US trip part 3

For the last leg of the trip, we were in my hometown, Quakertown, PA staying with Dan's sister, Cori. Gianna had a doctor appointment at CHoP where she saw developmental specialists that only work with kids that were adopted internationally. She was having trouble walking, which was the main reason for the visit. They did some imaging and it turns out she has hip dysplasia, like a German Shepherd. As long as she doesn't start barking or leading blind people across the street, she should be OK ;-) In all seriousness, they did not recommend any treatment at this time. It sounds like they will just watch it, see how things develop after she gets a little more muscle tone. The small fry has dropped to the 5th percentile for weight, but I'm just happy she's on the charts. We need to take her to more Chinese buffets. You should see how much food she eats and the best part is, kids her age usually eat for free.

After the long day at CHoP, Gianna played with her cousin Nathan and I got to see my other pregnant sister-in-law, Christina. She is looking healthy in her 8th month of pregnancy, expecting Hunter Cole sometime the end of May. The following day we did some more shopping for Bố and spent the afternoon playing with her other cousins Grant and Cayden (pictured left). Although Cayden is only 6 months younger than Gianna, she spent most of her time playing with Grant, who is over a year her elder. Cayden just blazes his own trails as his mom says. That evening, Cara and Matt, Dan's cousins that are expats in Jordan, came over for dinner. It was really nice to see them again and exchange a few expat experiences.

The big highlight of the trip was getting together with Gianna's Vietnamese sister Jada and brother Ryan. We went to Ag Field Day at Rutgers where the kids got to see cows, horses, pigs, puppies, and play on some inflatables. The weather was hot and we finished off the play date with lunch at Huong Que, a local Vietnamese restaurant. Joe remarked that watching the kids play together is like watching the end of Schindler's List and I can't agree more. To see these little kids that spent the first two years of their lives together in baby concentration camp now liberated and rejoicing together sent chills up my spine and tears down my face. Gianna doesn't look at any other kids that way or laugh that sincerely. Jada and Ryan are very special to her and to us as well. I can't wait to see them again when we are in the US this summer.

Now we are home in Frankfurt catching up with Dan and Bruno, looking at the pictures from the trip. There are some things and people I miss back in the States, but I am going to enjoy Germany and Europe while we have the chance because the time will go fast. Then I will be back in NJ longing for a good pastry and strong cup of espresso. Speaking of espresso, I have a hot pot waiting for me in the kitchen.