Summer Vacation! (Day 1)

We have 73 days of summer vacation, and we plan to make each day of it a fabulous adventure! Day 1 took us to Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park. What a cool park....we will definitely be making more trips here. A highlight of today's adventure was taking public transportation--part of the girls' training to become global citizens and know how to maneuver in various travel situations. Not that downtown Chicago is all that exotic...but, navigating on public transportation is a must, so why not start in our own city!?

Happy Birthday Madeleine!

Maddie turned 5 years old in January, and we celebrated with our family on Chinese New Year. Looking at these pictures, she looks so mature to me. She is such a vibrant girl that loves life and is learning new things everyday. I am still in awe at our luck with finding each other.

Happiest of Birthdays to our sweet daughter. Watching you turn five years old has been a miracle!

One Year Later

And here we are, one year later. A million things are floating through my mind about our experience for the past year; all noteworthy, and yet all so mundane. All the milestones I can think to report are just regular kid-growing-up-kind of things. Maddie learned to walk, she speaks in sentences now, she is potty trained, she finally put on some weight/height, she rides a bike, she started school, she jumps, she sings, she sleeps through the night, she watches TV, she "reads" books, she still takes 2-3 hours naps on most days...the list goes on. And therein lies the significance I was overlooking: she has blazed through all these milestones in one short year. She went from being (at best) at the level of a 1 year old, to a regular 4 year old in the span of just one year. To say she is doing well is an understatement. I can't find the word to describe how incredible she is doing.  

Madeleine does not live subtly. Whatever she is doing she does with gusto (hence, earning her the title "Chairman Maddie"). When she is in a room, everyone knows it; when she is strolling down the block with her sisters, neighbors can hear her coming; when she arrives at Nana and Papa's each morning, they can hear her announcing her arrival from the back of the house. Maddie is friendly and a joyful child. Those in the adoption world are familiar with the term "Indiscriminate Social Behavior", and yes, Maddie definitely falls into that category. And while Ryan and I carefully watch her social interactions with the world around her, I love the fact that she is so open and welcoming to the world. I thank God that through all her ordeals, He so perfectly preserved her spirit. That spirit is going to serve her well as she makes her own path.

I know it is cliché to say, but it does really feel like she has always been a part of the family. We talk about our trip to China just about on a daily basis, but in the past week, it has been on our mind even more. Each day I would recount for the girls, "Today was Mommy's last day of work before our trip" or "Today we got on the plane to fly to China", etc. When I told them that "Today was the day we climbed the Great Wall of China, but Maddie wasn't there, so we will definitely have to do that again when we go back...", Keegan and Regina immediately retorted with "Yes, Maddie was there". And, as much as I tried to remind them she wasn't there yet, they wouldn't believe me. They actually supplanted her in their memories of the Great Wall. It wasn't until I showed them our picture roll (without Maddie) that they started to believe me.
    On that note, I sometimes walk into situations a little too cavalier (which could be considered a talent or a flaw, not quite sure what side that lands on) and while I prepped, researched, and studied everything I could about China and adoption, I never really prepared myself/our family for the possibility she would reject us or have a rocky start. I just didn't think it was in the cards, and certainly if it was going to happen, Ryan and I are easy-going enough that we could quickly work through it. Well, I had a moment of panic when we were in China that we were really in for it. We toured Beijing for a few days before flying to Maddie's hometown of Zhengzhou, and that time in Beijing felt like a vacation. I kept having to remind myself that we would be meeting our daughter in a few days. At any rate, on the bus ride from the airport (the afternoon before getting Maddie), our guide wasted no time in prepping us for the events of the following day. Suddenly, everything was sinking in, and I got butterflies in my stomach--the vacation was over, and our official business was underway! We were sitting at the back of the bus, and when Yisha said "Zhou AiBei" I popped out of my seat to grab Maddie's final info sheet, and that's when I felt awful. The information on that sheet contained the most up to date details we had about her and came directly from her foster family. And two things there made me want to turn around and run in the other direction. It said she was shy around strangers and did not like animals. Well, we (Ryan, the girls, and myself) are strangers, so I immediately translated that into she wasn't going to like us, and we have dogs and are an "animal family", so what were we supposed to do with her once we got home? My heart literally sank, and I started to feel sick. So imagine my utter confusion when she was placed in my arms, and Maddie was smiling, laughing, kissing, rubbing my cheek, and calling me "Ma-ma, ma-ma". I remember thinking, "But, the sheet said she does not like strangers..." and then having no explanation as to why she was so happy to see me. I started to cry, and held her as tightly as I could and my first words were, "Maddie, I am so sorry it took me so long to get here. Let's go home". After a while, I remembered that I had to give her to Ryan too, so I finally handed her over, and the same reaction: she was just as overjoyed to see him too! The rest of the day's events are a blur, I remember going swimming in the hotel pool, eating at the Italian restaurant for dinner, watching her take a nap, and not being able to wait to Skype with our family and introduce her to everyone. On the bus ride from the Chinese adoption office back to our hotel, she nestled into the crook of my arms, and started to suck her thumb. That's when I knew God had matched us perfectly, and the rest of our days would be as so.

