Little Boy likes to travel

Friday was our first travel day.  We checked out of our hotel, went and proofread some documents, and went to the airport to fly to Guangzhou.  Melissa and I have handled international airports before, but it was really really nice to have our guide help us check in.  Because we haven't handled international airports with a toddler before, and as you parents know, having a toddler makes getting anywhere 5 times more difficult.

We had a long wait in the airport, and the whole time Melissa and I were on edge, worried about tantrums and diaper challenges in a crowded airport, or on a plane.  But, to our amazement and great relief, little Abe was an awesome trooper.  No crying, no trying to run away, no problems.  We arrived and checked in at the Garden hotel in Guangzhou, a rather deluxe place.

We've had a couple of good days here.  Abe is getting used to us, and us to him. Naps and bedtime are still hard and likely will be for a while, but most of the day is great.  The hotel provided us with a stroller and Abe loves it! He likes going places- he giggles when he gets in the stroller, when he gets on a van or bus, and wasn't fazed at all by the airplane. I can't wait to show off his cute little self to you all.

We are also with about 6 other adopting families here, and we get to encourage each other by telling about what has been hard and what has been great.  Yesterday we all went to a doctors office to get medical clearance for Abe to get a U.S. entrance visa.  Every time he was measured or poked he giggled, which was great (a lot of the other kids weren't so happy about it).  The last thing there was a TB test, which meant a big shot in the arm with a big needle.  We were braced for crying, and Abe just shrugged it off.  He may be like his brother Eli- tough as nails.  We may have to start a local MMA league for them when they get older.

This morning we shopped at a big market with the other families.  I think we have a few days of this- morning activities then afternoon and evening time to wander as a family or huddle in the room and keep getting to know each other.  While people somewhere process paperwork for us.  

Thanks for praying.  Please pray for our other kids, Amelia and Eli, that they will be ready to welcome Abe next week and help us with caring for him.  We miss them terribly, even though we get to skype them every few days.  Keep praying for sleep time- we are getting used to it, but it still isn't fun. 
Thanks so much.

The biggest and littlest Hawkins in the airport:

Abe doing his 'happy clapping dance' (about to get fed):

At the doctor, being brave and tough!:

Y'all have a great Sunday- we can't wait to be home and able to worship with our church again- hope you are enjoying yours!