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November Updates

I have been surprised at how many folks have told me they still check our blog and where is an update... so here it is! We are doing really well. November has been a great month. We went to visit Sam and Usha at the end of October. I attended a conference the first week of November and Davis did great with me away for two nights and last weekend was Davis's baptisim. I've been amazed when I look at pictures from China how much he has grown since he has been home- and it's no surprise as he (like his sister) LOVES to eat!!! A favorite is 'french fries' but he will also eat pretty much whatever we are eating. He and his sister really love school and are talking more and more in Mandarin- they especially like to sing their Mandarin songs. Sarah Bess often wants mommy to repeat what she says and then is not too happy when Mommy can't say it right! Jimmy says she is developing some southern chinese as she puts a bit of an accent on it (as she does with words like milk that she produces with about 3 syllables!). Davis is also continuing to learn more and more English using two and three word sentences on a regular basis. He has never ending energy and the two of them are developing an incredible bond.

His baptisim was such a wonderful event and weekend. On Sunday Jimmy and I were both amazed that although he didn't understand the day, you could tell he knew it was for him. We both felt like it was one of his happiest days since we've had him (and he is always pretty happy).

We are really looking forward to Thanksgiving next week- it will be very busy with all of my family at the beach. I know the kids will both love it. Hope all of you reading this are well.

a few more pics...

Pictures

Has it been a month?

Hard to believe over a month has gone by since we last posted- we are staying busy! Davis becomes more and more adjusted everyday. I have gone back to work in the mornings and are gone before he and Sarah Bess get up. Jimmy gets both of them breakfast, dressed and off to school. This along with some other times spent just with Daddy have really increased Davis's bond to BaBa. He is now perfectly fine to see Mama head off somewhere if Baba and Mei Mei will remain with him. He is really enjoying school and his teachers say he is starting to ask them for things like going to the potty. (Speaking of potty... Sarah Bess is wearing big girl underwear except at naps and night- with the occasional accident, but doing great!)
As I type this, we are visiting Jimmy's parents and Sarah Bess and Davis are 'napping' in the room across the hall. The conversation goes more like this... Sarah Bess 'Mama will be right back'. Davis starts to sing 'e-i-e-i-o'. Sarah Bess says 'be quiet davis' and she begins to sing Twinkle Twinkle in Mandarin. Davis 'bad girl'. SB 'I not a bad girl....I see you Davis' and they both erupt in laughter. Maybe they will drift off soon.
Both of their language continues to grow more everyday. Sarah Bess is very inquisitive with lots of 'why' questions but then I am always amazed about things she knows and can say. Davis is speaking in two and three word phrases and continues to pick up more words also.
October has kept us busy and we have done many fun things like the lake, fair, and harvest fest at church so I'll post a few pictures.
(For those of you curious about Bailey- she is hanging in there and taking this time to nap before two twos start to terrorize her again!).
We continue to see various doctors at UNC to determine the best thing to help Davis as far as his growth and hip. The orthopaedist currently wants to do nothing as he consults with some colleagues about his hip. Davis is functioning so well on it he doesn't want to do anything that will not help that. Yesterday Davis had a hand x-ray and abdomen ultrasound both to make sure that it is his left side growing slower and not his right side growing faster. Who knew the bones in the hand were the most indicative of growth throughout the body.
I just asked Jimmy if there was anything I was forgetting to say and he said to let everyone know that we are always open to babysitters!
We are extremely exhausted and crazy, but feel so blessed to be parents of these wonderful two year olds.

Davis has started School!

I was finally able to get a few beach pictures on here. It was hard to pick the cutest ones.
Davis started school last week. It is going really well. The first day he cried most of the day (our friend's little girl who is 3 and 1/2 said "He cried all day. His Mama should have kept him home!"). Then Tuesday and Wednesday last week he cried a little less. Yesterday and today he cried when I left, but after he calmed down he did not cry anymore. He is always playing and happy when I pick him up and also enjoys talking about school later. Sarah Bess has been a great sister. She tells me she helps Davis at school and that she tells him "Mommy be right back Davis". I feel really great that he is adjusting so quickly.
He also had a big day on Saturday when I went to the UNC football game and he spent lunchtime until bedtime with Daddy and Sarah Bess. Again, he cried when I left but then did really well the rest of the time. Sarah Bess said they had so much fun and that she did not miss Mommy!
He continues to learn new words- has close to 100 now. He is also saying so many two and three word things. I'm always amazed at how much he learns.
We went to the doctor again last week. We have a minor exploratory surgery scheduled on his hip next Tuesday to determine the best plan following the MRI. They still do not feel his hip is dislocated, but is very abnormal and they want to make it as functional as possible for the future. He has been a tough boy through all the appointments.
I guess that's all the news at this point. Hope you are all well.

