The 411 on Shepherd

I have a friend that wants to know about Shepherd, the person, the baby, the man he might become.

How would I describe Shepherd?

My own mother says, "He is the best baby I have ever seen".

That might sound like something alot grandmothers would say, but not my mom. She adores babies, but she has always reserved "the best" statement for my sister Julie.

Being the unattended, sad, pathetic middle child, you might think I would have been bitter over these years. Nope, not anymore.

"Mom, who was the best baby?" ( I have asked this question a million times trying to get her to sway from her answer)

"Oh, Julie was the best baby."

I have even asked this on my own birthday, hoping the guilt would make her say me, just once.

"Julie was the best baby ever". So much for birthdays!

"How about me?"

"Well, you turned out fine."

"I was the best 15 year old, was I not?"

"Yes, you were the best 15 year old."

Not anymore! Julie, your reign as the best baby is over. I called my younger sister, who also was obviously not a better baby than Julie (even though she was apparently much better than me) and told her the news. "The Best Baby has been dethroned!" She couldn't believe it either.

So what if he isn't biologically mine. Or that we had to go halfway around the world to get him.

He is simply the best baby in the world.

OK, he is also LOVING, CUDDLY, SMILEY, GOES TO EVERYONE, SECURE, DOES NOT CRY GOING TO THE CHURCH NURSERY, A GREAT EATER, DOES NOT MELT DOWN IF IT'S PAST HIS BEDTIME, CALM, CHARMING, HANDSOME, ADORABLE, HAS BEAUTIFUL SKIN AND HAIR, LOVES TO BE LOVED, LOVES TO LAUGH AND COO AND IS SO SWEET.

He is everything I personally prayed for. As many of you know, I didn't get to hold Hadley for so long. For that reason, most preemies are not snuggly (that's what they drs told us). Hadley is so energetic and has really not wanted alot of cuddling. SHe is LOVING, but not cuddly. I had asked God for a sweet, lovable baby that wanted to be held and rocked to sleep.

Bingo!

It's too good to be true. The way God just gives us so many little things (that are huge to us) is too good.

I love that.

The Chinese Stinkeye

I love that term.

My neice, Kathryn, who seems to come up with hilarious sayings every summer she visits us, has added this to her repertoire.

While in China, we noticed how the Nationals would stare at us. We ain't talking just a casual glance. I am talking full-blown, unabashed, the kind any Southern girl would get a pinch from her mother for STARING.

I guess it just isn't a big deal in China. They don't try to hide it like we Americans would. They bring it.

It was strange at first, but then I took on the Jolie-Pitt attitude and held my head high and walked on. Then, I realized my lips were not THAT puffy so I got down off my high horse and got all nervous again.

Well, we are back home and not really getting stared at anymore (unless I don't have on lipstick and everyone wonders if I am sick). But one night at dinner, Kathryn noticed that Shepherd was staring intently at her and she bursts into laughter stating that Shepherd was giving her "The Chinese Stinkeye".

Maybe he will outgrow it.

And if he won't, he might get pinched by his mother...

Can anyone say Jetlag

Ok, so they didn't really, touch on a very important part of this journey. JetLag.

They should have named is something much worse than that. It should be a four letter word. You know, something really bad because it has taken a toll on me, my personal hygiene and my blogging and phone abilities. I don't even know if I am spelling "hygiene" right at this point. Does it have an "i" in it? I'm too lazy to spell check so maybe my editor mother in law can tell me later...

We have been home 2 weeks and I think we are finally getting back to normal. My house isn't, that may take a little longer, like 3-4 years. Here is a glimpse of what has been going on and why I have not been on...

Shepherd was sleeping all day and wanted to be up all night (he's on China time)
Hadley wanted to play all day and play all night (she had to be forced to bed and that's alot of fun) - she's on US time
Candace wanted to sleep 23 hours a day and eat the other hour of the day. It's like I feel like I have HAD a baby.
Chad just wanted to get out of here and go back to work

Rudy is the most depressed. He is our dog and always got a ton of attention from me. I was worried about Hadley, but she doesn't seem that affected. Rudy on the other had needs that guy from the Animal Planet - Cesar? Is that his name? He needs some serious therapy about sharing the mommy.

Chad is wondering if the kitchen table will ever be cleared off again.

Shepherd appears to be happy as a lark and enjoying all things new, including the dog (he's never seen one). I wish Rudy was as intrigued with Shepherd as Shepherd is with him.

All things considering, everything is great. Shepherd has had no bonding issues and has no problems going to EVERYONE and ANYONE (especially cute high school youth group gals). He has already stayed in the nursery and charmed everyone by blowing kisses and cuddling.

We got the best baby in China, I am certain of it.