MERRY CHRISTMAS from the Hutchesons! 

What a wonderful Christmas it is!  First of all, it is an opportunity to refocus and remember exactly why we celebrate Christmas.  It's not the elaborately wrapped packages, twinkling lights, santa or even gathering of family.  It's to say thank you to our Lord and Savior for leaving that glorius throne, humbling Himself and being born into a cold self destructive world.  He could have just as easily saved us without ever leaving the throne, but He chose to come among us and live with us.

I was listening to a sermon on AFR the other day and something was said that I had never really thought of.  Of ALL the people He could have sent the angels to, He chose the shephards.  They were the only ones that could not go into the temple to worship Him because they were considered not only unclean, but unable to become clean.  Their job was to tend the sheep that were to be used as sacrifices.  How sad and left out they must have felt.  I wonder did they have an ache in their hearts to worship Him more intimately, but knowing they would never be able to enter the temple?  God chose these, the most unclean to announce this wonderful news to first!  How remarkable and miraculous that must have been.  They got to see the new born baby first!

I think of conversations I have had over the years with people who have strayed from Christ or maybe never knew Him as their Savoir.  One thing I hear a lot is, "I've done too much wrong for Him to forgive me" or "I've done so many bad things for Him to love me".  Looking at the shephards, did they think that too?  Perhaps they thought, "I'm to unclean for God to ever notice me".  Oh how they were wrong!  It should be enough to make us want to shout from the rooftops! GOD LOVES YOU!! He loves you inspite of your sins!  He came to this earth as a little baby! A sweet baby! Oh my goodness how precious that is!  THAT IS WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT!!

This year is a very special Christmas for us!  Last year at this time, I cried, longing to hold our little one in my arms and wondering if he or she was being held and loved.  I praised God for the journey He had us on.  In July we were matched with our precious little girl.  This morning on our way to church we listened to NewSong's song, Every Child.  I cried again!  It was for several reasons.  First of all because I have been holding, rocking repeatedly telling AubriAnna how much we love her!  The journey has been long and trying at times, but it is a journey I would take a thousand times over without blinking!  I could not imagine our lives without her!  I would not trade the experience of seeing God unfold this journey before us.  He is AMAZING and FAITHFUL!  Secondly, I cried because I think of all the little ones still waiting and longing for a forever family.  I think of one little boy who looked to be a little bigger than AubriAnna.  He was lying in his bed at the orphanage when we visited it.  He could move his head a little, but followed with his eyes.  You could tell he had a lot wrong physically, paralysis being one of them.  He was watching tv when we came through the room.  The nanny stopped in front of his bed talking to us.  She had her back to him and was hugging AubriAnna.  This sweet quiet little boy laid there looking up at us and watching us.  Jimmy reached out and held his hand while we stood there talking to the nannys.  I have no idea if this sweet little boy will ever have that forever family!  I know he took in every moment we stood there and Jimmy held his hand.  My heart breaks for those children.  The ones waiting.

AubriAnna has already experienced 2 family get togethers for Christmas and she woke up to santa this morning.  She's still taking everything in, but is doing exceptionally well in just a short time.  She is doing good with letting people hold her as long as she does not see us.  If one of us is in eyesight, she'll whimper and reach for us.  (that doesn't hurt my feelings at all! lol I LOVE holding that baby!)  She's opened a few presents.  She's getting better with it.  She likes to rip paper, but doesn't pay the gift much attention.  Santa brought her a Veggietales Princess Sweetpea castle.  She LOVES that!  It's one of the few toys she has really showed interest in other than a little phone we got for her and gave her when we got her on Gottcha day.  She was dressed up in her Christmas dress for church this morning.  We got tickled because she started trying to mimic Bro. Jerry when he was leading music.  She loves music.  She's napping now.  Hopefully she'll wake up in a fantastic mood (she usually does) and be ready to meet more family at our next Christmas gathering!  She has no idea how big of a family she has come into! lol

Christmas IS about CHRIST, but we pray that it is also filled with the magic of the twinkleing lights, lots of food, great presents and warm loving memories with family and friends that will stay with you for a lifetime!  Spread the love CHRIST shows us each and every day!

