A funny thing happened last night...

I was looking through some photos on my laptop while sitting at the kitchen table. I was wondering if Jace would be excited to see some of the shots I took of the institution where he lived for most of his young life. He was sitting on my lap at that time.

I showed him the outside shot of the building and he pointed with a smile. I showed him the inside of the lobby area and he nodded his head. I showed him a picture of himself sitting on the floor in the Gotcha Day room and he pointed to the little car I had sent him that he was playing with. Then the funny thing happened...only it wasn't really funny..it was actually heartbreaking. Next, I showed him the picture of his nanny and him. He immediately cried and backed away from the pc. He shook his head 'no' with a terrified look on his face and tried to move the cursor. He pushed the pc away from us. I turned if off and hugged him tightly. I kissed his little face over and over again. I felt so bad knowing that he was scared he may be going back there.

I know in time he will forget about that place and all of the negative feelings that go with it. I am so grateful to have this little boy in my family. He is a joy that words could never express. Thank you, Jesus for this little boy.

Here are some of those photos:

Jace's Trip to the Beach

Things continue to settle into place nicely. We just returned from the beach yesterday. Jace was very afraid of the sand in his toes at first---but once he saw the water, he was all over that sandy beach!

We fished and we crabbed. We walked on the boardwalk. We went on rides. We swam in the pool and splashed in the ocean. We even drove to Assategue Island to see the ponies. He was amazed at everything. That boy of ours embraced every moment possible. What a joy he is! It's like he has always been in this family!

Settlin' In

Jace,' Rockin' Out the Show'...

I Love You, I Love You....

This is Jace trying to mimic everything I say....SO SWEET!!!

There's a New Sheriff....

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I love this tshirt from Uncle Joey. It's so true. Here are some updates:

~ We have a little fear of my cats. He tries to climb up my body when they come around!

~He is diggin' his dad a lot! In fact, he gravitates to the men in the family.

~We still have issues with naptime and bedtime. He won't go down without a fight and he sleeps with me or Ron. He also falls out of the bed a lot!

~He hasn't mastered the stairs yet. We need to work on is motor skills.

~He eats more than Ron-which is a miracle in itself. He has just finished his 3rd banana this morning. How can ANYONE eat 3 bananas? Yes, I am working on the appetite--just not right now.

~He LOVES plaing with his siblings.

AND

~He 'sings' into a microphone (very passionately) even though no words come out ;)!!!!!

We're Home!!!!

Finally, after a L_O_N_G flight and 24 hours of NO sleep--we walked through a VERY DECORATED welcome home (Thanks Char and Gina) front door about 9pm. We played for about an hour as a family then baths, and BED!! Ava, Nick, Jace and me slept in my bed. It was completely uncomfortable but I didn't care because it was so nice to be with all my kids!!!

I'll update more later---just wanting to nest and play with all my family right now!!!!!

Love and hugs to all who have been there praying, and supporting this adoption and this FAMILY!!!!

I love you all so much,
Shannon

Goodbye, China

Well, tomorrow we leave the hotel at 5:45am to catch an 8:00 flight to Beijing. We only a 2 hour layover in Beijing, then off to JFK (praying we make it--China is ALWAYS late), then a 5 hour drive home to Pennsylvania.


I thought this picture was appropriate to say goodbye to China. Here is this little Chinese boy with his panda backpack and his China flag, looking out the window. I won't miss China's culture (as a whole) AT ALL, but I will miss the experience of some of the miracles that happened here. Our lives are now changed forever. God has blessed us with this precious, happy little boy who's love for others is abundant.


I don't think it's a coincidence that my scripture reading from this morning was:


God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
John 1:3-5, NLT




Even in the darkness of a country without God, oppressive and chaotic, God was the Light. He was the Light for Jace and for us. When we were feeling empty, missing our families, struggling to keep up with hectic schedules, and otherwise miserable, God was there. He was there in the friends across the world sending me scriptures and encouragement. He was there in my group when I was at my lowest and so sick in Beijing, using these families to nurse me back to health. He was there when I came out of the elevator and found Jace disoriented and walking through the hallway because he left the room while Alex was sleeping! He is here now, in this hotel room, shining HIs Light in my son. My son...This little life was created by God, and this little life brings His light to me. Thank you, God for Your Light and Your glory.


