November 20- Leaving for Home

We left for home on Saturday the 20th, 2 days early. As soon as I got on the plane I was able to eat. Thank goodness! We all slept on the plane, a 14 hour flight. She is a good little traveler, which surprised us.

We arrived in Newark and got through customs and Meghan became a US citizen! I have never been so happy to be back in the US! The next day we got up early and flew to Atlanta, then drove back to Hilton Head. We arrived at 5pm to quite a gathering in our driveway of family and friends.

Now that we are back in the US we can finally address some of the "Orphanage Behaviors" that we noticed in Taiwan. It was very difficult while we were there because we were so out of our element. We were not in control. She would talk to strangers in elevators and we had no idea what she was saying. Not a very comfortable feeling. Also she has no boundaries with people and will go hug a complete stranger. Now that we are home, Tom and I are better equipped to deal with these behaviors. We understand social norms here, what is acceptable and what isn't. And how to discipline your child in public, when to remove them from a situation etc. It was hard in Taiwan. Especially with our guide and coordinator around because they would talk to her in Chinese and we had no idea what was going on.

But since we are home things are much better. She is doing remarkably well. However, we have not experienced any "honeymoon period." She came out of the gate testing the boundaries. She reminded me of our male cockapoo. He was alpha dog in his litter. When we first got him he would give out a puppy growl when we would try to pet him. We always would just turn him onto his belly and pet away. We showed him who was boss and now he is a great dog. Meghan never growled at us but she sure tests the limits. One particular battle that she has picked (and is losing) is the seat belt battle. In Taiwan there is no back seat seat belt law (and if you have ever driven on the streets of Taiwan you will wonder how anyone survives without a seat belt). Every time we put her in the car she unbuckles or else yells which turns into a very ear shattering scream. The thing is, once she realizes that we won and she lost she gives up and is in a great mood. It is a total battle of the wills. Tom and I are no newcomers to this...she should just give up now.

We were home about 16 hours before I went down to the kindergarten and enrolled her in school. I was planning on keeping her home until after Christmas but after 6 days with her we know she needs the structure and to be worn out everyday. She will be fine.

All in all, despite the tough travels and the hard time in Taiwan, we are very happy with our little Meghan. She and Christian have completely bonded, although he got mad at her tonight and said she was the worst sister he ever had when she fed his Thanksgiving project to the dog.

Thanks everyone for praying for us and following along on this crazy journey.