We've been in Ft Lauterdale for 6 days now. I am getting over a yucky head and chest cold that I picked up somewhere between here and China!
Emma is doing So well, I can hardly believe that we have only had her for almost 3 weeks. The time out spot at Grandmas has done wonders for her rebellious side. She fully understands when Mommy is telling her "no" and now gets that there are consequences for ignoring that 'no".
Everyday she is getting a little more willing to try foods that don't look Chinese. We have found that she'll eat spaghetti, chicken nuggets, and cereal. (typical!) I am cooking a good bit of stir fry every other day for now so that she gets enough of everything. It's beeen really good for me too. I think I have been eating better than ever!
English is coming along slowly, bit by bit. When she says words she is only picking up the first sylable. So tissue is "tish" and shower is "show". But her understanding is expanding everyday.
I'll have to post pictures next week when Ron and the boys get here, because they have the camera. I am hoping it will be warm enough for the beach and pool. Rightnow it's in the 70's and windy- Which is very pleasant but not warm enought to get wet.
We miss you all!!!

We have arrived safely back in London! It feels so good to be in a familiar place. Emma and I fly out to Miami at 1030 today and should arrive around 430pm today.
Emma did pretty well on the flight last night. She was ready to leave the plane after 2 hours of the 11 hour flight. She kept grabbing her little backpack and saying “go”. Then she would cry when we said no. To be honest, I was ready to get off too!
We are all feeling the time change. Its 2AM and Emma is wide awake. I think that should work out well though, because we should be sleepy for the flight. Ron and the boys are happy to be heading home. They all will have a good bit of catch up school work, but they all are glad that we got to go to China together. The boys had fun learning to haggle prices in the shops. They got a real kick out of the funny things shop owners will tell you to make a sale!
Emma is settling in really well. We are seeing more of her real self now. She’s a real goofball. She should fit right in! Now that we are out of China, there are a few behavioral issues to work on. I don’t think that young children in China receive much discipline. I already have the time out spot planned for when we get to Grandmas house. We had to let things slide over there because we were all getting to know each other and because people really stop and get concerned if your child is crying.
We are really looking forward to her “English immersion”.. She was (of course) very drawn to Chinese speakers. But still she has mastered “Bye-bye” , “baby”, and “no”. Though she isn’t saying much, she does seem to understand a good bit of what we say to her. Body language helps a lot.
Well, we need to rustle up some food. Tummies are starting to rumble. Lots of love to all of you from all of us and thanks again for all of the Prayers and well wishes! XOXOXOXO

We've arrived in Guangzhou safe and sound. Jenny is taking Emma for her medical exam today. Everything is going well. Guangzhou is beautiful. No motorcycles driving down the sidewalks. It's an island and it's alot more peaceful. Very relaxed area. We go to the American Embassy tomorrow, and then fly to Beijing Wednesday night.

Well Emma had another great day. We were able to work on understanding some English words and some behavior. She can say bye-bye. We leave for Guangzhou in the morning(Saturday). We will be there until Thursday. Our blogs will be less frequent unless we can find some free Wi-Fi. Everything is going really well. She is definitely a "Behr" now. XOXOXO

Update for Thursday

Whew! sorry about the short blog yesterday. I was wiped out! A good nights sleep and an easy "baby day" has put some life back into me. We are getting to see more and more of Emmas personality every day. She is VERY sweet (most of the time). You wait and see. There's something about her that just makes you want to snuggle her! Check out the smile at dinner(really good chinese food- you wont find this stuf over there! -England or the US!) That's our first smiling photo of her. The video ron posted today shows her "tough side"(spunky/bossy/with a touch of fire). She has so far really hated when we point the camera at her- she usually cries- today she told Ron to put it away and spit (a habit we are working to correct) You can't help but laugh though. Check out her salute at the podium at the beginning. That still cracks me up!

Up until now she has only allowed me to hold her, comfort her, play, etc. But today she woke up in a great mood and the whole day was fun with lots of smiles. Ron got the first gooodnight kiss tonight and the boys got to hold her hands going up the steps.

We are turning out be very popular in China. We are stared at everywhere we go. At first I though it was our "tallness", then I thought it was our height plus a toddler who looks chinese. But now I know......It's The boys. Yesterday a girl asked to have her picture taken with Ronnie (see attached), Then two gigglie teens were being very shy with Joey, and today at the Museum we saw two girls snapping pictures of them from across the room. LOL!

Tomorrow is the last big day in Hubei province. We get Emma's passport.,then we are finished here. Saturday we fly to Guanzhou to get her Physical and American visa. WOW! We will then head back to London on The 19th. Good night all, and thanks again for all of the good advise and well wishing!

PS. We have got a picture with Ron in it for all you who asked. (sorry its side ways)Now that he can hold the baby, maybe I'll get a chance to hold the camera!

Emma had a great day today. Here's a short video. Jen will write something soon.

Some pictures

Hi everyone! I am so tired today that I am just going to add some pictures and a quick note- I'll do a letter tomorrow. Thank you to all you who have been praying for us and have sent emails and posted comments; they have really encouraged us!

Emma woke up crying again today- we rocked her for a couple of hours until she was ready to go on with the day. As you can see in the pictures, the afternoon was better (We went to a tower this afternoon for a couple of hours). My and leg muscles are so sore- I(Jenny) have been using ones that have been dormant since the boys stopped needing to be carried!

Hugs all around!

Jenny, Ron, Ronnie, and Joey