Merry Christmas!

Prayerfully reflecting Christ's love,

Jimmy, Christie, Jessica, Zac & AubriAnna

Opening her first present from us!

Helping baba open his!

Sweet babygirl!

Playing with her castle from santa!

AubriAnna & Luke with Nana

We finally landed in Memphis airport about 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon.  We were sooo glad to be back!  Poor Jess & Zac had trouble figuring out how to get to the actual airport pickup & ended up being the last ones to get there.  But it was a very sweet reunion with our kiddos!  Jess was crying coming thru the door. 

Our train ride from Guangzhou to Hong Kong was smooth but I was car sick the whole time.  I think it was because we were riding backwards for 2 hours.  Once we arrived in Hong Kong we had a 45 minute ride to the airport hotel.  By the time we got in our room it was nearly 11 p.m. & there was no baby bed or pack n play so miss priss slept with us in a full size bed.  Let me just say she is NOT easy to sleep with.  She has to be confined in her own bed so she can thrash around til she passes out.  We didn't get to sleep til after midnight then were back up by 5:45 a.m. and every hour between that. 

We got to the airport, checked through & were boarding the plane by 10:00 a.m.  About 14 hours later we landed in Detroit, MI.  Let me just say....it is much easier for an illegal to get into this country than someone trying to it the legal way.  We had to go thur 2 immigration lines & it took over an hour!  Out of 3 plane arrivals with at least 250 passengers on each, we were literally the last ones to go thru!  When we finally were able to get to our luggage, it was gone!  They were sending us to different locations to find it then a woman finally said, "Oh, we thought you had just left it so we already checked it & its being sent to Memphis."  We had our doubts.  And the people were not friendly.  Well, the lady at the boarding gate was super nice.  She let us board before anybody else AND she changed our seats so we had 3 seats instead of 2 & we were right behind 1st class so we had plenty of leg room!  It was only an hour & half flight but we slept the whole way!

AubriAnna did great on every flight!  Especially the 14 hour flight.  She slept maybe 4-5 hours tops and played the rest of the time.  I must say, our funny on that flight was when she stinkied her diaper while she was asleep!  We felt bad for the people sitting around us but we were not about to wake her up so Jimmy piled blankets on her to try & mask the smell! Lol  Then when she woke up we all 3 crammed into the bathroom to get her changed.  I had to sit on that little toilet, lay her in my lap & Jimmy change her.  I'm sure we looked ridiculous when Jimmy practically fell out of the bathroom when he opened the door! lol

Our sweet friends, the Blackburns, were the first to greet us at Memphis airport.  Miles is the cutest thing ever & I loved seeing him excited to see AubriAnna!  Then mom, Rebecca, Lori Ann & Olivia came in with big poster signs!  AubriAnna was taking it all in.  Finally, Jess & Zac made it.  They had a really hard time getting to the pick up area of the airport & Memphis security will not help.  Quite rude people for the most part.  The poor kids kept stopping & asking for help but security wouldn't help.  Just told them to keep moving.  Jess was crying coming in the doors.  So so glad to see them!  It didn't take long either for AubriAnna to go to Jess. 

When we got home grandmother was here waiting on us.  Before the night was over she was letting everyone love on her & hold her.  Zac won her over as soon as he started playing the piano!  She loves her big brother & sister!  She has wanted them both to play with her & hold her today!

We took her shopping this afternoon!  She had to have more clothes & shoes.  We also got her a walker, which she loves!  She has been all thru the house tonight already!  She is having a little trouble adjusting to the time change, but I think she'll be alright in a few days.  We may try to go to parade in the morning.  Not sure how she'll like that, but if she does like she has been she'll soak it all up.  She's learning so fast.

