Positively Negative (TB test)

It's Monday evening in China and our TWO precious kiddos are sound asleep now. They are tuckered out and so are we. Only 4 more nights and 5 days til we are on the plane home!!! We have a praise that ALL the kids passed the TB test! No staying longer in China for that reason. We don't take that for granted and thank you for your prayers. Hudson's cough seems to be about gone after giving him the antibiotics. Yeah! So today we went back to the Medical exam place for the TB check, did some quick souvenir shopping, got group photos, played at a very crowded Chinese playground and enjoyed some American food at the Lucy's restaurant. We had a little downtime and then hung out with the Railsbacks trying to wear the kids out and finding things for them to do. Had supper in the hotel room, baths and the kids ready for bed. Hudson actually sat still long enough in my arms for the first time since we got him to read thru 2 books quickly. He then let me rock him a little and he cuddled. I loved it. Before that he had a tickle/ wrestling time with Kevin. Right before bed, he stubbed and scraped his pinky toe bad. This was the first time I actually had seem him crying since we got him a week ago. It was so good to hold him and Kevin fixed up his toe for him with a army camo. band-aid. I have heard that kids in orphanages can not really cry much because it wouldn't do much good anyway if no one was there to comfort them. We are so enjoying and thankful for our son even in the midst of all the challenges that come. He is truly a gift from God. Holly continues to struggle but has made some strides forward. I see her heart trying to love her brother and figure out all the changes having a boy in the family brings. We keep trying to get some individual time with her and her playtime with Nicole has been such a blessing. The girls continue to eat breakfast at their very own table every morning to get a break from everything. They love it.

Kevin and I are so thankful for our 2 kiddos. We don't take these treasures for granted at all and even in the midst of being stretched in many ways-we count it a blessing. This part of the adoption trip is where it gets long. WE are so ready to be home, but God has been faithful in so many ways and we continue to take one day at a time. We are so thankful for your support, for friends here in China, for staying healthy and for the opportunity to love and raise our son and daughter.

Some of you know that I had a Legacy Bracelet made in honor of my Mom who passed away 1 1/2 years ago. This bracelet consists of family pics and a picture of Hudson. When we met Hudson last week-He LOVED seeing that picture of him and that I was wearing it. He smiled right away when he saw it and continues to look at through this trip and riding on the bus together. I so wish my Mom could meet him here on earth, but I know her heart is rejoicing with me in Heaven. So miss our Grandma Shirlee!!!

Tomorrow we head to a Safari Park for the day while we wait for more paperwork to get done and then on to the US consulate on Wed. -We are on the home stretch!
We'll post more soon!
Grateful,
Rachel