Yes, we are leaving China, but the best part of China is right here in this room with me. The best part of China has a Light that can't be extinguished. And with His glory turning misery into miracles, maybe we will be back. But you'll have to wait and see...


Love and Blessings,
Shannon

Itinerary for Wednesday, 8/4

This afternoon was the swearing in ceremony at the US Consulate....The speaker, who actually approved all 30 families visa's said a few endearing words to us, congratulated us, and we took an oath swearing that all of the information we've submitted was true and accurate. It brought me to tears as we raised our right hands' as a group. What a miracle we have witnessed. There were 3 teens who were almost too old to get adopted that made the cut-off adoption age of 14. That was especially celebratory. Makes me want to come back to adopt a teen! When the children approach 'teen', they are no longer eligible for adoption. What happens to them? I am told they must work in the orphanage until they are old enough to go out on their own. In some cases, the unthinkable happens.


Tonight was the dinner cruise on the Pearl River. I really didn't want to go, but I knew most of the group was going, so I decided to join them. The food was interesting. Look real close and you'll see a chicken head! Also on the menu was boiled, salted pig's stomach... Let's just say when we got back to the hotel we ordered from Lucy's--an American food restaurant--and our bellies were full with comfort foods--sort of.


Only one more day in Guangzhou, Guys. My family will be united! Please pray for our travel. We will have traveled 24 hours by the time we get to Ron and the kids in New York's JFK. Then a 4 hour drive home, on a Friday, in NY! I can't imagine being on a plane--with Jace--who can't hear--or be reasoned with yet--for all of those hours!! We prayed so hard for Jace's heart to be prepared for our arrival here in China--and it was!!!!! Now let's pray for that arduous flight home!!! Oh, I can't WAIT for Jace to meet the rest of his family!!!!! It's SO exciting to be preparing for travel HOME!!!!!!!


Updates tomorrow!!


Love to All,
Shannon Pierro

My Little Emperor....

My Little Emperor....

Ah...The Red Couch picture! I never thought I'd get this far in the process! Whew! It's been a long year, but SO worth the wait. I've seen many families throughout their journey on that red couch. And here we are! Finally!

Jace loves his Chinese threads...He wears them with honor. Most of the pictures you see him flexing...pretty funny. Guess who taught him that?--Daddy via skype.

Click here or copy and paste to see the rest of the pictures...: http://www.dropshots.com/shannonpierro#date/2010-08-03/05:03:17 Scroll down to see the latest pics.

The waterfall is in the middle of the hotel. There are many coy below. It's so beautiful.

See you Soon,
Shannon

Tuesday Morning 8/3

Jace is napping so I thought I'd catch you all up..

He was VERY warm last night after receiving 3 shots. I gave him Motrin to ward off the fever so he is much better this morning after breakfast and some swimming. I put him down early for a nap because today is the famous 'red couch' picture at 3pm. I think this will help him feel more like himself. Thanks for all praying! He is so sweet. He curls up next to me (with all his toys between us) in bed and kisses me at least 5 times before he finally falls asleep. How cute is that?? Melting heart here....

Nothing else really to report other than we only have 3 more days! I can't wait for everyone to meet Jace. I wish we were flying in to BWI.

After the picture our group is headed to the Six-Banyan Temple. Alex, Jace and me will skip that and head back to the pool. It is such a great bonding experience for us! He really loves it. Then, dinner at 6pm.

love and hugs xo,
Shannon

Medical Exam

click here: http://www.dropshots.com/shannonpierro#date/2010-08-01/11:25:41 and scroll down for the medical pictures. The one where I am holding him is where he got the shots. He had no idea. He flirted with every nurse, played with every dr. What a charmer he is!