Beach Photos

The Beach- September 11, 2008

Time seems to get by so quickly now before putting anything new on here. I love going back to read some of the old posts.
We are at the beach this week with my Mom. Papa Rob was here also over the weekend and comes again tonight. Jimmy will come down tomorrow to celebrate his birthday over the weekend.
We are having a great time- Mom and I are generally exhausted at the end of the day because they keep us going at all times. We have had some great days on the beach- and some not great days. My children like to be entertained! Both of them are keeping us laughing with the things they do and say. Some of the things Sarah Bess says are just so hilarious even though she is trying to be very serious. Davis learns more words everyday- some of his new ones are Sudie, Papa Rob, slide, again (we know where he got that) and band aid! He has some toys that are particular favorites and he has a very hard time sharing those! Sarah Bess knows this and deliberately tries to get his goat by playing with them, which usually works.
He has learned to love to sing in the car and if you passed us on the road you would see Sudie and I singing "If you're Happy and You know it", "Wheels on the Bus", "Hot Potato" or "Old McDonald" with Sarah Bess and Davis singing and laughing in the back.
We still don't have a camera, but Mom has taken several pictures and I'll post some.
Next Monday will be Davis's first day of school. He loves to carry his backpack and talk about school with Mei Mei, so we will see how that goes. For those of you that don't already know this, Sarah Bess started going to a Mandarin Preschool last January two mornings a week. She now goes three mornings and Davis is going to be going there as well.
He has thankfully learned the phrase "right back" and so I am often able to go to the bathroom, park the car, etc and he will stay with Mom. How this will translate to school I don't know. I'll be sure to update after his first day!
Hope you all are well!

Week 4 at home

I can't believe we have now been home for 3 and a half weeks. Our lives are getting more and more settled each day with Davis learning our routine and continuing to become such an important part of our family. Some of the improvements he is making:
- stayed with a friend for 10 minutes on Friday with no tears!
- went with his Daddy and sister in the car on Sunday without Mommy and stopped crying by the end of the driveway!
- stayed in the nursery at church for 15 minutes with no crying! (another person came in which made him upset- but we were so happy he played that long without mommy)
- Daddy gave him a bath last night!

These are just a few things that may seem minor but are HUGE to us. He and Sarah Bess are playing more and more everyday as well. Yesterday after nap, Sarah Bess climbed in his bed and gave him a kiss and said "I love you". He in turn gave her a big hug- you can picture who then was crying tears of joy. They also love playing Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. Sarah Bess has learned to be quite the ham to make Davis laugh hysterically in the car. I will ask her what they are laughing about but it is their secret. The other night she was sweetly reading to him so I thought I should get it on video- they of course then just wanted to stick their face in the camera and "see".
Davis continues to add new English words to his vocabulary. Some of his newest are funny, elephant, banana, Bailey and moo. He probably has around 25 words now- which would equal a word a day since he's been home. His speech language pathologist mother is very pleased with that.
Hope you all are well and we continue to appreciate your kind words and prayers.
This picture is from a local festival this past weekend- our little fireman!

Quick Update

Hello All! Just wanted to write a quick update to how everything has been going. Davis continues to seem to adjust more and more to his surroundings. He is still not wanting to leave Mama for too long but will at least venture away at times. He loves loves Sarah Bess and wants to be and do what she is doing! I hope in the long run that will be our saving grace and he will want to go to school with her while Mama works! Still haven't worked out the details of what will happen with that but are trying to coordinate it all. She also seems to continue to adjust to having him and her tantrums and "beating" of her brother have really reduced. She is starting to ask him nicely for things (at least once before she tugs it away!). She did revert to some of her old ways when Jimmy's parents came to visit on Sunday. I think while she was adapting to life at home, she wasn't sure about sharing GaGa and Daddy Daddy with Davis! They are really cute when they kiss each other goodnight. Today while pumping gas (which tends to be a time Davis screams because I'm out of the car and he is in), I risked glancing in to see how upset he was and Sarah Bess had him laughing so hard he was almost crying. When I got back in to see what they were laughing at no one would fess up. I loved it.
Sleeping has been getting somewhat better until last night which was a bad one. This led to a really bad morning because we were all just too tired to be functioning right. I hope we will all get some more sleep tonight!
We are still without a camera but will post some more pictures when we get one- and Jimmy's parents took some so we can put some of those on as well.

