We're home!

When last I typed, we were in the Sino-Soviet Hotel. Then off to the Beijing Airport AGAIN, this time to fly to Newark.

Ok, this is the most amazing thing: Libby slept the entire flight! This is the most she has EVER slept at one time, even as a baby! Continental Airlines had Pierre and Lulu seated in one place, and Libby and me in another--(actually, they originally had us all seated separately, going and returning, and we had to cause a ruckus to even get to sit with the kids at all), so I really lucked out, and got to read, doze, etc.

We were met at the airport by Kit, Kevin, and Kevin's dad, Gerry, who kindly volunteered to drive us all, bag and baggage, back to Dow Road. Gerry told us how he's traveling to Ireland in a few weeks--he's been there several times, and has family there, and he made it so inviting that I believe we will have to travel there someday . . . but not right away. Right now we have to settle back in, and get Lulu acclimated to her new environment.

Lulu acclimation report: On the not-so-great part: Last night, she didn't like her new bed. She did take immediately to Kit, and insisted on sleeping in Kit's bed, with her. Of course, Libby insisted on joining them. After much thrashing, Kit noticed Libby trying to quietly smother Lulu with a pillow, so Libby had to be transferred to another bed. After hours of bed-switching, everyone fell asleep, around 4 a.m. or so.

On the plus side: she wore underpants today, for the first time since she joined the family! She also picked up a broom, and tried to clean the place up! A fruitless task, I could tell her, but I am glad she is ambitious!

1 in the morning on our first full day home: Lulu is sleeping now, after hours of cajoling, in her own bed. Libby conked out early in the afternoon, so will probably get her second wind in a few hours. I'm going to go to bed while peace reigns, and while there's still a vacant spot. Good night!