I sometimes hesitate to talk about how well she is doing, because I know that some children that are adopted have a rougher transition into their family. I've followed blogs and have spoken with other adoptive parents that have struggled with a few issues. We have not had that experience with Madeleine's adoption. From the moment she was placed in my arms, she has accepted and trusted us with all her might. In fact, many times when people ask how she did on Gotcha Day or with her early transition to our family, my usual funny line is, "She hit the American lunch buffet at our hotel and never looked back"! And for the most part that is the truth. I honestly cannot think of one thing that we can account to her rough start in life or her transition to a whole new world (literally). There have not been any odd behaviors, sleepless nights, issues with eating, etc. everything has been perfect. Any issues we deal with stem more from the fact that we have three children under 6 years old in our care than anything else!

 

 

To mark our one year anniversary, we started a new tradition. We volunteered this morning at our local Ronald McDonald House and baked blueberry muffins (my grandmother's recipe). Each year on our Family Day celebration we will volunteer together in our community. I'm hoping Maddie will soon be able to tell us where she wants to volunteer and participate in planning the event. While I was hoping we could volunteer for orphans (could not find an opportunity besides sending money or supplies), I think we got pretty close with RMH. Many children that come home from other countries have special needs that land them in a hospital for a period of time, and have stayed at RMH. We were lucky that Madeleine's heart surgery performed in Beijing was a complete success and we have had to do minimal with her heart condition thus far. But, things could have easily been different, and we could have been one of the families staying at RMH. It was a fun morning and I definitely see us returning for more baking events (BTW, any other families out there looking for good volunteer opportunities that you can do with the little ones, this is perfect).

Making Boom's blueberry muffins for the Ronald McDonald House families

Back to School!

This was back to school week in our house. Keegan started 1st grade, Regina is now a Kindergartener, and Maddie is in preschool. There was excitement in the air on our first morning, they couldn't wait to put on their uniforms, new shoes, and wear their new backpacks. 

Sitting in our new mud room

First Grade!

Look out Kindergarten, here comes Regina!

Preschooler!

 After school, we celebrated with a back-to-school feast. The girls got to indulge in their favorite treats: hot dogs, taco salad, and Mexican Coke! We had cupcakes for dessert, but the coke was definitely their favorite surprise! We also put a theme to our school year: Learning With Joy. We are going to celebrate and give thanks for learning eagerly and with joy and bliss in our hearts all year long.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Memo

You will be missed....

Graduations!

This week was the end of school for us, and the that means graduations!

Regina's 4 Year Old Preschool Graduation
On Monday morning Regina's 4 year old preschool class walked over the bridge and towards Kindergarten! She was so excited to get up there and sing the songs with her class and receive her diploma. I was so proud to see her sing and dance and not be shy on the stage. She was beaming from ear to ear the entire time, and so was I watching her from the audience seats. This kid can light up a room no matter where she goes!