More pictures

3 Weeks after Gotcha Day!

It's hard to believe that it has been 3 weeks since we first brought Davis into our family. In some ways that seems so quick in many others it seems so long ago. Things are going pretty well here at home. He is really started sleeping better the past couple of nights and seems to be realizing the routine here at home. I am amazed at how quickly he is learning words and is saying: eat, uh-oh, yucky yucky, doggie, choo choo, bubbles, shoe and see saw (you can tell from this his favorite things as well!). His smile will light up a room and is quick to come most of the time. He adores his Mei Mei except when she is hitting him or taking a toy of course! She had a few very rough days but seems to be doing a little better each day. She was able to go to dance camp this morning at her Mandarin preschool and I think it helped her to get out of the house a bit.
Jimmy and I are just adapting to the life of two- two in the morning to get ready, two for all meals, two at bathtime. I know many of you have plus 2 and I think of you often knowing we too will get the hang of this!
We go for his first pediatrician visit this Thursday and we look forward to asking her many of the questions that have been unanswered at this point (like the possible cause of a pretty bad scar he has on his chest).
We have been amazed how our friends have helped here at home. We have had many wonderful meals prepared for us. We even came home to a freezer full and a lawn of mowed grass!
We've been doing lots of fun activities with the kids and I wanted to post some pictures of those also. Hope everyone one is well.

THANKS

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Sarah Bess and Davis

Life at Home

We are so thrilled to be back at home and near family and friends. The trip home was pretty difficult- another 24 hour period for Jimmy and I with no sleep. The reunion at the airport with our parents and Sarah Bess was wonderful. Wow how we missed that little girl. She has been doing so well and we are so proud of her. She got a stomach bug Sunday afternoon so yesterday she was really wiped and quick to breakdown. I knew that would be coming and I think with feeling so bad it just made it worse. She continues to struggle a little today and is not her usual sunshine self but I know that will return very soon!

Davis has his nights and days mixed up so we're not getting a lot of sleep. He is eating really well and likes playing in his new home as long as Mama is by his side. He LOVES Bailey and seems to have had exposure to having a dog. He knows about feeding her, petting her, and even scolding her. He is a little rough so we're having to teach "gentle". He is such a mimic and tries to copy so many words and actions of us all. He is already saying eat, bubbles, yucky yucky and uh oh. He imitates many others. He also says "see saw" from a favorite toy given to him by Aunt Kay and Uncle Gib that he and Sarah Bess can play on together.

His temper continues to remain strong but his tantrums seem to shorten in length.

We had a doctor's visit with the pediatric orthopedist yesterday that went well. It turns out that Davis's hip is not dislocated. We were not surprised by this news as he is walking, jumping, etc. so well. The best news is that he will not have to have any surgery now and maybe never. What he does have is a congenital birth defect where his left side of his body develops slower than his right side. This includes that the cartilage in his hip never ossified and so that is why the radiologists in China did not see the ball and socket in an XRay. He will have an MRI at the end of the month just to confirm all of this. As he continues to grow, the rate that the difference will be will effect what we do in the future. Right now the difference is so small and he is doing so well functionally the doctor just wants to monitor it. The future could range from nothing, to a lift in his shoe, to surgery to stop growth in one leg or lengthen another. It sounds like no matter what we will be regularly seeing Dr. Campion to monitor his progress.

We'll get some more pictures on here soon and continue to update.

