Sunday, January 21, 2007

Gotcha Day!



I got Teagan last night. We went straight from the airport to the Civil Affairs Bureau in Nanchang. We entered a room full of crying babies (at least 30 babies most of whom were crying including Teagan). Briley was a little scared and didn't want to be near Teagan. You can see in the picture that I look mess and Briley as well. Teagan stopped crying long enough for these pictures, but then the flood gates were in full force until 2AM. Teagan is very strong willed and stubborn--I can tell that already. She finally gave in at 2AM and took a few ounces of bottle and then went to sleep until 6:30 this morning. Briley stayed in my parents room so they all got a good night's sleep. Teagan's hair has been cut and it is very short on the back. She has been running a fever and this morning her temperature was up to 101.4 degrees. She seems congested and she may be cutting teeth, I am not sure yet what it is. If the fever continues, I may need to see if we can take her to a doctor. Right now, Briley is holding Teagan, and Teagan is about as big as Briley. She is very long and does weigh definately over 17 pounds. When I got Teagan back to the room, I started taking off many layers of clothing and I found on her undershirt a message written in Chinese on the back side of the t-shirt. Peter told me it is the foster family's name, address, and phone number. He said they want me to keep in touch.
Our lives have surely changed. Briley was helping with Teagan this morning and she seems to be doing better than last night. Teagan isn't cring as much today, I am just concerned with the fever. I know she will eventually adjust to us, it will just take time. Briley was a walk in the park compared to Teagan so far. I'm sure it is the difference of Briley being in the orphanage and Teagan being in foster care. I am feeling better today too, but my dad isn't feeling the greatest. The flight and food differences, may have paid its toll on dad. Grandma is holding both rooms down, helping me with Teagan and also taking care of dad and Briley. Well I got to go for now. Teagan is not very happy again. Thanks for all the messages of support. We are hanging in.~Debbie

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! She looks just beautiful and it's neat to see her looking at Briley in the second picture. Glad your mom is there to take care of all of you and I hope everyone feels better soon. You have a beautiful family.
Beth

Anonymous said...

She is beautiful Debbie! Too bad the first meeting has to be so traumatic for everyone. It will only get better as time goes on.

Hope she is feeling better soon and that darn fever disappears.

How is Bob doing? Hang in there Marlene:) Just like Mom to be taking care of everyone...take care of yourself too!

Can't wait until you all come home!

Anonymous said...

Debbie and Briley
Congrats!! I am so happy for both of you. She is adorable and a beautiful little girl. I am happy to hear that Briley is adjusting and I cannot wait to meet Teagan and see you and Briley again. Congratulations again Debbie.

Anonymous said...

Debbie hand in there. I cried when I read your message especially about the note from her foster parents. Teagan and Linnea are so much alike- weight,the rosy cheeks, hair, note, crying and the fever. She only slept 4 hours the first night too!. They even look alike.
Everything is so new for everyone. Take one day even 1 hour at a time.
Briley you are going to be such a great big sister!
Hugs,
Julie and Linnea

Anonymous said...

Debbie,

No luck with the e-mail yet?

I see that this blog is through Google....are you signed up to use Google Talk?

Anonymous said...

hey guy what a great occasion on your new baby girl...hang in there it will only be a short period of time, and all will be well...
tegan is just beautiful...love ya
rollie and lonna

Anonymous said...

What an adorable family! Things may seem different and hard right now, but it will get better!! Tell Briley, Emma says Hi! Hang in there, and soon you'll be on your way home!
Hugs!
Sarah

Hi Aunt Marlene and Uncle Bob! Things here are going well, don't worry about a thing, we're all holding the fort down! There's about an inch of snow on the ground and it's cold!! Take Care! Love the pictures, Debbie, keep them coming!

Anonymous said...

Hi Debbie!
She's sooooooooooooo cute!!! She and Briley look very cute together! Hope you and your dad feel better soon! Congrats,
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

Briley, Debbie, Bob and Marlene:
Glad to hear from you all. Debbie, you look tired and stressed. Hang in there, all will get better. Can't wait to hold her. Enjoy your time in China as this is a very special time in your life. Children are a blessing - especially grandkids.
Love and Prayers
Joyce and Al

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to see the pictures but bummed that things are a little rough right now. Hang in there, you are doing just fine (I'm sure). Maybe Teagan has motion discomfort too :) I can't wait to see you all and meet Teagan.
Uncle Bob, I hope that you are feeling better soon! Drink plenty of water for hydration!
Aunt Marlene, bells went just fine, except for second service. That service was not good all around. I'll let you more when you get back!
Hugs and Kisses

Anonymous said...

Finally!! It's only going to get better from here. She is really pretty...even with the shorter hair....can't wait to see pictures of her without the layers and looking a little more like a little Rupp in all the hip hop girlie outfits.

Sam wants Briley to know he says "hi!" and "I like your sister!"

Take some time to rest during the day when you can to make up for the lack of nighttime sleep...not much different than a newborn!!


Andi

Kathy M said...

HI Debbie, Briley, and Teagan!
so glad you all arrived safely. Teagan is beautiful. By the time you see this, I'm sure things are going more smoothly. I am sure not only were you tired, but emotions running high! Can't wait to see you all! love and prayers. I passed the link to Alicia. Kathy

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a cutie!!! You have a wonderful family! Good luck with the fever and the crying! It can only get better. Take care of yourself so you don't get too worn out. Take a deep breath once in a while. Look forward to seeing you. Enjoy the rest of your trip and keep the info coming. It's really fun to read.
Ann

Anonymous said...

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY TEAGAN!!!!

Hopefully everyone starts feeling better soon. Congrats on being a bib sister Briley, I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job!

Marlene & Bob, I hope all is going well for you too. Bob - get better quick so you can start enjoying your new granddaughter.

Take care! Huggs from back home!

Mindy, Adam & Wyatt

Anonymous said...

Debbie-she is so cute. Hope you have fun sight seeing tomorrow. Hope that all will feel better soon. Just pay attention to her activity level. If she gets real droopy with her fever, then i would get her checked. Take care Jodi

Anonymous said...

wow debbie she is very cute. i know it is all very over whelming, the emotions are on high levels; everyones lives have just changed in just a blink of an eye but i am sure you all will do just fine. hang in there and one of my favorite; this to shall pass!!hope everyone is feeling better, tomorrow will be a better day.