Thank you to all who been praying for us, following the blog & taking care of our 2 big kids while we were gone.  It took a lot off our minds knowing they were being watched after at a distance.  God has blessed our family so much.  I wasn't sure if we were going to be able to do this.  Jimmy's nearly 42 & I'm almost 40.  We definately are not as quick as we once were, but God has provided us with as much as we need.  I could not imagine our lives without this beautiful little girl.  She puts a smile to my face & my heart beats a little faster with joy.  God is so amazing how He works.  We're going to keep on trusting Him & following His will for our lives.  I find my peace, comfort & energy in Him!  What a mighty God we serve!

We went on the river cruise last night.  It was great!  The view was amazing.  AubriAnna loved seeing all the lights.  We had supper on the boat as well.  Our guide, Ramon, had Papa John's delivered to the boat before we set out! lol We had one tired little girl by the time we got back to the hotel.  She got a bath then baba got her to sleep.  Going to sleep is a battle!  We're not sure if we've spoiled her to being held or most likely she's got some seperation anxiety.  It's almost like she's afraid we're not coming back.  Which is understandable.  Since leaving the only home she has ever known, she's stayed in 2 hotels & flown on a plane.  LOTS of changes in just little over a week for her!

We had to get up early this morning & go to the U.S. Consulate for the Oath Ceremony. Our babygirl is now a U.S citizen! Wasn't a formal ceremony but the meaning of it all was so moving. Yes, I teared up! This has been such a long emotional journey. Almost unreal that this part of it is almost over.

This is our last night in Guangzhou. We leave tomorrow afternoon for Hong Kong. We'll stay over night there then it's U.S. bound!! Can not wait to see my 2 big kids! Seems like we have been away from them forever! Next trip, they are coming with us. We have had so many of the locals ask if we're going to adopt again. A lot of the yuonger generation here just stare a lot & seem curious, but the older generation are grateful for the most part. They know that the children are getting a chance at a life that they would probably never had.

AubriAnna's grandma nanny put together a memory book over the last year as she grew. In the back of it she wrote a letter to her a few days before we got her. We had it translated last night. It was so sweet. I'll share it with you guys!

My Dear Yurou My Sweetheart,
      We live with each other for more than one year. You brought me countless happiness & joy. You leave me many good memories. Your lovely face will forever stay in my heart. You have been one of the most important part of my life. Now you going to leave grandma. I sincerely wish you healthy & happy under the love of your daddy, mommy & the new warm family. Wish you to be somebody & show respect to you daddy mommy & grateful to the society. And also help those who need help.

      Remember please often write & send pictures to me. Far away in the eastern world in Nanjing, China there is grandma miss you every day. Goodbye & wish you blessed.
      Goodbye my lovely Yurou my sweetheart.
      Your Grandma
      Yang Wen Wan
       I love you

This letter moves me to tears everytime I read it. I am so grateful to God that He put someone over our little girl to love her & protect her until we could. Anytime I get tired or frazzled on this trip, I think about what is happening & I stop & praise God. Our prayer is that through our journey, someone else may answer a calling God has given them & adopt a child of their own. It doesn't have to be international adoption. Domestic adoption may be your callling. China is just where God led us. It's amazing how God works. Who would have ever thought that a child half way around the world would fit our family so well?! No one but GOD! So many children need a mommy & daddy to just take them & love them. Will we adopt again? Very possible!

 Back at the hotel after becoming an American Citizen this morning!

 Finally got to wear her tutu today!

 A museum on the bottom level of our boat.

 Very detailed ships!  Zac would've loved seeing all these!

The lit up boat was our's. It looked like a dragon.

Today has been another adventurous day!  We went back to medical clinic just long enough for a few families to get their tb test results (which were good) then we went to the jade market & on to the pearl market.  We managed to do some hagglin (sp) & got some things at good prices.  Even bought a few Christmas presents!

We came back to the hotel, fed ms priss & put her down for a nap.  She does not like going to sleep!  I suppose she's afraid she's going to miss something.  She literally fell asleep today sitting up.  LOL She is so funny!