Here's the whole class singing: "Welcome, to our class. Welcome, we're glad you came!"

It's official! She's on her way to Kindergarten!

Nana and Papa gave her an autograph ball, and Regina had a blast getting her friends to sign it!

Regina and her BFF Ellie.

The Duggan Family (Keegan had a camping day in her classroom, hence the pj's)

Regina and Mrs. Pranschke - a very nurturing and patient teacher. We love her!

Keegan's Kindergarten Graduation
The next night, it was Keegan's turn to graduate from Kindergarten. It was a great ceremony, the kids sang songs, performed a few dance routines, and received their diplomas. Keegan is excited to start first grade but not before we have a fun summer! So proud of the progress she made this year!

Keegan receiving her diploma from Mrs. Connolly - an incredible teacher!

Keegan and some of her classmates getting ready for the slide show

Keegan and her BFF, Abigail

Keegan's compassion is limitless...I can't wait to see how she uses it to make the world a better place!

A rare family photo!

Christmas Photo Shoot Outtakes!

We gathered tonight for a very informal Christmas card photo shoot, and here are a few outtakes that didn't make the final cut. Enjoy!

Sister smoochin'!

In this photo, Maddie is studying an ornament that once hung on my grandmother's tree--so special!

We call this one: "Googely Eyes"!!!

"Welcome to America, hope you enjoy your stay!"

Taken on our one month anniversary

We are home! 

After a 15 hour flight from Hong Kong and a 13 hour time difference, on September 14, 2013 we walked off our Cathay Pacific flight and down the O'Hare airport hallway ready to see our family! September 14 is also our wedding anniversary; 11 years ago at approximately the same time of day, Ryan and I were walking down the aisle at Rockefeller Chapel ready to get our life together started. Now, we find ourselves walking down a completely different aisle towing along three amazing girls that we have the pleasure of calling our daughters. Talk about living the dream...

11 years ago

Our American Citizen

Madeleine became a citizen as soon as our plane touched American soil, and that was a very emotional moment for me. Maybe it was the weary feeling from the trip and the plane ride, but I could not get the Lee Greenwood song out of my head, and had to choke back tears as we were flying over our sweet home Chicago. I was doing pretty well, but then lost it when the pilot came on the announcement system immediately after we touched down and said, "Welcome to America, we hope you enjoy your stay". I wonder if he knows the depth of meaning his words held for our family at that moment.

This is your family, Madeleine

We were greeted by our family at the airport, and what a sweet site they were! Unfortunately we don't have too many pictures but here are some of what we were able to snap:

Maddie, this is your Nana!

Maddie, you have a great grandma too!

Meet your Auntie Meggie!

Madeleine, this is your Auntie, she was the first one to hold you!

Maddie, your cousin Giana!

It is miraculous how this wonderful, friendly, loving, smart, and comical little girl has fit so seamlessly into her family. It has been said many times already, but worth mentioning over and over again, it is as if she was made specifically for us, and us for her. When we first met and she was placed into my arms by her orphanage caretaker, she rubbed my cheeks, kissed me over and over, and said, "Mama, mama, mama". She was not scared or confused, but rather more along the lines of "It's about time you got here to pick me up Mama"! I had so much time to prepare myself for that moment, and it went nothing like I thought it would--it was more perfect and blessed than anything I rehearsed or imagined. I felt God's hands holding the both of us at that moment...that's the only reason I was still standing. 

Xie-xie

Although Madeleine's adoption is complete, our journey is still in progress and I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize some important players on our ride:

CCAI

This is one incredible adoption organization. I don't have a comparison agency as this is our first and only agency used for adoption, but I really don't need one to know how special they are. I'd be happy to discuss details with anyone at the stage of researching agencies. 

My Mom and Dad

Thank you for making this all possible. You tirelessly help us raise our children and run our home. Where would I be without you?