Back in Hong Kong- almost home

We are back in Hong Kong- it was almost nice checking into the hotel we stayed before going to Nanning- a partial home coming. The weather here today is very nice- a cool breeze that is a relief from the unbelievable heat we had been having. We just had McDonalds- again! Davis has now had McDonalds's three times- and Sarah Bess has yet to have a fast food burger. We told Davis that we will soon introduce him to some better fast food- Chick Fil A! The variety of food we have had has been really good, but it's nice just to do something easy also. We ate at a great Italian and Thai place in Guangzhou.
The past couple of days have really just been killing time and waiting for paperwork to go through. We went to the US Consulate yesterday to swear in. The Consulate has moved from Shaiman Island and from stories I've heard from others- the new place while almost an hour a way is a big air conditioned improvement!
Saying goodbye to our group was bitter sweet. While thrilled to get home, we couldn't have found two better families to spend the last two weeks with. The children have grown to love each other and think of each other as a big family. I know they will miss each other as we all go to our various parts of the country.
Davis continues to have better and better days. We are now seeing some frequent temper tantrums that have more to do with being two than with the situation here. However, he usually quickly regroups and is learning more about Mama and Baba's rules. He does really well on the short little flights- so keep your fingers crossed for tomorrow.
This blog has helped us more than you can imagine- there is no way to explain what the comments from home have meant to us. We are so blessed with many wonderful friends and family. We love you all. We are counting down the hours to getting home. We can't wait to get our arms around Sarah Bess and introduce Davis to his Mei Mei.
Love, Hannah and Jimmy

More Pictures!

We have had a busy day of doctor's appointment and paperwork. Davis has had a good day- playing in the room. He went into the bathroom today, took off his clothes and went over to the tub b/c he wanted to take a bath. So I put him in and he took an hour bath! Oh boy. Here are some pictures. Looking forward to being home soon.

We're at the White Swan!!!!

Hello All! We are now on the next leg of our journey and so glad to be here. We had some flight problems yesterday. Our morning flight was cancelled and then we checked in for our afternoon flight and there were mechanical difficulties. Some in our group were stressed by this- But Davis loved being at the airport and was running around playing so Mommy got to sit for the first time in 5 days without it being meal time so I was quite content.
He did pretty well on the plane. He went to sleep at first and then when he woke up he was a little unsure but did fine with some snacks. He doesn't love being in the room here but it seems much better than it was before. He has been a very happy and good boy today. We are currently in a shop outside the hotel with free internet. Everyone here is very nice as well and I have to say it is nice to be back in the world where people speak English.
This morning we went on a tour and part of it was to the Buddist temple here called the 6 Banyan Tree Temple. They performed a blessing ceremony for the children. It was very nice.
He also is opening up some more to Baba today. Still prefers mama over all others and loves when we tease him by lifting him high in the air. He is all boy- loves to jump, play with cars and run around.
We look forward to introducing him to all of you. Our spirits are much lifted today as I think his are as well. We still ache to get home to Sarah Bess and know that will happen soon.
We love you.

Last Day in Nanning

Well, it is Friday night here and we prepare to leave Nanning tomorrow. I must say, I am very glad to have this leg of the trip completed and be that much closer to being home. Nanning is wonderful- such a beautiful place for such a large city. We have been amazed at how clean everything is and how much the people obviously take pride in living here. Everyone is so friendly. They love to try out any English they may know which is usually "hello". The language barrier has been hard at times, but the people are so friendly they always try to help. They are also so kind to the children. The driving system is quite odd- basically seems to be go and try not to get hit or hit anyone else. Quite scary with children not in car seats, but from the family in our group that has been here before- better than the province they were in for their first child.
Today was the best day with Davis yet. He was a very happy boy and laughing and teasing with us and the other children. He is eating well. He continues to really dislike our room, but cried slightly less today. He will not take a nap in the room and we do ALOT of strolling- in the hallway, the lobby of the hotel, the park and even at the pool.
He has said his first English word "Uh oh". He also says "bye bye" when prompted. He is already understanding a few things- especially if it has to do with cars and trucks! He loves other children and we look forward to introducing him to "Mei Mei" Sarah Bess.
I don't think I've said much about our hotel. It is pretty nice- the fresh flowers are amazing. They smell throughout the hotel and are beautiful. There is an amazing Chinese Restaurant in the basement where we have tried many different dishes (one family in our group even tried the chicken feet- but we weren't quite that daring).
Please keep all your comments and emails coming. I can't say how much they mean to us. We love you! Hannah and Jimmy

More calls for Rich....
There have been so many, but hard for us to remember in our tired brains. Some are:
We had a great call about Ian Ann Coulter Poulter during the British open...but what was it?
The hotel here has rooms call "Specificity Rooms" that are for staff only (we've tried numerous times for a good pic with little luck)
"Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth".
Welcome to our bar..... Did you say Babar? Is that two B's. Just not right next to each other.
Nanning....other wise known as Nann..singlinglinging......
Ok- so these might not be as good typed out but you get the point that many a call is made in China!

