One Week Already

Well it's been one week home already, and we can hardly believe where the time has gone. A little synopsis: Raina began her time at home here completely messed up with the time change. She thought that bedtime was more like 4am instead of 9pm. This proved extremely challenging to our transition back to homelife since our exhaustion level hit an unprecedented high. Coupled with the time-out-of-whack, was the world's most raging ear infection in her left ear. Turns out, she has a ruptured eardrum, for which we have her on a double antibiotic to heal. Our pediatrician said it's one of the nastiest he's ever seen, which we thought was oh so special. We pray she does not experience any hearing loss from this. She has spent the week getting to know Evan and Colin (she has taken to them both very well). And we've discovered that Raina has one incredible appetite, for which we are thrilled. She is figuring things out in her own time - and considering all the changes she has been through in the previous 3 weeks, we feel she is adjusting extremely well. She has been a wonderful addition to our family, and we still pinch ourselves that she's really here. Friday was her initial pediatrician appointment for a full examination. A plan has been developed to begin her first testing - pelvic and sacral spinal MRI, kidney and bladder ultrasound, EKG and Echocardiogram, and a full urinalysis (which will all be performed next week at the University of Chicago). When the results of these initial tests are in, we will be traveling to Cincinnati Children's Hospital to consult with their Pediatric Colorectal team, as the focus of Raina's surgeries will be performed there. Our pediatrician, as well as Dr. Levitt's team in Cincinnati, have been encouraging to us. We are fully aware of the potential future that Raina faces - the best case and worst case scenarios. Although there are many unknowns regarding her condition, we are moving forward in the confidence that she can and will be helped. I realize that I have not delved into the full details of Raina's condition (which I will attempt to clarify when the official plan is in place). I feel it will be more appropriate to share when I can clearly lay out the steps ahead, without resorting to speculation. Until then, we are simply a happy family of 5 learning to live with each other. Yes, we're tired. Yes, we've been frustrated. But no, we wouldn't change it for the world. Because when you love each other as much as we do... that's just the way it is.

Coming Home

Well, this will be my last blog posting while in China. Tomorrow we will make our final jaunt to Hong Kong, followed by a quick turnaround flight to Chicago. Today we had our appointment at the US Consulate in Guangzhou where we took the oath, and our adoption of Raina was officially recognized by the US Government. Upon landing at O'Hare airport, Raina will be granted her US citizenship, and the process will be complete. There is a sadness in leaving here. We've made friends... lasting relationships. It seems almost surreal that it's ending. All the waiting, all the planning, all the anticipating... it's finally over. When those wheels touch down on Chicago ground, Raina's new life will begin - an American life. Although we have only known her such a short time, she is one of the most incredible people we have ever known. We would give our lives for her, our precious daughter. And there is a whole group of other people whose lives have been changed forever also. The picture above is of our travel group. Every one of the people in this photo have a story to tell. Every one of these little children will touch countless lives when they return to the US. The miracle of adoption reaches far and wide... from the cities of America to the villages of China... the Hand of God at work amongst the people of the world. We say this all the time, but I'll say it again: If you would've told me 5 years ago that I'd be blogging from the other side of the globe with the most beautiful 2 year old little Chinese girl sleeping gently in the bed beside us, I would've told you "You're crazy". But that's what God does - He changes your world. Sometimes it's scary, sometimes it's exhilarating. But it's ALWAYS what's best. So there it is... The Curatolo family... coming home... no longer waiting... for Raina.

More Pictures... What Else?

We have had a lot of free time here in Guangzhou (sometimes it seems like too much), and at this point we are just looking forward to getting back home to the US. The paperwork that was filed with the US Consulate takes a few days to process, so we are in a holding period. We have our appointment before the officials on Wednesday the 4th - where we will be "taking the final oath" regarding our intentions in adoption. Until then, without much to post, (other than another pic of the beautiful White Swan) I figured I'd post the most important thing I could think of... more pictures of Raina.  Enjoy.

The Red Couch

Today was a somewhat slow day with only a little official business to attend to. We had all our US Consulate paperwork to go over, which took some time - but the real event of the day took place this morning. It was time for the famous "Red Couch" photos to be taken here at the White Swan. In the lobby of the hotel, there is a red couch where pictures are taken of all the adopted children. This has become something like a right-of-passage for all families staying here. Traditionally, families dress their children in Chinese clothing, and we just couldn't resist following along with this. Raina looked simply delightful in the little China dress we bought for her. All the children in our travel group took pictures together - all dressed up in their cute China clothes. Completely... adorable.