China and the week when we got back were 3 of the hardest weeks of my life but also 3 of the happiest weeks of my life. I have never been more exhausted-emotionally and physically-or more happy. When you get home and adjusted-and RESTED! you will feel tons better. I couldn't believe how much Lexie adjusted and attatched to both of us and home once we were home, now it is as if she has always been here. I see the same look in Maya's eyes that I saw in Lexie's eyes-the look that says-what took you so long mama and baba? She knew you were coming and is so ready to be part of your family. You all look great together-it WILL get better!
Remember-you don't have to do everything in China-sometimes we were so exhausted and sick we just opted out of tours-I think it helped us to relax and rest. One nice quiet place we went that Lexie loved was down by the White Swan pool. We sat out in the sun and just rested-it was one of our best days!! We are thinking of you!!

Anonymous said...

I have been robbed! I didn't know you were posting until last night! OH MY GOD! Have you stopped smiling yet? I haven't! Chris said he wanted to see "the rest" of the bathtub pictures!) She is SO AWESOME! I can't wait to kiss her face. Like every other sappy girl on this comment page...I am so happy for you guys. It just feels like everything is complete now. Congratulations. I can't wait until Saturday night ;) to meet the new angel. Hanna is about to burst. About everyday she confirms what time it probably is in China and how you guys are doing. We miss you guys, and although her cheeks are probably chaffed from kisses--which by the way I know a great cream for!-- kiss that baby girl for us and we will see you with your son next week! Mike--Chris said if you don't get a picture rubbing bellies with Buda, he is going to be mad. Take care--I love the pictures! Kelli

Anonymous said...

Bath time is gonna be one of her favorite things i can tell!! I am glad things are going better for you all over there. I can't imagine the homesickness you feel. Just remeber that when coming home, you are bringing the best of China back with you!!! Thanks for all the updates and keeping us informed! Hang in there! Miss ya lots!! Keeeping your family and the others with you in my prayers!
Love,
Sara

Anonymous said...

It looks like you are seeing so many interesting things. At least you will be able to tell Sweet Thing a little about where she came from.
Hang on, you will be back home before you know it. You can't be missing us any more than we are missing you.
Home sweet home will always be even home sweeter home now that Maya is finally with you.
God's speed and guidence to you all.
Hugs fron Ren

Anonymous said...

Jill and Mike, hang in there and know that lots of prayers are going up for your new family. I agree with everyone else- the bath pics are SO adorable. Maya has such a sweet little face. We love and miss you, Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Hang in there Coogle, you'll tell Maya stories about this trip for the next 50 years, and she will memorize and cherish each and every one of them. I know it is hard, but I promise, once you get home, things will fall into place and feel so natural, like she's been with you all along. You will be amazed at how much brighter and cozier your house will feel with her in it. I love you guys and please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you constantly, every time your hearts leap with joy, so does mine! xoxo Ash

OziMum said...

You'll be home before you know it! Maya sure does love her bath!