3 shots!! That's all he got! YAY! Thanks for the prayers! I know Karen V. said she had her gang praying too~~if your reading this and you prayed for my Jace~~I thank you! Please pray fro him NOT to have a fever--or at least be unaffected by it....


But today, he was fine! His feelings were hurt, but he stopped crying quickly. Thank God for my travel families--they are so sweet and compassionate! Even the two families that joined us in Guangzhou look out for us! We are a family in itself here. It's amazing how perfect strangers become so close after sharing such a unique and emotional experience. I am happy to report that we are finally finishd with fee thing! Whew! I hated carrying around all that cash and worrying how much I was spending...not that i wanted to pay for anything...;)


After we got back form the shots, we stopped at a store called 'Jordan's'. IT's here on the square. If you are coming to Guangzhou, please go there for CHinese outfits, etc. I only paid $7 for each one and the owner is a Christian. He is happy to meet other Christians. He will make a calligraphy of your child's American name for free!!! He asks you as soon as you walk in the door if you want one. He is happy to do it. He is a delight.


Shortly after the walk, we went back to the pool. Jace is napping now from all that activity and needle trama. We are supposed to meet in 10 minutes for the pedestrian street. I am dying to go, but he is sleeping so peacefully...waaa......Plus, his lunch is waiting for him.


Updates tomorrow!!


4 more days!!!!!
Love,
Shannon

Sunday Evening Guangzhou

http://www.dropshots.com/shannonpierro#albums/pool/2010-07-31/17:47:15


I actually got to work out tonight !!!! YAY!! I went to the gym for some cardio, then swimming with Jace. HE LOVED IT!!!!! He has no fear of the water at all!!! He ven puts his face under! The view from the hotel is spectactular...on the Pearl River.

Tomorrow could be a disaster. I am worried that Jace will need too many shots...grrr...I hope not! I met a family who's son had 4 sots and a fever the next day...Please pray for my little guy!!

Love you~~
SHANNON

A Breath of Fresh Air

http://www.dropshots.com/shannonpierro#albums/Guangzhou/2010-08-01/03:33:33




WOW! What a difference here in Guangzhou! Today after a hearty breakfast, we went on a tour to the Yuntai Garden, then onto lunch for some interesting CHinese food. I LOVED the garden--Alex took WAY too many photos to show-but all beautiful! She really has a knack for photography. Check out the photos by clicking on the link posted. In them you can see a traditional Chinese lunch served on a lazy susan. Kinda cool. Alex has mastered chopsticks--not this Westerner! I try, but I can't do it!


We borrowed a stroller today--major back appreciation! A local store here lends them out for free! Many stores here with American names...and SO many American families here! Tons! All with chinese babies/toddlers...Everyone is so friendly! All the hotel employees smile and are gracious--always eager to help. Alex left our camera outside of our room on a ledge--they found it and returned it! Not sure that would've happened in Beijing! I can't say enough about our guide. He is awesome (Girls'--you were right about Elvin!!)! I feel like I am on vacation here! I will get some pictures around the hotel--you won't believe the difference! wow! That's all I can say!


Our little emperor is napping, but after he wakes, we may go to the pool. Not sure! Too many choices! We love it here!!! Thanks again for all the prayers!!!!!


ps...I am told there is even a 7-11 store here! Funny!


love to all!!
Shannon

Guangzhou

We are now in Guangzhou. This is the view from our hotel room! SO much nicer-and no smog! This is definitely more like a resort. The sun is out! I haven't seen it in 1 week!!! YAY!!


Our guide is so fun! He is silly and very compassionate--plays with the kids.


We arrived last night LATE. Our flight was delayed for hours. Jace slept on the way here but screamed on the flight descent. His ears were hurting. We tried his drink. Thankfully, Chris had Cheerios and that worked for a bit, but they still hurt. I hope he doesn't have an ear infection. I wouldn't know because he does't show pain. He has fallen a lot and he never cries. I guess he is used to not being heard?


We are meeting for breakfast soon. Another tour (grr) and then we will do some paperwork. Tomorrow my little man gets his shots :(


I will update tonight!


Love you all!
SHannon