Tonight we are going on a riverboat cruise.  Should be lots of fun.  We are really enjoying taking in all the culture & scenery, but we are VERY ready to be home.  We definately want to come back when AubriAnna is old enough to understand & take it all in.  We want Jess & Zac to experience it as well.  Really wish they had come with us this time. 

Tomorrow morning we leave bright & early to go to the Consulate for our Oath Ceremony.  Really excited about that.  Everyone that has experienced it says it is very special.  Wish we could take our camera but their not allowed.

Tomorrow is also our last full day in Guangzhou.  We leave Wednesday afternoon & go to Hong Kong.  We'll stay there over night then head home Thursday morning!!  Keep us in your prayers.  We have a 15 hour flight to Detroit!  Can't begin to imagine what that will be like!

 Shopping in the pearl market

 Inside the pearl market.  There were little stores everywhere in this place!

 It has stairs, elevators & escalators!

 Playing on the bus ride!

Fell asleep in baba's arms last night, but as soon as he layed her down she woke up! She played for the next hour!!! 

This morning we went with 2 of the other families to the Yuntie Garden (think I spelled that right).  AubriAnna loved riding in the stroller & seeing all the sites.  She's not used to the warmer weather so she got pretty hot. Today it has been in the lo 80's and sunshine. 

The garden we went to was absolutely gorgeous!  I told Jimmy that Granddaddy would have loved this place.  There is a huge greenhouse filled with all kinds of tropical plants, orchids & goldfish ponds.  We took so many pictures that there no way I can put them all on the blog.  Takes way to long to upload. LOL

We were trying to think if there is anything that comes close to this garden back in the states.  I don't know unless maybe Bush Gardens. We've never been there, but if it's half this I want to visit it also!  AubriAnna soaked it all up.  She's very curious about things & people.  She plays shy, but loves the attention at the same time.

When we got back to the room, we video called big brother & sister.  She gets really excited when she hears them & sees them on the computer.  I don't think it will take her long at all to bond with them when we get home. 

She doesn't want to be put down so we're exhausted by bedtime. lol  We've started over the last few nights putting her in her bed & letting her cry.  Usually it's only about 5 minutes then she'll just play till she falls asleep.  She's napping now.  Took her forever.  By the time she fell asleep, she had one pants leg pulled up above the knee, sock off & one sleeve pushed up. lol  She must be having a funny dream because she just started laughing in her sleep.  God blessed us with such a happy baby. 

We have a group meal tonight with the other families.  That should be fun.  The kids are so funny.  They really check each other out.  We go back to the clinic tomorrow as a group.  The children 2 & older had to have TB test & have to get results tomorrow.  We're going to do a little shopping while the others do that.  We're also going to the Pearl Market tomorrow.  I'm really excited about that! 

I hope ya'll enjoy the pictures!  They really don't do the Garden justice. Just a beautiful place!

 Having fun on the playground on 4th floor!

 This is also on the 4th floor of our hotel!

 Waterfall on 4th floor of our hotel!

 This poor guy is waiting to be somebody's supper! He was huge! These aquariums lined the front walls of resturant with different kinds of creatures for you to choose from.  Talk about fresh food!

 Two of the other couples with us and a student volunteer for Holt.

 Having a good time!

 

I want to start by saying thank you to all the prayer warriors that have been praying for our safety!  I know it's because of those petitions that God is protecting us!  We flew to Guangzhou yesterday.  We landed about 6:30 p.m. China time.  We had a little confusion on who was picking us up at the airport so Jimmy drilled the escort to make sure we weren't being abducted! LOL Wouldn't have been a problem if he'd had a sign with our name on it but he held a paper that sail HOLD.  Evidently, this was their way of spelling Holt (our agency).  NEVER in my life have I ever rode in a vehicle so fast to the airport.  I'm not sure how fast we were going, but we were passing people like they were sitting still.  AubriAnna loved the ride tho!  Everytime we hit a bump she would die laughing!