For Sarah Bess

Sarah Bess,
Mommy and Daddy made you a video today and wanted to send it to you saying we love you- but can't figure out how to make it work so we wanted to still say to you we love you! We miss you so much and we are so proud of you for being such a good girl while we are away.
love, Mommy and Daddy

PS- to everyone else checking we had a nice time at the zoo today and we'll spend some time tomorrow updating pictures and stories! Davis and Jimmy are now sleeping and I'm right behind them to bed! Love, Hannah

Some Photos!!!!

Wednesday- Day 3 with Davis

The past three days have been some of the highest highs and lowest lows for both Jimmy and I. Each day has been much better. We can't say how much your thoughts and prayers mean and how we feel them here so far away. We also love reading the comments on the blog so please keep them coming.
Davis is really adjusting better. He has the most beautiful big smile and a giggle that keeps us laughing. He has become very bonded to Mama- to the point that I must be the one to push the stroller and hold him at all times (sound like anyone else we know?)- but he has really started to attach more to Jimmy- especially while playing in the pool. He is now calling us Mama and Baba (Daddy in Mandarin) and at the pool wants us both to hold his hands. He is eating really well and loves the fun things we have been doing. And today he went "Number 2". While this may seem like too much information, he hadn't yet and is a good sign for bonding that he feels comfortable to do that. And boy did he eat some dinner after that!
I think the most difficult aspect is the language barrier. He often tries to tell us things that we can't understand and we can't explain back to him. When our guide Michael is with us and he becomes upset- he is easily reassured from Michael speaking Mandarin.
Today he was happy the entire day except while in our room. He screams each time we come in and is very difficult to calm. Michael came in with us for a while today and also could not calm him. He feels that Monday was so difficult for Davis and as we spent the entire time after we got him here in the room, he has bad feelings about this room. We hope when we leave here and go to the White Swan he will not feel the same. Because of this he is not napping but we are taking wonderful stolls in the most amazing park beside the hotel. (And keeping our fingers crossed after dinner he seems to calm a little more in the room and gets to bed ok).
On to Nanning- what a beautiful city this place is. We really love it. There is so much greenery and parks here (inlcuding the one beside our hotel on a big lake). Nanning is very close to Vietnam and over 2000 years old. The people named the city Nanning for peaceful. Yesterday was mostly paperwork, and then the afternoon to pizza hut and to the Walmart- how much Western can you get! We were able to get things for the children there.
Today we went to People's Park. They had great rides for children and a place to feed the fish. It was also a great place to people watch the singing, dancing and martial arts happening at the park. Davis loved the music and was dancing away. He also loved the rides but only if Mama would ride with him (which on one ride was pretty humerous as it was not meant for adults!).
Our group is so wonderful. We are one of three families and we spend a great deal of time together. I couldn't have made it without them and our ability to talk openly with each other about our feelings- and cry and laugh together!
Jimmy and I were able to talk to Sarah Bess this morning who is doing wonderful with Sudie. It meant so much to us both to hear her voice as we ache to see her again.
Sorry that I wrote a book but wanted to catch you up to speed. Please keep your prayers coming and we'll keep you "posted". Tomorrow we are taking the children to the zoo which should be fun.
We love you all.

Well we have Mr. Davis- he is more precious than you can believe. He is reacting the way we have heard many children that have been in foster care do. He has cried pretty much non stop except for a 2 hour nap this afternoon and calms a little to Mandarin cartoons. He continues says the name for Mama, Daddy and big brother (his foster family). He has eaten a small little bit. We are mostly amazed at how well he can walk. We saw some new pictures and he always has such a smiling face- we haven't seen that yet but I'm sure we will very soon. We are hanging in there just trying to get through the next few days. Thank you all for your prayers. We don't have any great Gotcha day photos but we will post something soon.