To Ryan's Mom and Dad

Thank you for your constant and unconditional love and support. Thank you for extending that unconditional love to a little girl on the other side of the world whom you never even met. You have proved that it is possible to fall in love with a picture!

To my sister and niece

Thank you for putting your own lives on hold to run mine while we were in China. I slept without an ounce of worry that my beloved dogs were being loved and well taken care of. Thank you for being as excited about Maddie as me! She's just as much my dream come true as yours!

To all our friends and family
Thank you for your love and support from the beginning. It was a highlight for us and the girls to wake up each morning and see who looked at our blog, left a comment, or sent us an email. We felt your love all the way in China! 

To China

Thank you for my daughter, I am eternally grateful. But, I'm sickened by your immoral policies and antediluvian culture that force families to abandon their children. These are human rights violations of the primary order, and although I appreciate that you open your borders to international adoption, please realize that you have just created an entire cohort of educated and strong women whose moral compass will teach them not to tolerate your injustices, and will fight back with every ounce of their being. I will see to it that my daughter leads the charge.   

To God

I now understand why I had to wait so long to hold her in my arms. It had to be Maddie, and the timing had to be perfect. Thank you for bringing us together in such a blessed way.

To Keegan

You astound me each and every day with your innate compassion and kindness. Thank you for welcoming your sister into our lives and for always putting her needs before yourself. 

To Regina

I love you thirty, fifty, one hundred, and even if we had one million kids, we would still be best buddies! God has a special plan for you and I can't wait to see what happens next! 

To Ryan

Although cliche, our love for each other grows each day, and because of that love there is now one less orphan in the world. Thank you for enjoying this ride with me.

And finally, To Madeleine

You are my dream come true. You are my fairy tale. You are my everything.

The Duggan Family

Almost home.

I tentatively titled this post, "Day 16... more chinese food" but I figured I'd focus on the brighter side of things and talk about our preparation to come home.  Maddie was successfully granted a U.S. Visa to enter the U.S. with us, so we will be bringing her home : )  We were waiting to get her passport back with the visa from the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou Thursday afternoon, and as soon as we secured that, we headed out back to Hong Kong.  Leaving Guangzhou was somewhat bittersweet.  We were all VERY ready to leave, but this also meant parting ways with our travel companions and in-China support network.  I was a bit skeptical at first that such strong bonds could be created when traveling with a group of people, but the shared experiences, triumphs, and tribulations will surely tie us together for life.  We were blessed to have so many great families on this trip.  However, life goes on, and so does our trip.  We took some group photos, said our goodbyes, and hopped in a van to Hong Kong.  When we found out we'd be traveling back through Hong Kong, Darlene had the idea to take a quick day trip to Hong Kong Disneyland as a reward to the girls (and to herself) for a successful trip with limited meltdowns.  This served as a time for us to celebrate, as a family, the best way we know how - spending some time with the Mouse.  Hong Kong feels like the closest thing to home this whole trip.  It truly is a modern-day city that feels like any other metropolitan area in the U.S.  We navigated the public transportation system with no problem, went to a local grocery store and found all our familiar snacks, and have pretty fast wifi in our hotel room.  We'll have one last night in Hong Kong, and be on our flight to Chicago tomorrow morning.  We leave Hong Kong around 11AM on Saturday the 14th, and get to Chicago at 2PM on Saturday the 14th - talk about super fast flying...  We can't wait to see our family!

Maddie wore her USA gear to the U.S. Consulate for our Visa appointment

We spent a LOT of time at the pool both to stay cool and alleviate boredom.

Darlene feeding the local feral cat colony

The girls got some Chinese dresses, which they wore our last day in Guangzhou for our group photos.

Here's the motley crew!

And here are all the "babies" that were adopted.

Disney!

Maddie's first ride was the winnie the pooh ride, and her second was the carousel.  She enjoyed all the rides (whew).

Entrance to "It's a small world"  

The castle at Disneyland is MUCH smaller than Disney World.