She did well on her very first flight.  It was 2 hours long.  She was want me then turn right around & want her baba.  She slept the last 30 minutes of the flight.  It messed her sleep schedule completely up.  We were shedding coats by the time we got off the plane.  We had been in hi 40's & lo 50's till now.  Here in Guangzhou its low 70's.  Palm trees & very nice.  Very populated & busy also.  14 million people in this city.  It's 3rd largest city in China.  Our hotel is super swanky & huge.  It has a mall in it for pete's sake!  AND a Starbucks!!! Oh yeah!

Today, Saturday for us, we went to the medical clinic.  She had to be checked with ear, nose & throat.  Then we moved to height & weight.  She is 21 lbs & 30 inches long.  Lastly, we had to go through the medical & surgery part.  That was not so much fun.  Had to take her shoes, socks, pants & diaper off.  Well, She just undone one side of her diaper because she was throwing one more fit!  It was a packed place.  They close at 12 p.m. on Saturdays & there were about 60 families so you can imagine!  We finally came back to hotel & she ate & took a good nap.

As I type this, she is on the bed with her baba playing & laughing. Such a silly baby girl. I think we're about to go explore the hotel/mall! They even have a big play ground on the 4th floor! We have another big day tomorrow. Not much longer & we'll be heading home! Thank the good Lord!!

 Ceiling in our hotel in Nanjing City

 Ceiling in the lobby of our hotel in Gaungzhou

 Grand piano in the lobby

 After a trying morning at the medical clinic

 Medical clinic

 The trees on this street make it so beautiful

 Canal down the street from medical clinic

Beautiful building along the canal!

This morning was an emotional journey!  We were able to visit AubriAnna's orphanage.  We were a little apprehensive about going because we weren't sure how she would do seeing her Grandma nanny again.  We didn't know if she would cling to grandma nanny when we tried to leave.  We were thrilled with the opportunity to get to see where she has lived this part of her life though.

When we first got there, we met a few of the nannys & saw another American couple & thier 2 year old little boy they had adopted.  After being there for about 15 minutes, grandma nanny came in the room & AubriAnna got real excited & reaching for her.  Grandma nanny took her in her arms & hugged her tight.  It was so heart warming to see the love she has for our little girl!  It also made us a little nervous, wondering how things were going to go. 
Grandma nanny took us around showing us where she played, her bed, where she bathed & where she played in the swimming pool everyday. Different nannys would come in & hug & love on AubriAnna, taking her in their arms so proud to see her. She was a superstar today! She would always reach back for grandma nanny. After about 20 minutes, she reached & whined for her baba! Any fears or concerns we had were immediately gone! Our hearts were about to bust! We knew at that moment she was our little girl in her mind also!

Grandma nanny was thrilled also. She started telling the other nannys how she wanted her baba. Over the next 30-40 minutes she would go back & forth between Grandma nanny, baba & me. She was so happy. We met the advisor to the orphanage. We also got to see the vice-president again. We met Dr. Joe, who is the president of the rehibilitation hospital right next door to orphanage. He said she could easily be a music prodegy if given the opportunity to explore it. He said she has always showed love for music & he said she was very intellegent. I like Dr. Joe! heehee

As our visit drew near, grandma nanny held onto AubriAnna even tighter. We could tell she hated to see her go. She made us promise to email pics every 2 months! We said we definately would! She thanked us for giving AubriAnna a loving home & chance to live to the fullest. We thanked her for loving & taking care of our daughter all this time. As we left, Grandma nanny was crying & so was I. AubriAnna was very content.....in her baba's arms walking away!

 Baba & AubriAnna as we leave orphanage.

 Nanjing City Orphanage gates

 Denise, our guide.

 Last goodbyes to grandma nanny

 Last hugs!

 Her bed.

 Dr. Joe

 So happy to be with grandma nanny!

 Where she took her baths

 Front of Rainbow building (orphanage)

 Grandma nanny loves RoRo!

 Seeing grandma nanny for the first time after 4 days!

 One of their swimming pools. Float goes around their neck to keep them afloat.

Wore out after her visit!

 McDonald's on every corner!!