Saturday Afternoon

We have had a wonderful day touring in Hong Kong. We went to Victoria's Peak (it was overcast and rainy so the pictures aren't great but still nice to see over Hong Kong). Then we went to Aberdeen, a fishing village. It is amazing because in Victoria's Peak there are organic stores, information about conservation in the restrooms, etc. and then in Aberdeen there is so much trash in the water it's hard to believe any fish would be there. The fishermen live on houseboats (with their families and pets) all year long. Currently they can't fish for a two month period of time so all the large fishing boats were there. We then went to the Jade Factory with some beautiful (but too expensive for us) jewelry. We learned that jade is nice for babies/ children to wear because it brings peace causing them to sleep better!- We'll have to be sure and get some of that for SB. Our last stop before lunch was Nathan's Market. There we got sunglasses for me (I lost mine on the plane) and a belt- which I forgot to pack. We think the shopping will be better in mainland China so we are waiting to see what we find there.
We had a wonderful lunch of dim sum. It was so delicious. We are fighting taking a nap this afternoon to sleep well tonight- we hope.
Everyone in our group is so nice. The little girl in the picture is Annie, who was adopted from China three years ago. She has been so good today and fun to have as part of the group.
We are going to try to insert a slide show of some pictures- we'll see!
For Richard- we want to end with some calls: At "Victoria's Peak of good Living" there is the "Pearl of the Peak"- see photo and in Aberdeen the fisherman have to watch out for the "Channel Clearance Clarance".

Day 1- July 19, 2008

Hello All! We're here- the plane ride was rough. Neither of us could sleep but we were nicely greated by our CCAI rep Matthew and brought to the hotel- which is very nice. We woke up early at 4:30 so have already been doing some early morning sight seeing. We are about to leave on a tour with our travel group so we will post some pictures later today.
We are really excited to be here and are having a great time already.
Emily Ruark Clark- we saw the Y you stayed in this morning. It's fun knowing the loved ones that have been here before us for the same reason.
We love you all and are feeling your prayers!

Our Itinerary

Here's the schedule for our trip (in local China time):

7/18 Friday: Arrive in Hong Kong 6:45pm (www.regalkowloon.com)

7/19 Saturday: Free time in Hong Kong

7/20 Sunday:Fly to Nanning. Check in Wharton International Hotel (www.whartonhotel.com)

7/21 Monday: GOTCHA DAY! Davis will be brought to us at the Lottery Hotel in the afternoon

7/22- 7/25 Tuesday-Friday: Paperwork and free time in Nanning

7/26 Saturday: Fly to Guangzhou. Check into White Swan Hotel (www.whiteswanhotel.com)

7/27 Sunday: Free time

7/28 Monday: Physical and visa photo

7/29 Tuesday: Consulate Appointment

7/30 Wednesday: US Consultate Oath

7/31 Thursday:Fly to Hong Kong

8/1 Friday: Leave Hong Kong to fly home- Welcome Home! arrive in Raleigh at 8:30 pm

Sarah Bess

The biggest question we keep getting is what does Sarah Bess think? So I thought in trying to document this time I would inlcude what sister Sarah Bess thinks about this trip- the answer is we don't know. We don't think she understands much yet. We have written a book for her talking about the trip and she loves reading it. She also loves looking at pictures of Davis. Her new favorite game with Daddy is to hide in Davis's bed (which sounds a lot like Daddy so you have to listen very carefully to what she is saying). She is such a social child and is usually pretty good at sharing (for a two year old anyway). Sharing Mommy and Daddy will be a whole new world but we feel (and hope!) she will quickly adjust. We are so glad she will be able to teach Davis so many things about his new family and home.

We're leaving soon!

We got final word yesterday that we will be leaving on July 17th and flying to Hong Kong. We will return to Raleigh on August 1st. We don't have any specifics of the inbetween time yet except that we will be going to Nanning (the capital of Davis's province on Sunday July 20th). We should get him the next day. As soon as we have specifics I'll put that on here as well.

About our Blog

We wanted to create a blog to keep our family and friends posted as we get ready for our trip to China. We hope we will be leaving very soon and will be able to post notes and pictures on this site. We'll keep everyone posted as to our travel dates and plans and then post as often as we can on this site. Can't wait for Davis to be home!